2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Q.1. How did Paul commence his greeting? To what aspect of God did he draw attention? Why do believers suffer? Why was Paul afflicted? – (2 Cor.1:1-7)
Paul was not one of the Twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Paul’s companion, Luke recorded the inclusion of Matthias in the place of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26). How, then, could Paul claim to be – … an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God … (2 Cor.1:1)? Paul was not in any way inferior to the most eminent of apostles, because of his unique calling to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, with the same accompanying signs of an apostle (c.f. Acts 9:15; 22:15, 21; 26:16-18; 2 Cor.12:11-12). His recognition in all the early churches as being an apostle was thoroughly understandable. The opening theme of Paul’s focus on God, was upon His mercy and comfort. A God – Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Cor.1:4 c.f. 2 Cor.1:3). Paul did not question the believer’s experiences of suffering. However, he reminded us that when we suffer, we should not focus on our own pain, but rather on the fact that suffering enables us to comfort others in their suffering. He described these sufferings of Christ, and our comfort, as abundant (2 Cor.1:5). The secret to Paul’s endurance was that he looked beyond his own pain and valued the comfort and salvation that his suffering could extend to others (2 Cor.1:6-7).
Q.2. How much was Paul tested? What was God’s purpose in his sufferings? Did his trials destroy his faith? How do others share in and benefit from trials? – (2 Cor.1:8-11)
Paul was in no way exempted from trials. He knew from personal experience what he was talking about (c.f. 2 Cor.11:23-29). In fact, he told the Corinthians – For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life (2 Cor.1:8). He shared powerful insights, when he recalled that – we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead (2 Cor.1:9). Paul highlighted two important lessons for those who suffer for Christ: (i) The Lord leads His children through trials that leave us vulnerable and helpless, in order to teach us to trust Him. (ii) Additionally, he reminded them that, not only in life, but also in death, we can depend upon the God Who raises the dead. While writing this letter, Paul could testify to his confidence in the God – who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us (2 Cor.1:10). The day came, when according to tradition … and God’s plan, Paul was martyred for his faith (2 Tim.4:6-8). Paul urged the Corinthians, as members of the Body of Christ, to keep praying for those in the forefront of ministry, so that the maximum benefit might flow on to others (2 Cor.1:11).