ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Corinthians 1

2 Cor. 1:1–7:16 Paul’s Defense of His Ministry as an Apostle. Paul’s ministry reflects the work of the Holy Spirit.

2 Cor. 1:1 apostle of Christ Jesus. See note on Rom. 1:1. The Greek word for “apostle” comes from the verb “to send out.” It was used in the Greek OT for persons who had the authority of those who sent them (Ex. 3:10; Judg. 6:8; Jer. 1:7). saints. Literally, “holy” or “dedicated ones.” All who belong to God are saints (see 1 Cor. 3:16–17; 5:1–6:20; 2 Cor. 6:14–7:1). Corinth was 46 miles (74 km) west of Athens. A Roman colony, it was the most influential city of the province of Achaia.

2 Cor. 1:2 Grace. A wordplay on the normal Greek greeting. Whereas the Greeks said, “Hello” (Greek charein), the Christians said, “Grace” (Greek charis). peace. The profound well-being that comes from resting in God’s sovereignty and mercy (see note on John 14:27).

2 Cor. 1:3–11 Paul offers praise to God as he introduces the main themes to follow.

2 Cor. 1:3 God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. These titles describe Yahweh’s relationship to Jesus and Jesus’ relationship to his people.

2 Cor. 1:4 us . . . our. Most of the plural first-person pronouns in 2 Corinthians (“we,” “us,” “our”) seem to refer to Paul himself (see v. 8; 7:5–7). At times these plurals may also include Timothy (1:1), other ministry partners (vv. 19, 21), or Christians generally (5:1–10). In this verse, Paul probably uses the plural to indicate that he represents both the apostolic office and believers generally.

2 Cor. 1:5 Christ’s sufferings refers not to Jesus’ unique atonement for sin (Rom. 5:8–10) but to Paul’s sufferings in imitation of Christ. Paul endured these sufferings in faithfulness to God and for the sake of God’s people.

2 Cor. 1:6–7 it is for your comfort. The opponents maintained that Paul’s sufferings disqualified him as an apostle. Paul maintains that God uses his sufferings to strengthen other believers.

2 Cor. 1:8 Asia may refer back to Paul’s suffering in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32). That Paul was burdened and despaired in Asia points forward to 2 Cor. 4:8, 17 (see note on 4:17–18).

2 Cor. 1:10 Biblical hope is absolute confidence in God’s promises for the future (v. 10) based on his faithfulness in the past (v. 9).

2 Cor. 1:12–2:17 Paul offers a detailed defense of why he had changed his mind more than once about returning to Corinth. The process included: (1) an initial plan to visit Macedonia first, then Corinth (1 Cor. 16:5); (2) a subsequent plan to visit Corinth first, then Macedonia (2 Cor. 1:15); and finally (3) a decision to avoid “another painful visit” to Corinth, so that he went, by way of Troas, to Macedonia first (1:23; 2:1).

2 Cor. 1:14 The day of our Lord Jesus assigns to Jesus the divine and messianic role of judge that God the Father holds on “the day of the Lord” (e.g., Isa. 13:9; Joel 1–3; Zechariah 12–14; see 1 Cor. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:10).

2 Cor. 1:15–16 first . . . on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia . . . on my way to Judea. Originally, Paul had planned to travel from Ephesus through Macedonia to Corinth (see map) on his way back to Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:5–9). In the meantime, he sent Timothy to visit the Corinthians (Acts 19:22; 1 Cor. 16:10–11). When Timothy arrived in Corinth, he found the church in turmoil. When Paul learned of this he decided to go immediately to Corinth to resolve the issues, then travel on to Macedonia before returning to Corinth for a second visit on his way to Jerusalem. a second experience of grace. Some think this refers to a second opportunity to contribute to the collection for the believers in Jerusalem (see 2 Corinthians 8–9). Contributing to others’ needs is called “grace” because it is made possible by God’s grace in the lives of those who give (8:1; 4; 6–9; 19; 9:6–14). Others see this as a reference to the added blessings from God that would come from another visit by Paul.

2 Cor. 1:18–19 Paul can affirm that his word . . . was not Yes and No, but in him (Christ) it is always Yes because his change of plan was within God’s will.

2 Cor. 1:20 God’s promises find their fulfillment in Christ. Thus the OT Scriptures should be read as pointing to Christ (see the Overview of the Bible). Paul expresses his agreement—that is, his Amen. He confirms what God has done through Christ (through him) by preaching Christ (v. 19) and by behaving in a Christlike way toward the Corinthians. This included changing his plans in order to minister to them.

2 Cor. 1:21–22 To be anointed is to be set apart and gifted by God. This is symbolized in the OT by the pouring of olive oil as a sign of God’s rich provision. seal. A mark of ownership. See note on John 6:27. guarantee. A financial term referring to the first installment paid as a pledge to complete the purchase. The Spirit comes as God’s pledge to complete (“pay in full”) the final redemption of his people at the end of the age (see Rom. 8:11).

2 Cor. 1:23–2:4 Paul makes clear that just as his first change of plans was a Christlike act in accordance with the promises of God, so too his decision not to come but to send them a “tearful letter” was an expression of God’s love to them in Christ (2:3–4).

2 Cor. 1:23 to spare you. Paul did not return immediately to Corinth. He wanted to spare them God’s punishment.