Main Highlights
Paul explains the reasons for his delayed visit, expressing his suffering, comfort, and sincerity in his ministry.
Key Verses
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”— 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction which occurred to us in Asia, that we were exceedingly burdened, beyond our power, so that we despaired even of living; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope that He will yet deliver us,”— 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 “As God is faithful, our word to you is not Yes and No. For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom we preached among you, namely, by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not Yes and No, but Yes has come to be in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are Yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to God for glory through us.”— 2 Corinthians 1:18-20
Related Scripture
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”— Psalm 147:3
Scholar Insight
"“Paul’s sufferings, described vividly in this chapter, were not pointless but served to strengthen him and equip him to minister to others who are suffering.” - David Garland, 2 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), p. 51"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is the "Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Christological Connection
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the embodiment of God's promises. (2 Corinthians 1:19-20)
Systematic Theology
Theodicy - understanding how suffering and God's goodness coexist.
Law & Grace
God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, signifying grace. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Personal Application
We should comfort others with the comfort we have received from God. "so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)