American King James Version - AKJV - 1999
2 Corinthians 1
1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
Reference
Holy
Ephesians 1:1
Philippians 1:1
1 Corinthians 6:11
Parallel theme
Acts 16:1
1 Corinthians 16:10
References Jesus
2 Timothy 1:1
Titus 1:1
1 Timothy 1:1
Galatians 1:1
3
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Reference
Blessing
Ephesians 1:3
1 Peter 1:3
2 Corinthians 11:31
References Christ
2 John 1:9
References God
Micah 7:18
Daniel 9:9
Psalm 86:15
References Jesus
Philippians 2:11
Ephesians 1:17
References Lord
Psalm 86:5
4
Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Isaiah 51:12
Psalm 32:7
John 14:16
Hebrews 12:12
John 14:18
Isaiah 12:1
Isaiah 52:9
Psalm 32:5
References God
Isaiah 40:1
5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ.
Reference
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.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Corinthians 1:4
Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 5:5
Ephesians 3:13
Salvation
2 Timothy 2:10
Philippians 1:19
7
And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation.
Reference
8
For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life:
Reference
9
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raises the dead:
Reference
Faith
Luke 18:9
Proverbs 28:26
Ezekiel 33:13
Parallel theme
Job 40:14
Psalm 22:29
References God
2 Corinthians 3:5
2 Corinthians 4:7
Resurrection
Hebrews 11:19
10
Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Reference
Faith
1 Timothy 4:10
Romans 15:31
Parallel theme
2 Peter 2:9
Psalm 34:19
1 Samuel 17:37
Acts 26:21
2 Timothy 4:17
Isaiah 46:3
1 Samuel 7:12
11
You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed on us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Corinthians 4:15
Prayer
Philippians 1:19
Acts 12:5
Hebrews 13:18
Colossians 4:3
2 Thessalonians 3:1
Philemon 1:22
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.
Reference
Grace
1 Corinthians 15:10
Parallel theme
1 Corinthians 2:13
Hebrews 13:18
Job 13:15
References God
Acts 23:1
Acts 24:16
2 Corinthians 4:2
Sin
2 Corinthians 2:17
2 Corinthians 8:8
Witness
1 Thessalonians 2:10
13
For we write none other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end;
Reference
14
As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Reference
Parallel theme
Philippians 2:16
Philippians 1:10
Romans 11:25
2 Corinthians 5:12
2 Corinthians 2:5
References Jesus
1 Corinthians 1:8
1 Thessalonians 3:13
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Philippians 1:6
References Lord
Philippians 4:1
15
And in this confidence I was minded to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit;
Reference
16
And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia to you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
Reference
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 yes yes, and no no?
Reference
19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yes and no, but in him was yes.
Reference
Parallel theme
Revelation 1:8
Revelation 1:17
Revelation 1:11
Hebrews 1:11
Acts 15:22
References Christ
2 John 1:9
References God
Revelation 2:18
References Jesus
Hebrews 13:8
Acts 18:5
1 John 5:20
20
For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.
Reference
Covenant
Galatians 3:22
Hebrews 11:13
Glory
Revelation 7:12
Ephesians 1:6
Romans 11:36
Parallel theme
Hebrews 13:8
Ephesians 2:7
References God
Revelation 3:14
Romans 6:23
Isaiah 65:16
21
Now he which establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God;
Reference
Parallel theme
1 John 2:27
1 John 2:20
Isaiah 9:7
2 Thessalonians 3:3
Isaiah 62:7
Isaiah 49:8
References Christ
1 Peter 5:10
Romans 8:9
References God
Isaiah 61:1
Acts 10:38
23
Moreover I call God for a record on my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet to Corinth.
Reference
Parallel theme
1 Corinthians 4:21
2 Corinthians 13:10
2 Corinthians 13:2
2 Corinthians 12:20
References God
Galatians 1:20
Romans 1:9
Philippians 1:8
Summary of 2 Corinthians 1
2 Corinthians 1 describes Paul's suffering, God's comfort, the severe danger Paul experienced in Asia, his dependence upon God rather than himself, and his explanation of changed travel plans to Corinth, while emphasizing that God's promises are completely reliable through Jesus Christ and that Christian leaders should strengthen believers rather than dominate their faith.
Paul begins by introducing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and addressing the church in Corinth and throughout Achaia.
He immediately focuses on God's character as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
Paul explains that God comforts His servants during suffering so that they can later use that same comfort to encourage other people experiencing difficulties.
This gives suffering a different meaning.
Paul's hardships are not simply meaningless pain.
They become experiences through which he learns deeper dependence upon God and becomes better equipped to encourage others.
Paul then describes an extremely serious experience in Asia.
The pressure became so overwhelming that Paul and his companions believed they might die.
Rather than relying on their own strength, they learned to depend completely upon God.
Paul describes God as the One who raises the dead.
God ultimately delivered Paul from that deadly situation.
Because of God's past faithfulness, Paul remains confident that God will continue to rescue him.
He also asks the Corinthians to participate through prayer, showing that Paul's ministry is not presented as an individual effort but as something supported by the prayers of fellow believers.
Paul then addresses concerns about his character and ministry.
Some people apparently questioned his sincerity because he had changed his plans to visit Corinth.
Paul explains that his conduct had not been based upon worldly motives or careless promises.
His message about Christ was not uncertain or contradictory.
Instead, God is faithful, and the message Paul preached reflects that faithfulness.
Paul then gives one of the chapter's important statements about God's promises.
All God's promises find their “Yes” in Christ.
Because Christ confirms God's promises, believers can respond with confidence and thanksgiving.
Paul also explains that God has established believers in Christ, sealed them, and given them the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is still to come.
The Holy Spirit therefore provides believers with present assurance of God's future promises.
Finally, Paul explains why he changed his travel plans.
He did not want to return to Corinth simply to cause another painful confrontation.
Paul emphasizes that he does not seek to control the Corinthians' faith.
Instead, he wants to work alongside them so that they can experience genuine joy and remain strong in their faith.
2 Corinthians 1 teaches that God faithfully comforts His people through suffering so that they can comfort others, and because God's promises are confirmed through Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, believers can depend upon Him rather than themselves while Christian leaders are called to serve people's faith with humility, sincerity, patience, and genuine concern rather than attempting to control them.
Paul begins by introducing himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ and addressing the church in Corinth and throughout Achaia.
He immediately focuses on God's character as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
Paul explains that God comforts His servants during suffering so that they can later use that same comfort to encourage other people experiencing difficulties.
This gives suffering a different meaning.
Paul's hardships are not simply meaningless pain.
They become experiences through which he learns deeper dependence upon God and becomes better equipped to encourage others.
Paul then describes an extremely serious experience in Asia.
The pressure became so overwhelming that Paul and his companions believed they might die.
Rather than relying on their own strength, they learned to depend completely upon God.
Paul describes God as the One who raises the dead.
God ultimately delivered Paul from that deadly situation.
Because of God's past faithfulness, Paul remains confident that God will continue to rescue him.
He also asks the Corinthians to participate through prayer, showing that Paul's ministry is not presented as an individual effort but as something supported by the prayers of fellow believers.
Paul then addresses concerns about his character and ministry.
Some people apparently questioned his sincerity because he had changed his plans to visit Corinth.
Paul explains that his conduct had not been based upon worldly motives or careless promises.
His message about Christ was not uncertain or contradictory.
Instead, God is faithful, and the message Paul preached reflects that faithfulness.
Paul then gives one of the chapter's important statements about God's promises.
All God's promises find their “Yes” in Christ.
Because Christ confirms God's promises, believers can respond with confidence and thanksgiving.
Paul also explains that God has established believers in Christ, sealed them, and given them the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is still to come.
The Holy Spirit therefore provides believers with present assurance of God's future promises.
Finally, Paul explains why he changed his travel plans.
He did not want to return to Corinth simply to cause another painful confrontation.
Paul emphasizes that he does not seek to control the Corinthians' faith.
Instead, he wants to work alongside them so that they can experience genuine joy and remain strong in their faith.
2 Corinthians 1 teaches that God faithfully comforts His people through suffering so that they can comfort others, and because God's promises are confirmed through Christ and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit, believers can depend upon Him rather than themselves while Christian leaders are called to serve people's faith with humility, sincerity, patience, and genuine concern rather than attempting to control them.