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2
Corinthians Chapter One
2 Corinthians 1
The apostle writes the second Epistle to the Corinthians
under the influence of the consolations of Christ-consolations experienced when
the troubles which came upon him in Asia were at their height; and renewed at
the moment when he wrote his letter, by the good news which Titus had brought
him from Corinth-consolations which (now that he is happy about them) he
imparts to the Corinthians; who, by grace, had been their source in the last
instance.
The first letter had awakened their conscience, and had re-established
the fear of God in their heart, and integrity in their walk. The sorrowing
heart of the apostle was revived by hearing this good news. The state of the
Corinthians had cast him down and a little removed from his heart the feelings
produced by the consolations with which Jesus filled it during his trials at
Ephesus. How various and complicated are the exercises of him who serves Christ
and cares for souls! The spiritual restoration of the Corinthians, by
dissipating Paul's anguish, had renewed the joy of these consolations, which
the tidings of their misconduct had interrupted. He afterwards returns to this
subject of his sufferings at Ephesus; and develops, in a remarkable way, the
power of the life by which he lived in Christ.
He addresses all the saints of that country, as well as
those in the city of Corinth, which was its capital; and, being led by the Holy
Ghost to write according to the real sentiments which that Spirit produced in
him, he at once places himself in the midst of the consolations which flowed
into his heart, in order to acknowledge in them the God who poured them into
his tried and exercised spirit.
Nothing more touching than the work of the Spirit in the
apostle's heart. The mixture of gratitude and worship towards God, of joy in
the consolations of Christ, and of affection for those on whose account he now
rejoiced, has a beauty entirely inimitable by the mind of man. Its simplicity
and its truth do but enhance the excellence and exalted character of this
divine work in a human heart. "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, 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. For as the
sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, 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."
Blessing God for the consolations which he had received, content to suffer,
because his participation in suffering encouraged the faith of the Corinthians
who suffered, by shewing them the path ordained of God for the most excellent,
he pours into their hearts the consolation of his own, as soon as comfort comes
to him from God. His first thought (and it is always so with one who realises
his dependence on God, and who abides in his presence-see Genesis 24) is to
bless God, and to acknowledge Him as the source of all consolation. The Christ,
whom he has found both in the sufferings and in the consolation, turns his
heart immediately to the beloved members of His body.
Mark at once the perversity of man's heart and the
patience of God. In the midst of sufferings for the sake of Christ, they could
take part in the sin that dishonoured His name-a sin unknown among the
Gentiles. In spite of this sin God would not deprive them of the testimony,
which those sufferings gave them, of the truth of their Christianity-sufferings
which assured the apostle that the Corinthians would enjoy the consolations of
Christ, which accompanied sufferings for His sake. It is beautiful to see how
grace lays hold of the good, in order to conclude that the evil will surely be
corrected, instead of discrediting the good because of the evil. Paul was near
Christ-the source of strength.
He continues by presenting, experimentally, the doctrine of the power
of life in Christ, [1] which
had its development and its strength in death to all that is temporal, to all
that links us with the old creation, to mortal life itself. He then touches
upon almost every subject that had occupied him in the first epistle, but with
an unburdened heart, although with a firmness that desired their good, and the
glory of God, let it cost himself what sorrow it might. Observe here the
admirable connection between the personal circumstances of God's labourers, and
the work to which they are called, and even the circumstances of that work. The
first epistle had produced that salutary effect on the Corinthians to which the
apostle, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, had destined it. Their
conscience had been awakened, and they had become zealous against the evil in
proportion to the depth of their fall. This is always the effect of the work of
the Spirit, when the conscience of the Christian who has fallen is really
touched. The apostle's heart can open with joy to their complete and sincere
obedience. Meanwhile he had himself passed through terrible trials, so that he
had despaired of life; and he had been able through grace to realise the power
of that life in Christ which gained the victory over death, and could pour
abundantly into the hearts of the Corinthians the consolations of that life,
which were to raise them up again. There is a God who conducts all things in
the service of His saints-the sorrow through which they pass, as all the rest.
Observe, also, that he does not need to begin by
reminding the Corinthians, as he had done in the first epistle, of their
calling and their privileges as sanctified in Christ. He breaks out in
thanksgiving to the God of all consolation. Holiness is brought forward when it
is practically wanting among the saints. If they are walking in holiness, they
enjoy God, and they speak of Him. The way in which the various parts of the
work of God are linked together, in and by means of the apostle, is seen in the
expressions that flow from his grateful heart. God comforts him in his
sufferings; and the consolation is such that it is suited to comfort others, in
whatsoever affliction it may be; for it is God Himself who is the consolation,
by pouring into the heart His love and His communion, as it is enjoyed in
Christ.
If afflicted, it was for the comfort of others by the
sight of similar afflictions in those who were honoured of God, and the
consciousness of unison in the same blessed cause, and relationship with God
(the heart being touched and brought back to these affections by this means).
If comforted, it was to comfort others with the consolations that he himself
enjoyed in affliction. And the afflictions of the Corinthians were a testimony
to him that, however great their moral weakness had been, they had part in
those consolations which he enjoyed himself, and which he knew to be so deep,
so real, which he knew to be of God, and a token of His favour. Precious bonds
of grace! And how true it is in our little measure, that the sufferings of
those who labour re-animate on the one hand love towards them, and on the other
re-assure the labourer as to the sincerity of the objects of his christian
affection, by presenting them anew to him in the love of Christ. The affliction
of the apostle had helped him in writing to the Corinthians with the grief that
was suitable to their condition; but what faith was that which occupied itself
with such energy and such entire forgetfulness of self about the sad state of
others, amid such circumstances as then surrounded the apostle! His strength
was in Christ.
His heart expands towards the Corinthians. We see that
his affections flow freely-a thing of great value. He reckons on the interest
they will take in the account of his sufferings; he is sure that they will
rejoice in what God has given him, even as he rejoices in them as the fruit of
his labours, and that they will acknowledge what he is; and he is content to be
a debtor to their prayers with regard to the gifts displayed in himself, so
that his success in the gospel was to them as a personal interest of their own.
He could truly demand their prayers, for his course had been run in unmingled
sincerity, and especially among them. This leads him to explain to them the
motives of his movements, of which he had not spoken to them before, referring
these movements to his own plans and motives, subject to the Lord. He is always
master (under Christ) of his movements; but he can now speak freely of that
which had decided him, which the Corinthians were not before in a state to
know. He wishes to satisfy them, to explain things to them, so as to
demonstrate his perfect love for them; and, at the same time, to maintain his
entire liberty in Christ, and not make himself responsible to them for what he
did. He was their servant in affliction, but free to be so, because he was
amenable only to Christ, although he satisfied their conscience (because he
served Christ) if their conscience was upright.
His own conscience however was clear; and he only wrote
to them that which they knew and acknowledged, and, as he trusted, would
acknowledge to the end; so that they should rejoice in him, as he in them.
[1] The
beginning of this Epistle presents the experimental power of that which is
doctrinally taught in Romans 5:12 to chap. 8, and is extremely instructive in
this respect. It is not so much Colossians and Ephesians; the practical fruit
of the doctrine there is the display of God's own character. However we have in
a measure what is taught in Colossians carried out.
── John Darby《Synopsis of 2 Corinthians》
2 Corinthians 1
Chapter Contents
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)
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11)
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.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:12-14
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-14)
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.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:15-24
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:15-24)
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.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Corinthians》
2 Corinthians 1
Verse 1
[1]
Paul, an apostle 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:
Timotheus our brother — St. Paul writing to Timotheus styled him his son; writing of him, his
brother.
Verse 3
[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ — A solemn and beautiful introduction,
highly suitable to the apostolical spirit.
The Father of mercies, and God of all comfort — Mercies are the fountain of comfort; comfort is the outward expression
of mercy. God shows mercy in the affliction itself. He gives comfort both in
and after the affliction. Therefore is he termed, the God of all comfort.
Blessed be this God!
Verse 4
[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.
Who comforteth us in all our affliction, that
we may be able to comfort them who are in any affliction — He that has experienced one kind of affliction is able to comfort others
in that affliction. He that has experienced all kinds of affliction is able to
comfort them in all.
Verse 5
[5] For
as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by
Christ.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us — The sufferings endured on his account.
So our comfort also aboundeth through Christ — The sufferings were many, the comfort one; and yet not only equal to,
but overbalancing, them all.
Verse 6
[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
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.
And whether we are afflicted, it is for your
comfort and salvation — For your present comfort, your present and
future salvation.
Or whether we are comforted, it is for your
comfort — That we may be the better able to comfort
you.
Which is effectual in the patient enduring
the same sufferings which we also suffer —
Through the efficacy of which you patiently endure the same kind of sufferings
with us.
Verse 7
[7] And
our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings,
so shall ye be also of the consolation.
And our hope concerning you — Grounded on your patience in suffering for Christ's sake, is steadfast.
Verse 8
[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:
We would not have you ignorant, brethren, of
the trouble which befell us in Asia — Probably the same
which is described in the nineteenth chapter of the Acts. Acts 19:1 The Corinthians knew before that he
had been in trouble: he now declares the greatness and the fruit of it.
We were exceedingly pressed, above our
strength — Above the ordinary strength even of an
apostle.
Verse 9
[9] But
we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in
ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Yea, we had the sentence of death in
ourselves — We ourselves expected nothing but death.
Verse 10
[10] Who
delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he
will yet deliver us;
We trust that he will still deliver — That we may at length be able to come to you.
Verse 11
[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.
You likewise — As
well as other churches.
Helping with us by prayer, that for the gift — Namely, my deliverance.
Bestowed upon us by means of many persons — Praying for it, thanks may be given by many.
Verse 12
[12] For
our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and
godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had
our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
For I am the more emboldened to look for
this, because I am conscious of my integrity; seeing this is our rejoicing -
Even in the deepest adversity.
The testimony of our conscience — Whatever others think of us.
That in simplicity —
Having one end in view, aiming singly at the glory of God.
And godly sincerity —
Without any tincture of guile, dissimulation, or disguise.
Not with carnal wisdom, but by the grace of
God — Not by natural, but divine, wisdom.
We have had our conversation in the world — In the whole world; in every circumstance.
Verse 14
[14] As
also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye
also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Ye have acknowledged us in part — Though not so fully as ye will do.
That we are you rejoicing — That ye rejoice in having known us.
As ye also are ours — As
we also rejoice in the success of our labours among you; and we trust shall
rejoice therein in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Verse 15
[15] And
in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a
second benefit;
In this confidence —
That is, being confident of this.
Verse 17
[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?
Did I use levity —
Did I lightly change my purpose? Do I purpose according to the flesh - Are my
purposes grounded on carnal or worldly considerations? So that there should be
with me yea and nay - Sometimes one, sometimes the other; that is, variableness
and inconstancy.
Verse 18
[18] But
as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
Our word to you —
The whole tenor of our doctrine.
Hath not been yea and nay — Wavering and uncertain.
Verse 19
[19] For
the Son of God, 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.
For Jesus Christ, who was preached by us — That is, our preaching concerning him.
Was not yea and nay —
Was not variable and inconsistent with itself.
But was yea in him —
Always one and the same, centering in him.
Verse 20
[20] For
all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God
by us.
For all the promises of God are yea and amen
in him — Are surely established in and through him.
They are yea with respect to God promising; amen, with respect to men
believing; yea, with respect to the apostles; amen, with respect to their
hearers.
Verse 21
[21] Now
he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
I say, to the glory of God - For it is God
alone that is able to fulfil these promises.
That establisheth us — Apostles and teachers.
With you —
All true believers. In the faith of Christ; and hath anointed us - With the oil
of gladness, with joy in the Holy Ghost, thereby giving us strength both to do
and suffer his will.
Verse 22
[22] Who
hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Who also hath sealed us — Stamping his image on our hearts, thus marking and sealing us as his own
property.
And given us the earnest of his Spirit — There is a difference between an earnest and a pledge. A pledge is to be
restored when the debt is paid; but an earnest is not taken away, but completed.
Such an earnest is the Spirit. The first fruits of it we have Romans 8:23; and we wait for all the fulness.
Verse 23
[23]
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as
yet unto Corinth.
I call God for a record upon my soul — Was not St. Paul now speaking by the Spirit? And can a more solemn oath
be conceived? Who then can imagine that Christ ever designed to forbid all
swearing? That to spare you I came not yet to Corinth - Lest I should be
obliged to use severity. He says elegantly to Corinth, not to you, when be is
intimating his power to punish.
Verse 24
[24] Not
for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by
faith ye stand.
Not that we have dominion over your faith — This is the prerogative of God alone.
But are helpers of your joy — And faith from which it springs.
For by faith ye have stood — To this day. We see the light in which ministers should always consider
themselves, and in which they are to be considered by others. Not as having
dominion over the faith of their people, and having a right to dictate by their
own authority what they shall believe, or what they shall do; but as helpers of
their joy, by helping them forward in faith and holiness. In this view, how
amiable does their office appear! and how friendly to the happiness of mankind!
How far, then, are they from true benevolence, who would expose it to ridicule
and contempt!
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 2 Corinthians》
Chapter 1. Benefit of Suffering
Worldly Wisdom
God's Grace
I. Comforted In
Suffering
II. Paul Boasts
on Account of the Lord
III. Explain
the Reason for the Change of Itinerary
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter One General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To understand the source and proper use of our comfort 2) To appreciate the value of prayer in working with God, and in producing thanksgiving in others 3) To see what are proper grounds for "boasting" SUMMARY
Paul is joined by Timothy as he begins this epistle with greetings tothe church in Corinth feature common in Paul's epistles is to start with a few words of praise and/or thanksgiving, and in this epistle he includes both. He first praises God for the comfort offered through Christ in the midst of tribulation, and expresses his confidence that both the sufferings and comfort he receives because of Christ can work to the benefit of the brethren at Corinth deliverance God provided in Asia (perhaps referring to the "Diana incident" in Acts 19:23-41), telling them their prayers were instrumental as well, and that this will lead many people to give thanks (8-11). Paul's first order of business after his salutation and thanksgiving isto offer a defense of his integrity. He begins with a profession ofsincerity and simplicity, both in his conduct and his writing, and thenreminds them that they will have good reason to "boast" in each other when Christ comes (12-14). Evidently his sincerity had come in question because Paul had made a change of plans concerning his visit to them. Therefore he explains that his change was not due to fickleness, but as God and His promises in Christ are trustworthy, so is Paul, for God has anointed and sealed him with the Holy Spirit (15-22). With God as his witness, Paul states that his change of planswas an effort to spare them. This is not to suggest Paul exercisessome sort of domination over them, for he considers himself as a fellowworker for their joy (23-24) OUTLINE
I. SALUTATION & THANKSGIVING (1-11)
A. SALUTATION (1-2) 1. From Paul and Timothy (1a ) 2. To the church of God at Corinth (1b) 3. Grace and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (2) B. THANKSGIVING (3-11) 1. For comfort in the midst of affliction (3-7) a. From the Father of mercies and God of all comfort (3) b. So that we may comfort others in their trouble (4) c. Which like the sufferings of Christ, our comfort abounds through Christ, and both work for our salvation (5-7) 2. For deliverance in Asia (8-11) a. Burdened beyond measure, Paul had despaired of life, and was left with only his trust in God (8-9) b. But with the help of their prayers, God delivered him from death, resulting in much thanksgiving (10-11) II. PAUL DEFENDS HIS INTEGRITY (12-24)
A. HIS PROFESSION OF SINCERITY (12-14) 1. In good conscience he has conducted himself with simplicity and godly sincerity toward them, and continues to do so in his writing to them (12-13a ) 2. He hopes they understand that they have reason to boast in each other when the Lord returns (13b-14) B. THE CHANGED PLAN (15-22) 1. His original plan was visit them on his way to Macedonia to return on his way to Judea (15-16) 2. His planning was not done lightly (17-22) a. It was not done according to the flesh, in an unreliable manner (17) b. But as God is faithful, and the promises of God in Jesus are reliable, so were his words to them (18-20) c. Indeed, Paul (along with Silvanus and Timothy) has been... 1) Established with them in Christ and anointed by God (21) 2) Sealed by God, and given the Spirit in their hearts as a deposit (22) C. REASON FOR THE DELAYED VISIT (23-24) 1. To spare them, as God can confirm (23) 2. This is not to suggest an attitude of domination over them, for he views himself as one working for their joy, and he acknowledges that they stand on the basis of their faith (24) REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Salutation and thanksgiving (1-11) - Paul defends his integrity (12-24) 2) Who joins Paul in writing this epistle? (1)
- Timothy 3) What two groups of people does Paul address in his salutation (1)
- The church of God at Corinth - All the saints who are in all Achaia (Greece 4) How does Paul describe the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ?(3)
- The Father of mercies and God of all comfort 5) What is the proper use of comfort we receive from God? (4)
- To comfort those who are in any trouble 6) What two things abound in Christ? (5)
- Sufferings - Consolation (comfort) 7) Where had Paul experienced some trouble? How serious was it? (8-9)
- In Asia (modern day Turkey - Such that he despaired of life, and could only trust in God who raises the dead 8) What had worked together with God in providing deliverance? Whatother effect did it have? (11)
- Their prayers for him - Thanksgiving to be given by many people on his behalf 9) In what could Paul "boast"? (12)
- The clear conscience that his conduct in the world was with simplicity and godly sincerity 10) What could Paul and the brethren in Corinth boasting in, when Christ comes again? (14)
- Each other 11) What appears to be the reason Paul's integrity was in question?(15-17)
- A change of plans in visiting them 12) Paul professes that his word is as faithful as what two things? (18-20)
- God - The promises of God in Christ 13) What assurances does Paul offer that he is faithful? (21-22)
- That God has established and anointed him, and sealed him by giving him the Holy Spirit in his heart as a deposit