Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Corinthians 1

• In the first century, letters usually started with the writer's name and the recipient's name, followed by a greeting (see Acts 15:23; 23:25–26). Paul follows this pattern.

• Paul emphasizes his role as an apostle. His position as God's chosen representative to establish the church had been questioned in Corinth.

Paul changes the usual, plain "greetings" (Greek chairein) into a meaningful message by praying for God's grace (Greek charis) and peace for his readers.

Paul now expresses joyful thanks. He is happy that, despite many troubles, God has given him special comfort (1:4–7) and saved him from death in Asia (1:8–11).

Father of compassion: God enjoys showing kindness to his people and listening to his children's cries (Psalm 145:18–19).

Suffering helps Christ's servants understand and empathize with others. Paul is not a distant pastor; he connects with the people he serves.

it is for your comfort and salvation: Paul shares in their troubles and offers encouragement to promote their spiritual well-being.

• dear brothers: The Greek word adelphoi is a traditional term of affection for family members, both male and female.

• the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia: The trouble faced in the province of Asia is hard to pinpoint. One suggestion is the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23–41). Another is that Paul was tried in a civil court and faced possible execution in Ephesus (2 Corinthians 1:9; see 1 Corinthians 15:32). It is less likely that he suffered a severe life-threatening illness. Paul often faced mortal danger (2 Corinthians 1:10; see also 4:10–12; 6:9; 11:23), but he was wonderfully rescued by divine help (1:11).

People criticized Paul's travel plans and his broken promise to visit Corinth. They accused him of being unreliable, like those who say "Yes" but mean "No" (1:17). Before addressing this accusation, he explains his motives in his ministry and letters.

holiness: Some manuscripts use the word honesty. In Greek, the two words are very close in spelling. Hagiotēti means “holiness.” Haplotēti means “honesty.”

Paul had changed his travel plan. In 1 Corinthians 16:5, he hoped to visit Corinth after going through Macedonia. He had promised to visit Corinth earlier (perhaps in his “severe letter,” 2 Corinthians 7:8) on his way north. Now, he had to return to the original plan, and the earlier visit, which would have brought a double blessing, would not happen after all.

People criticized Paul for not making decisions and breaking his promise. Paul protested with anger.

But as surely as God is faithful: God is faithful, so we can trust him, His promises in Christ, and his work through the apostles.

Paul's enemies in Corinth had already attacked his character, calling him unreliable and deceitful (1:17). They then accused his entire message of being uncertain. In these verses, Paul responds to that accusation.

Silas was a famous Christian leader from the church in Antioch (see Acts 15:22, 27, 32; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12).

God has confirmed the Old Testament prophecies by fulfilling them through Christ. This the "Yes." Believers respond with "Amen," which means "confirmed and agreed."

• God enabled, commissioned (literally anointed), and endorsed Paul's ministry, equipping him for his work.

• both us and you: The Holy Spirit identifies all believers as God's own (literally sealed). The Holy Spirit is God's gift to his people (see Romans 8:1–27; Galatians 3:2–7; 5:5–6, 16–26; Ephesians 1:13–14).

• a pledge of what is to come: A pledge is a commercial term for a deposit or down payment, guaranteeing full possession (see 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:14).

God as my witness: This mild oath shows he is telling the truth (see 1 Samuel 12:5; 20:12; Job 16:19; compare Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 14:44; 2 Samuel 3:35; 1 Kings 2:23; Jeremiah 42:5). Paul changed his travel plans to avoid giving them a severe rebuke (2 Corinthians 1:23) and to prevent another painful visit (2:1).