2 Corinthians Chapter 1 · Verse 15
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 13
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ἐλθεῖν
to come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
to come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
8 of 13
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
δευτέραν
a second
G1208
δευτέραν
a second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
11 of 13
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
Cross References
Romans 1:11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;1 Corinthians 4:19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.Romans 15:29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
Historical Context
Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- Have I allowed critics to make me defensive about changed plans that were wise adjustments?
- How do I respond when people misinterpret Spirit-led flexibility as flakiness?
- Do I view my presence in others' lives as 'grace' they receive or obligation I fulfill?
Analysis & Commentary
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before (ταύτῃ τῇ πεποιθήσει)—pepoithēsei (πεποιθήσει, "confidence/trust") connects to v. 14. Imperfect eboulomēn (ἐβουλόμην, "I was wanting") indicates past unfulfilled intention.
That ye might have a second benefit (δευτέραν χάριν)—deuteran charin (δευτέραν χάριν, "second grace/favor") refers to repeat apostolic visit. Charin echoes vv. 2, 12—Paul's presence is grace-gift, not burden. The 'second benefit' implies a prior visit (the 'painful visit,' 2:1).