2 Corinthians Chapter 1 Explained: Key Insights

• The Apostle Paul devotes more than half of the book of 2 Corinthians to defending his apostleship, which was under attack in the Corinthian church. In this detailed article, 2 Corinthians Chapter 1 Explained, we explore how Paul’s authority was questioned by the Corinthians.  

We can imagine the Corinthian’s objections to Paul went something like this:

• “He has no authority to be an apostle; he didn’t ‘follow’ Jesus.”
• “He isn’t an apostle because it makes no sense that he would suffer so much trouble and hardship doing God’s work if he were that “close” to Jesus.”

“He aims to deceive us, talking in circles, saying one thing, doing another.”

Paul responds to these accusations one by one with a thoroughness that leaves no stone unturned. Let’s take a look at his response in 2 Corinthians Chapter 1 Explained.

Paul, God’s Appointed Apostle

Unlike the other apostles who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, Paul came to Jesus only after His death and resurrection. In verse 1 of 2 Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul defends his apostleship, emphasizing that he was appointed apostle not by man’s will but by God’s will. Paul’s apostleship is not a matter of human decision or debate. Nothing is left to be said: there is no higher appointing power than God almighty. This divine appointment should reassure us of Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle.

Finding a Purpose in Trouble and Hardship

This legitimacy is crucial to understanding how Paul faced and found purpose in his many troubles and hardships. What was true during biblical times is still true today: many believe that the closer we are to God, the fewer troubles and hardships we will encounter. So, if we experience hard times, we must not be “close enough” to God. That’s simply not true. All but one of Jesus’ disciples and the apostle Paul were martyred for their unwavering belief in Jesus. In fact, Jesus tells His disciples in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Paul understood this. He knew there would be trouble. But he also knew that God uses troubles to benefit the body of Christ. Paul praises God for being the “God of all comfort” and reassures us that God’s comfort is enduring and always present in all our troubles. This theme is central to our discussion in 2 Corinthians Chapter 1 Explained. He then tells us why—so that we can pass that comfort along to others (v.4). Interestingly, the word comfort is derived from the same Greek word used to describe the Holy Spirit and is sometimes translated as Helper and Advocate. Think of the comfort that God gives His children as the kind of comfort a mother would give her children: reassurance, encouragement, and compassion during affliction and distress. The bottom line is that we can trust that God’s enduring comfort will sustain us as we encounter troubles so that we can comfort others who walk through similar troubles.

Christian Suffering is Not In Vain

Paul explains that his suffering was not in vain. He encountered trouble for the Corinthians’ sake—for their comfort and salvation. Because of what he went through, he could minister more effectively to the Corinthians. Paul’s example of patient endurance and faith through troubles and afflictions witnessed to and comforted the Corinthians.

Paul’s unwavering faith was on display through the hardships he encountered in Asia. He shares with the Corinthians his hopelessness and despair that brought him to the end of himself. At that moment, he knew that all he had left was God and trusted Him. And when he did, God took care of him – God delivered him. Through this hardship, Paul’s faith grew, and he believed that God would continue to deliver him through his troubles. What a powerful testimony! When others saw how Paul relied solely on God through his troubles and how God comforted and delivered him, their faith grew, too.

Paul’s experiences should encourage us to see the purpose in our troubles and afflictions. Knowing that these trials serve a greater purpose should motivate us to persevere and grow in our faith. Our troubles are not in vain; they are part of a larger plan designed to strengthen our faith and enable us to comfort others who face similar trials.

Mean What You Say and Say What You Mean

Not only should Paul’s experiences encourage us, but his honesty and integrity should also set an example for us. Honesty and integrity are essential to building trust in the Christian community. Paul knew this and explained to the Corinthians that he always acted with godly integrity in the world and to them. As we will see later in the letter, false teachers and prophets had ulterior motives. Paul reassures them he has no ulterior motives, hidden meaning, or secret agenda. He reminds them that Christ-followers are not like the world. They serve a faithful God whose promises are yes in Christ. God and His Holy Spirit have sealed them.

He then explains to them why he changed his plans to visit them. The Corinthians must have thought he was acting selfishly when, in truth, he did not return to Corinth according to his original plans to spare them (v. 23). Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 2:1 that he did not want a repeat of the “painful visit.” He continues his explanation in Chapter 2.

Embracing Paul’s Example: Finding Purpose in Trials from 2 Corinthians Chapter 1

The Apostle Paul passionately defends his apostleship. He explains the purpose of troubles and suffering in the Christian faith. His unwavering faith, integrity, and reliance on God are powerful examples for all believers. Paul’s message continues to inspire and comfort Christians facing trials and tribulations today. By following his example, we can find purpose in our hardships, grow in our faith, and comfort others facing similar challenges.