2 Corinthians1
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 , an of the of , , To the of , the the :
2 to the .
3 be the of , the of of ,
4 , so may be to those are , the with we are .
5 , in .
6 we are , it is ; and we are , it is , you you the .
7 is , for we in our , you share in our .
8 we do to be , , the . we were of .
9 , we felt received the of . But that was make us the .
10 a , he will us. we have set our he will us .
11 , so will our the granted the prayers of .
12 , the of , we the , the of , so .
13 we are to you I you will —
14 you did — the of our will of we boast of .
15 I was of , I to , so you might a experience of .
16 wanted to on my way , to send me on my .
17 I I to do ? I my to the , to say , , at the same time?
18 As as is , has .
19 the of , , , , , it is .
20 the of find their . That is it is that utter our to his .
21 it is who , has ,
22 and has put his on us his as a .
23 to —it was to I from again .
24 we lord it , we with for your , you in your .
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2 Corinthians 1Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 1. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle blesses God for comfort in, and deliverance out of troubles. (1–11). He professes his own and his fellow-labourers' integrity. (12–14). Gives reasons for his not coming to them. (15–24).
vv1-11
We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord is able to give peace to the troubled conscience, and to calm the raging passions of the soul. These blessings are given by him, as the Father of his redeemed family. It is our Saviour who says, Let not your heart be troubled. All comforts come from God, and our sweetest comforts are in him. He speaks peace to souls by granting the free remission of sins; and he comforts them by the enlivening influences of the Holy Spirit, and by the rich mercies of his grace. He is able to bind up the broken-hearted, to heal the most painful wounds, and also to give hope and joy under the heaviest sorrows. The favours God bestows on us, are not only to make us cheerful, but also that we may be useful to others. He sends comforts enough to support such as simply trust in and serve him. If we should be brought so low as to despair even of life, yet we may then trust God, who can bring back even from death. Their hope and trust were not in vain; nor shall any be ashamed who trust in the Lord. Past experiences encourage faith and hope, and lay us under obligation to trust in God for time to come. And it is our duty, not only to help one another with prayer, but in praise and thanksgiving, and thereby to make suitable returns for benefits received. Thus both trials and mercies will end in good to ourselves and others.
vv12-14
Though, as a sinner, the apostle could only rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus, yet, as a believer, he might rejoice and glory in being really what he professed. Conscience witnesses concerning the steady course and tenor of the life. Thereby we may judge ourselves, and not by this or by that single act. Our conversation will be well ordered, when we live and act under such a gracious principle in the heart. Having this, we may leave our characters in the Lord's hands, but using proper means to clear them, when the credit of the gospel, or our usefulness, calls for it.
vv15-24
The apostle clears himself from the charge of levity and inconstancy, in not coming to Corinth. Good men should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons. Nothing can render God's promises more certain: his giving them through Christ, assures us they are his promises; as the wonders God wrought in the life, resurrection, and ascension of his Son, confirm faith. The Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the gospel: the quickening of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting joy. The apostle desired to spare the blame he feared would be unavoidable, if he had gone to Corinth before he learned what effect his former letter produced. Our strength and ability are owing to faith; and our comfort and joy must flow from faith. The holy tempers and gracious fruits which attend faith, secure from delusion in so important a matter.
Key Words
Παῦλος (Paûlos): (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle
ἀπόστολος (apóstolos): a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
διά (diá): through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
θέλημα (thélēma): a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
θεός (theós): figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Τιμόθεος (Timótheos): dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian
ὁ (ho): the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1Parallels 'the sufferings of Christ' abounding in believers as members of His body.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Demonstrates Christ identifying with and calling His people's sufferings His own.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Records the literal riot in Ephesus (Asia) where Paul faced extreme danger of death.
Supported by JFB
Paul's standard apostolic greeting combining grace and peace from the Father and Son.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identical doxological opening: 'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
Supported by John Calvin
Parallels how abundant grace through the prayers of many redounds to thanksgiving.
Supported by JFB
Explicit parallel to being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise as an earnest.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Develops faith in God 'who raiseth the dead' and quickens the dead.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul's identical solemn appeal to God as his witness and record.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Historical background of Timothy joining Paul as a close brother in ministry.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Mentions Gallio, proconsul of Achaia, confirming the Roman province named here.
Supported by JFB
The original travel plan to pass through Macedonia which Paul was accused of changing.
Supported by JFB
Another instance of Paul calling God to witness his truthfulness to prevent slander.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Paul's earnest appeal for the church to strive together in prayer for his safety.
Supported by Matthew Henry