By Robert L. Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Enjoying God’s Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:3–14
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians in order to encourage the Corinthian church, to demonstrate his authority as an apostle and to combat false teachers. Although the letter is titled “Second” Corinthians, there is debate among scholars as to how many letters Paul actually sent to the Corinthians. Paul refers to a “severe” letter (2 Cor. 7:8), which many scholars think is a letter that we no longer have. However, in spite of this, it is possible to piece together the circumstances around which Paul is writing to this church.
Comforted (3–7)
Paul begins this letter with a statement about God who brings us comfort. This is not an American view of comfort where we can relax on a couch. Rather, Paul means “encouragement.” The circumstances between Paul and the Corinthian church were strained because he often had to chastise their behavior because of their ungodly lifestyles.
Emphasizing the God who encourages us in the midst of trials is a good place for Paul to begin so that his audience can focus on the grace of the gospel rather than see Paul as attacking the Church. This is a wise approach and one we can learn from. As Christians we are called to encourage one another. When we help others and exhort them to live godly lives in Christ Jesus, it can sometimes be taken in a critical way. When we focus on the unity we have in Christ it softens the critique we give to one another.
Many churches encounter dissension because someone says something that is taken the wrong way. Grounding our comments in Christ with biblical wisdom helps to deflect the critique so that the person can see it is coming from a biblical perspective and not from personal jealousy and superiority.
Tested (8–11)
Paul mentions how he faced death and hardship while in Asia. Reading the Book of Acts gives us the details of many of the persecutions Paul faced. However, in his trials the prayers of Christians for Paul gave him strength. It encourages us today to be praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, knowing that our prayers strengthen and comfort them.
I have heard from persecuted Christians that instead of praying that they be freed from persecution, they desire that we pray that they be strong in the persecution and that those who persecute them would be receptive to the gospel message and also become Christians. We need to be mindful of this and pray that our persecuted brothers and sisters would cling to Christ and be strong witnesses for Him in their trials.
Accepted (12–14)
At this juncture of the letter Paul asks the Corinthians to accept him as an apostle. Some in the Corinthian church had questioned whether or not Paul had the credentials of an apostle. Paul was demonstrating to them that he was in fact an apostle and he trotted out his experiences to help bolster his case.
Paul’s actions show his sincerity. He is not preaching the gospel for personal gain or for status but because he was chosen by God to be His apostle.
We also need to remember that how we live helps us in sharing the gospel. Our behavior — consistently loving others and living in a way in which we extend grace to others — is one way God uses to help others see the light of the glory of the gospel of Christ.
Our faith in Christ has to be exhibited in how we live.
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