2 Corinthians Chapter 1

Paul presents God’s comfort in suffering, explains changed travel plans, and grounds the church in Christ’s faithful promises.

2 Corinthians 1:1-2

Called and Greeted by Grace

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Comfort That Overflows

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Delivered Through Prayer

2 Corinthians 1:12-14

A Clear Conscience

2 Corinthians 1:15-24

God’s Faithfulness and Paul’s Changed Plans

2 Corinthians 1:1

Paul opens by naming himself “an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” The title is neither self-invented nor a shield against examination. His commission rests in God’s call, and for that reason he remains answerable to the Christ who sent him. That foundation matters in a letter where his motives, methods, and altered travel plans will repeatedly be questioned.

Timothy stands beside him simply as “our brother.” Paul’s authority does not isolate him from fellow believers or make ministry a private possession. The greeting already places apostolic commission within shared life and service.

The church at Corinth likewise belongs to God, not to Paul or any competing teacher. “All the saints” throughout Achaia are ordinary believers set apart by God’s call, not a spiritual elite. By addressing the wider region, Paul reminds a divided congregation that it lives within a fellowship larger than its local rivalries. Calling, belonging, and accountability all begin with God.