Bible In A Year | Read: 2 Corinthians 1
7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1:7-11
Overview of Chapter
2 Corinthians was written about a year after 1 Corinthians. As Paul had said in 1 Corinthians, he visited Corinth, but the visit did not go well. In chapter 2, Paul refers to that visit as painful. Apparently, Paul was rejected as he attempted to correct the people for their bad behavior. He left Corinth and sent them a very severe letter that is lost to us today (2:3). His letter causes a majority of the people in the church to return to a proper way of thinking (7:9). This letter is joyful for their return to the faith, and Paul reaffirms his ministry to them.
As usual for a letter, Paul begins with a greeting. He describes his current situation as very troubled, but he also recognizes his relationship with God is especially comforting in these times. Even though most of the people in the church in Corinth have returned to a good relationship with Paul, some still oppose him. Apparently some are criticizing him for being indecisive about visiting them. He assures them he does not take his commitment to them lightly and his reasons for changing his plans were not a result of indecisiveness or selfishly motivated.
Troubles will either push us closer to God or away from him. In Paul’s case, they pushed him toward God, because he could no longer rely on his own strengths or abilities. However, troubles can cause a person to think God doesn’t care or is powerless, so they abandon God. The difference isn’t in the troubles, but in our response to them. The next time something goes wrong in your life, use it as an opportunity to rely on God more.
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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