Bible Study 1: The God Who Comforts and Guides (2 Corinthians 1:1-24)
A new Christian tells his friends about his faith and they ridicule him. Why does God let that happen? Christian parents see their children drawn away from Christ at school. Why does God let that happen? A sceptical bishop hounds a vicar out of his church. Why does God let it happen?
Surely these events should not happen if you are on God’s team. That is what the Corinthians assumed. Here in 2 Corinthians we discover the people to whom Paul wrote two letters in the New Testament. The Corinthians expected the Christian life to be a story of strength and success. Look what we discover:
In this first chapter, Paul discusses the relationship between suffering, comfort, affliction, and consolation. He highlights and underlines that God is a source of comfort and can use tough times to draw people closer to Him. The passage encourages and reminds us of God's faithfulness during challenges while promoting transparency, sincerity, and integrity in interactions with others.
Paul and Timothy begin by extending their greetings to the church of Corinth (v1-2) and all the believers in Achaia, praying that they may know both grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul praises God, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort even in his troubling times (v3-7). He explains how they found help in their troubles so that they may also comfort others who are suffering. Paul recounts the tough times they encountered in Asia, which burdened them beyond their strength but made them rely on God rather than themselves. We can all echo that experience at some time.
Paul gives details of the tremendous hardships and perils he faced in Asia (v8-11). This was a dangerous moment and they despaired of life itself. He acknowledges that this occurred to teach them reliance on God rather than themselves. Paul expresses gratitude to the Corinthians for their prayers which contributed to their deliverance from such peril.
Paul asserts his clear conscience in his dealings with the Corinthians and demonstrates his integrity (v12-14). He conveys his hope that the Corinthians will fully understand him, as they partly do already, and that they will be able to take pride in him just as he will take pride in them on the Day of the Lord.
Paul explained his change of travel plans (v15-22) and defended himself against accusations of inconsistency. He assures them that his "yes" means "yes" and that God confirms this steadfastness. Paul concludes by affirming that God has placed His seal of ownership on them and put His Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee.
Paul closes the chapter by showing his care for the Corinthians (v23-24). Paul demonstrated this by calling on God His witness. He is concerned for the Corinthians and his intention is not to burden them, but to work alongside them for their joy.
The Aims of the Chapter
To understand the basis and proper use of our God-given comfort.
To value the place of prayer in collaborating with God, and in producing thanksgiving in others.
To understand what are the proper grounds for "boasting”.
Bible Study Questions:
Breaking the Ice: When we face suffering in our life where do we find comfort and support? What has been a practical help?
Q1. In the opening verses, what does Paul mean when he says he is an apostle “by the will of God” (v.1-2)?
Q2. In v3-7 how does Paul describe aspects of God's character? Why do you think these should be especially singled out in this letter?
Q3. How does the word “mercies” in v3 explain the meaning of “comfort”? Have you experienced and received God’s comfort and how did it help? How do we comfort someone in affliction?
Q4. What does Paul mean by sharing in Christ’s sufferings and his comfort (v5)?
Q6. How does Paul’s sufferings bring about the believers’ comfort and salvation (v6)? What is the value of sharing in the sufferings of others?
Q7. Looking at v8–11 What is it like to be “utterly burdened beyond our strength” and “despairing of life itself” (v8)? a) How did Paul turn around this situation (v9)? b) Can you recall a serious situation in which you were made to rely on God alone?
Q8. Why did Paul say that the Corinthians could boast of him just as he would boast of them? Why had Paul planned to visit the Corinthian church? (v14-15) Why did Paul change his travel plans? (v16)
Q9. Paul says that his word to the Corinthian Church is as faithful as what two things? (v18-20) And what assurances does Paul offer to his readers that he is faithful? (v21-22)
Q10. Who are we aware of who is currently suffering? And how faithful are we in our support of those Christians who experience more than a usual amount of suffering?