1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Timothy to the church of God that is in Corinth, together with all the saints who are in the whole province of Achaia. 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving for Godly Comfort in Suffering (1:3–7)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercy and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we can comfort those in any affliction of theirs with the same comfort by which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just as Christ’s sufferings abound to our advantage, so also does our comfort abound through Christ. 6 And if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation, and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces patient endurance in the same sufferings that we ourselves endure. 7 And our hope for you is firm, knowing that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
The Harrowing Experience in the Province of Asia (1:8–11)
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction that we suffered in the province of Asia—that we were oppressed utterly beyond our strength so that we even despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received a verdict of death so that we would not trust in ourselves but rather in God, who raises the dead. 10 He who rescued us from so great a peril of death will continue to rescue us. We have set our hope on him that he will also rescue us again, 11 as you join in helping us by your prayers so that many might give thanks on our behalf for the gift of many people to us.
Paul Explains the Reason for His Confidence in the Correctness of His Dealing with the Corinthian Saints (1:12–14)
12 Now the reason for our pride is this: the testimony of our conscience, that with godly holiness and sincerity, not with human wisdom but with the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world and especially in regard to you. 13 For we do not write anything to you except what you can read and also understand. And I hope you will completely understand, 14 as you have also partially understood us, that we are your source of pride, just as you will also be ours in the day of our Lord Jesus.
Why He Defends His Actions (1:15–20)
15 And with this confidence, I intended to come to you first so that you would have a second proof of my goodwill. 16 I planned on visiting you on my way to Macedonia, and on my return from Macedonia to come to you and then be sent by you on my way to Judea. 17 Now because I intended to do this, was I being fickle? Or do I make my plans based on human standards, indecisively saying both “yes, yes!” and “no, no!”? 18 On the contrary, as God is faithful, our word to you is not both “yes” and “no.” 19 For God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who was preached to you by us, by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “yes” and “no” but it has always been “yes.” 20 For all God’s promises are “yes” in him. Therefore, also through him “Amen” is said by us to God’s glory.
The Saving Work of God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost (1:21–22)
21 Now it is God who strengthens us together with you in Christ and has anointed us. 22 He has also sealed us and placed the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
Why Paul Postponed His Visit (1:23–2:4)
23 Now I call upon God as a witness upon my soul that it was to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. 24 Not that we would lord it over your faith, but rather we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith.
