In the previous verse, Paul has introduced himself, along with his companion Timothy, and identified his audience as the church at Corinth and the Christians in the surrounding area. Now he issues his formal greeting before beginning the main body of his letter.

Paul's expression of, or prayer for, "grace and peace" was a Christian version of a more standard letter greeting in the Roman era. Paul prays for grace to his readers, referring to the unearned favor God gives to all who trust in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). He also prays for peace from "God our Father" and the "Lord Jesus Christ." Those who have received God's grace through faith in Christ can experience the peace of heart and mind that only God can give.

Second Corinthians 1:1–2 is Paul's introduction of himself and Timothy. It also identifies the audience: the church at Corinth, along with all the believers in the region of Achaia. The Corinthians knew the apostle Paul well by this point, as they did his son in the faith and co-worker Timothy. Paul often identified someone with him when he wrote his letters, to provide a witness, and give added weight to what he would write. He offered his usual prayer of grace and peace for them from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul begins another letter to the Corinthians following a series of tumultuous events with them. He begins by praising God for His comfort to those who are in affliction, connecting Christian suffering to the sufferings of Christ. Paul insists that his suffering and the comfort he has received from God have been for the Corinthians' benefit. He defends both his integrity and sincerity in dealing with them and explains that he delayed his planned trip to visit them again for their sake.

Second Corinthians 1 follows about a year after the end of 1 Corinthians, and much has happened between the two letters. Paul has had a painful visit with the Corinthians before traveling to Macedonia, where he wrote a painful letter. The text of which has not been kept. He writes this new letter from Macedonia, as well, after learning about a positive change of heart on their behalf. Paul begins by praising God for His comfort for those who are afflicted and defending himself against several complaints from some in the church.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 11/21/2024 11:20:17 AM

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