2 Corinthians Chapter 1

Authorized King James Version

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Chapter Overview

2 Corinthians 1 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, hope, discipleship. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.

The chapter can be divided into several sections:

  1. Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
  2. Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
  3. Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
  4. Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application

This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.

Greeting

1 Paul, an apostleApostle: ἀπόστολος (Apostolos). The Greek apostolos (ἀπόστολος) means apostle or sent one—an authorized messenger. The twelve apostles were chosen by Christ and empowered as His witnesses, laying the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: References Jesus: Galatians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:1, Titus 1:1. Holy: 1 Corinthians 6:11, Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1. Parallel theme: Acts 16:1, 1 Corinthians 16:10 +4

2 Grace be to you and peace from GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace: Romans 1:7, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, Philemon 1:3. Peace: 1 Chronicles 12:18, Ephesians 6:23

God of All Comfort

3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; References Jesus: Ephesians 1:17, Philippians 2:11. References Christ: 2 John 1:9. References God: Psalms 86:15, Daniel 9:9, Micah 7:18. References Lord: Psalms 86:5. Blessing: 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3 +5

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. References God: Isaiah 40:1. Parallel theme: Psalms 32:5, 32:7, Isaiah 12:1, 51:12, 52:9, John 14:16, 14:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 12:12 +5

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. References Christ: Philippians 1:20, 2:1, Colossians 1:24. Parallel theme: Philippians 3:10

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvationSalvation: σωτηρία (Soteria). The Greek soteria (σωτηρία) denotes salvation, deliverance, or preservation—rescue from sin's penalty and power. It encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification., which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. Salvation: Philippians 1:19, 2 Timothy 2:10. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:4, 5:5, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 3:13

7 And our hopeHope: ἐλπίς (Elpis). The Greek elpis (ἐλπίς) denotes hope—confident expectation of good. This hope is 'an anchor of the soul' (Hebrews 6:19), grounded in Christ's resurrection and the believer's future inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4). of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:14, 7:9, 12:20, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Timothy 2:12, James 1:12

8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 20:3, 27:1, 1 Corinthians 4:8, 15:32, 16:9

9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. which raiseth the dead: Resurrection: Hebrews 11:19. References God: 2 Corinthians 3:5, 4:7. Faith: Proverbs 28:26, Ezekiel 33:13, Luke 18:9. Parallel theme: Job 40:14, Psalms 22:29 +3

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Faith: Romans 15:31, 1 Timothy 4:10. Parallel theme: 1 Samuel 7:12, 17:37, Psalms 34:19, Isaiah 46:3, Acts 26:21, 2 Timothy 4:17, 2 Peter 2:9 +4

11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. Prayer: Acts 12:5, Philippians 1:19, Colossians 4:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Philemon 1:22, Hebrews 13:18. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:15 +2

Paul's Change of Plans

12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. References God: 2 Corinthians 4:2, Acts 23:1, 24:16. Grace: 1 Corinthians 15:10. Sin: 2 Corinthians 2:17, 8:8. Witness: 1 Thessalonians 2:10. Parallel theme: Job 13:15, 1 Corinthians 2:13, Hebrews 13:18 +5

13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; Faith: Philemon 1:6. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:2

14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. Jesus. References Jesus: 1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23. References Lord: Philippians 4:1. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:5, 5:12, Romans 11:25, Philippians 1:10, 2:16 +5

15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; Parallel theme: Romans 1:11, 15:29, 1 Corinthians 4:19

16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. Parallel theme: Acts 21:5

17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? Light: Jeremiah 23:32. Parallel theme: Matthew 5:37, James 5:12

18 But as God is true, our wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1). toward you was not yea and nay. References God: 1 Corinthians 1:9. Truth: Revelation 3:7, 3:14

19 For the Son of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. References Jesus: Acts 18:5, Hebrews 13:8, 1 John 5:20. References Christ: 2 John 1:9. References God: Revelation 2:18. Parallel theme: Acts 15:22, Hebrews 1:11, Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 1:17 +5

20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the gloryGlory: δόξα (Doxa). The Greek doxa (δόξα) means glory, splendor, or magnificence—the radiant manifestation of God's perfection. Christ revealed the Father's glory: 'we beheld his glory' (John 1:14). of God by us. Covenant: Galatians 3:22, Hebrews 11:13. References God: Isaiah 65:16, Romans 6:23, Revelation 3:14. Glory: Romans 11:36, Ephesians 1:6, Revelation 7:12. Parallel theme: Ephesians 2:7, Hebrews 13:8 +5

21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; References Christ: Romans 8:9, 1 Peter 5:10. References God: Isaiah 61:1, Acts 10:38. Parallel theme: Isaiah 9:7, 49:8, 62:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 John 2:20, 2:27 +5

22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the SpiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. in our hearts. Spirit: 2 Corinthians 5:5, Romans 8:9, 8:23, Ephesians 4:30, Revelation 2:17. Parallel theme: John 6:27, Romans 4:11, 2 Timothy 2:19, Revelation 7:3, 9:4 +5

23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. References God: Romans 1:9, Galatians 1:20, Philippians 1:8. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:20, 13:2, 13:10, 1 Corinthians 4:21 +2

24 Not for that we have dominion over your faithFaith: πίστις (Pistis). The Greek pistis (πίστις) denotes faith, belief, or trust—confidence in God's character and promises. It's both intellectual assent and relational trust, central to justification (Romans 5:1)., but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. Faith: 2 Corinthians 5:7, Romans 1:12, 5:2, 11:20, 1 Corinthians 3:5. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 24:49, 1 Corinthians 15:1, 1 Peter 5:3 +4