2 Corinthians 1 Commentary
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father.” It wasn’t a copy-and-paste opening statement for Paul. He was serious about it. Amid intense persecution, Paul and his fellow missionaries feared for their lives. Yet, the LORD God provided grace and peace during this time.
During these moments of unbearable suffering, we learn to totally depend on God. As long as options for escape remain, men’s trust in the LORD is never ‘total’. These would be upper grades for the child of God – what a lesson!
If ‘total’ trust in the LORD is the objective and intense suffering is the only way to achieve it, you guess the LORD wouldn’t mind. Regardless, let the believers in Corinth know that the LORD answered their prayers!
Yes, the church has this letter but no physical visit as promised by the apostle. Providence has it that in all things, the LORD works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Paul repeats the same thought here but with a lengthy statement. With Jesus and under the Son’s rule, it is always a “Yes”.
Paul knows it. His physical presence was probably going to do more harm than good. This cannot be simple wisdom! When your emotions can easily distract you from the mission, you probably want to keep a distance! Both parties are safe!
Chapter 1 sets the tone for Paul’s second volume to the Corinthians. It is personal. The Christian walk is full of troubles. Paul has experienced them all. But the LORD is over and above everything! Can they learn something from his experiences? Paul wants them to see God at work behind these events. It is always a “Yes” from Jesus!
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