Paul had written a very stern letter to the Christians at Corinth in his first letter to correct some very serious errors. He was forced to point out their carnal state brought on by strife, envy and contentions. God the Holy Spirit had led Paul to point out and rebuke them for allowing open sin. It was now of grave concern to Paul as to the effect his letter had on conditions in the Church.

Titus had carried the first letter to Corinth, but his delay in returning had caused Paul to leave Troas and hurry on to Macedonia in hopes of meeting him. The report brought by Titus became the basis for this second letter. He was informed that his letter had brought them to repentance, caused them to excommunicate the incestuous person, and brought a warm response toward Paul by a greater part of the congregation. On the other hand, he was informed of the increased boldness of false teachers and their attack upon his character. The fact that they questioned his authority as an Apostle of Jesus Christ and sought to undermine the work in Corinth filled him with indignation.

In this second letter to the Corinthian believers, Paul draws upon life's experiences and at the same time takes issue with the false teaching being propagated. For this reason there is not an orderly presentation of Christian truth as is the usual manner of the Apostle Paul. It reminds me of a river I was on in Northern Canada which at times moved very swiftly and then again was quite placid. One can feel the very heart of the great Apostle as he deals in love and then again moves swiftly against those who are spreading falsehoods. It has been well said that this epistle was forged on the anvil of trial and suffering. For this reason it should receive our careful and prayerful attention, for experience is a great teacher to those wise enough to heed its instruction.

Written from Philippi in Macedonia, we have a practical biography of Paul's life given us which enlightens us as to the character of this Apostle. How important in our day that this epistle of practical Christian living is brought into focus because of the lack of approach to everyday problems on a Biblical plain. I trust that God the Holy Spirit will enlighten us as we study this portion of God's Word in its practical use.

Chapter 1 deals with the child of God and varied tests. Verse I and 2 detail Paul's salutation. Paul states his authority from the very beginning by claiming apostleship. This apostleship was by the will of God and not by personal choice. An apostle is a "sent one" and thus by God as are all true servants. Faithfulness is to be the earmark of all such servants. (I Cor. 4:2) Timothy, our brother, has been given quite a privilege, for this younger man becomes linked with Paul, whether in faith or ministry. Too many times in the service of our wonderful Lord this type of humility is not seen. Here is a very practical lesson on seeking to promote another without fear of one's own position. This letter was being sent to those in the Church at Corinth as well as those saints throughout all Achaia. Paul had labored in Corinth for about a year and a half, and these were mostly his spiritual children to whom he was writing. His motives were pure on their behalf as he sought to guide them in Christian conduct. In verse 2 Paul says to them, "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." These people had already experienced saving grace, but reference is made here to sustaining grace. All of God's dear children need this in their daily life. The peace with God was there the moment they believed (Romans 5:1); what a glorious asset is this in the midst of suffering. In the world in which we live and the times with which we are faced, this is so important. Daily the cheeks of Christians are stained with tears as they sit across from pastor' desks and pour out their hearts.

The source of victory for the tested life is stated in verse 3. The word blessed is used only of God in the Greek form which appears here. It is an expression of gratitude and adoration. He is seen as the Father of Mercies, for God has withheld from us the judgment we so deserve. (Psalms 86:5, Mich 7:18) His mercy is seen in the way He daily deals with those who are His own. (I John 1:9, I Corinthians 11:31, 32) The God of all comfort reveals the fact that all Christians have a divine helper. The word comfort here came from the word Paraclete, which carries the thought of "one called alone-side." Here seems to be one of the greatest needs of the human met, which is someone who understands and cares when we are in distress. (Psalms 147:5)

Paul tells them in verse 4 through 7 that they will be tested but also comforted during their sufferings. Paul was willing to endure sorrow and affliction in order to be the bearer of consolation to others. His tribulations were the reason that he experienced the grace of God in the measure which made them His joy. I wonder if this is the reason so many turn back from serving the Lord when they are called upon to go through the water of trial and trouble that they in turn might be a blessing to others. So many want to be a blessing, but so few are willing to walk the path that makes them a blessing to others. As our sufferings abound, so our consolation abounds, verse 5. Someone has said, "The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper and makes more room for the water of consolation." It seems the greater the use of the servant; the more that individual is called upon to go through. Let us not draw back from this truth. I remember a high school coach once saying to me, after an unusually long lecture on my faults, that if I wasn't to play on the first string, I shouldn't bother. I was not going to quit, and I was willing to endure and learn for the privilege of playing the game. One might just as well get used to the idea that more service means more training. Remember in the midst of this training, the truth of James 1:17 and Romans 8:18-32. The value of one's trials and afflictions may benefit many, verse 6. Such was the bond between Paul and some of the Corinthian believers. He hoped they would be partakers both of his affliction and of his consolation. Others benefit by my experience when that experience causes me to be better qualified to do the task at hand. This would, in a very real way, apply when I am seeking to comfort one in deep trial or suffering. The true test of one's faith is in the deep valley when faith alone is the source of hope. For this reason God allows the trying of our faith that a patient endurance may be the result in the life of His people. (James 1:2-4) In verse 7 Paul's hope for them looked beyond the present suffering to the comfort that would be their experience. These Christians were to be joint-partakers with Paul in his joys as well as sorrows. It seems in life, the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory, the more difficult the path to climb, the better the view at the top. We should not shrink from the difficult but welcome the challenge, looking beyond the present sorrow to the joys that will be ours. We must add that comfort is not just reserved for heaven but is part of our promise for today. (John 16:24)

The reaction of God's children under the threat of death is told by Paul in verses 8-11. So severe were the trials of Paul in Asia that escape from them at the time seemed impossible. Paul wanted the local church to be informed as to the difficulties which he faced. In the common bond of a labor of love, we are to bear one another's burdens. (Gal. 6:2) Some have felt that here Paul made direct mention of the events of Acts 19:23 in which Demerits stirred up the crowd against Paul for assailing the religion of Diana of Ephesus. Whether this is a fact or not is difficult to say, but this we do know. Whatever the trial was, the outcome seemed certain to Paul at the time. Two outlooks are mentioned from a human point of view: "above strength" or ordinary powers of endurance and "despaired" as far as human help or hope were concerned. He discusses trusting in the face of death in verse 9. The sentence of death was real, and Paul was to the point where it looked inescapable. In this place, one ceases to look at self, and attention is focused upon God. This whole experience brings on a total reliance upon the God of Heaven. In just such a place Job declared, "Though he slays me, yet will I trust in Him?" (Job 13:15) Here is where faith is learned and tested. The resurrection of the dead becomes the basis for the hope of the child of God in deep trial. Hope in the deliverance of God is shown in verse 10. This hope is based upon past experience. Reference is not primarily made to our deliverance from sin but of God's deliverance in the face of trial. The past and its experience can be a source of strength and hope for the present. This hope of deliverance is for today; it is in the present tense. We can face today with confidence knowing that God will deliver us in the present distress. Our testimony should not consist of what God has done but of what Christ is doing. "He will yet deliver us" brings hope for the future. God is directing my life; and as I face the trials of life which are ahead, I need not fear. Let us face the future with its hope and trials in the spirit of II Timothy 1:7. In verse 11, Paul emphasizes the importance of prayer. We should pray for ourselves and for one another in the face of trial. Prayer is one means by which we can be of great service to our fellow Christians. To pray is to share; and when prayer is answered, there is cause for praise and thanksgiving. "Brethren, pray for us" (I Theses. 5:25) is stressed by Paul under the direction of God the Holy Spirit on a number of occasions.

Confidence in fellow Christians in the face of trial is the topic in verses 12-14. He mentions the testimony of conscience in verse 12. Paul declares that his motives are pure on their behalf and sincere before God. People will forgive you for many shortcomings, but your motives must be pure. Sincerity before God is an all important qualification in the service of the King. There were those who would attack Paul, but his answer was that before God his conscience was pure toward these Christians. To ministry ably and effectively, this must be the heart condition of every child of God. May God keep us pure that our lives might count for eternity. "Keep thyself pure." (I Tim. 5:22) Verse 13 is an appeal to a life of service. These Corinthian Christians had observed the life of Paul from a daily contact with him. He was open and above board and did not speak with a double tongue. There were those at Corinth who were seeking to discredit Paul, and he would have them remember his conduct while he labored among them. His purpose in writing them was pure and honest. Paul was not guilty of writing two conflicting letters to the saints at Corinth. What he had to say was contained in this one letter. Paul also appeals to each other's faith in verse 14. Here is real joy where minister and people can rejoice in each other. So much time is spent in tearing down each other, but the business of God's people is to build each other up. (II Cor. 10:8) This joy will reach its peak when the Chief Shepherd appears. In that day they would appreciate the blessedness of having had him for their teachers as he would rejoice in having had them for his converts.

Paul vindicates himself against false accusers in verse 15-24. Paul plans to come to Corinth in verse 15 and 16. Their lives had already been blessed by Paul's ministry, and it was his purpose to come that they again might be blessed. As Paul was among them and taught them the Word of God, he would be a blessing to them. There are some people you just enjoy being around because they are a blessing to you and enrich your life with their presence. It was Paul's intention at first to come to them on his way to Macedonia and then return again on his way from Macedonia on his way to Judea (verse 16). "And of you to be brought on my way" carries the thought of escort or being furnished with the means of traveling. An unjust charge is made against the servant of God in verse 17. He was charged with levity and inconsistency, saying one thing and doing another, which would make him utterly untrustworthy either as a man or as a teacher. When nothing can be found wrong with the message, then the character of the messenger is attacked to discredit the message, which is what is happening here. He tells them he has not used lightness aimed at any secular advantage to himself. His purposes were not according to the flesh. He did not plan according to worldly notions or act as a diplomat saying yes when he meant no. How important it is that our ministry be founded upon truth and not contain the wisdom of this world. Paul defends his consistency as a preacher in verse 18. The sudden change from his defense as a man to his defense as a preacher shows that attacks had been made. Paul does not spend much time defending himself as a man; but when the charge comes as to denying Christ, that is a different matter. He makes clear that as God is true, his preaching is trustworthy. Paul's confidence in the truth of the gospel as he preached it was one and the same with his confidence in God. Paul gives proof of the unchangeableness of the doctrine delivered to these Corinthian believers (verse 19). As Jesus Christ the Son of God is immutable so is the message which was carried to these believers. Here Paul links Silas and Timothy with himself because they were his companions when he carried the gospel to Corinth. (Acts 18:5). "But in him it is always yes." Their experience in Christ was both satisfying and certain. (Rom. 8:16) There is unquestionable sincerity and certainty in all the promises of the gospel (verse 20). In Christ, therefore the promises were fulfilled; and in Him also men were brought, through the apostles, joyfully to assent to them. God's "amen" means that his promises are fixed and cannot be changed. "But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us (verse 21). First, Paul brings into view God, the author and preserver of their faith. Note we have been "anointed" by God, and this, of course, refers to all Christians. This anointing speaks of consecration to God and thus qualifying him for His service. The ministry of the Blessed Holy Spirit in the life of the child of God is clear in verse 22. "Who hath sealed us" indicates ownership and identification. It also points to the safety which comes as a direct result of being under the protection of the owner. (Ephes. 1:13) The "earnest of the Spirit" is the pledge that God will make good unto us all that He has promised. The earnest is properly that part of the purchase money paid in advance as a security for the remainder. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a first installment of future reward. (Ephes. 1:14) Paul explains why the change in his plans in verse 23 and 24. Paul had postponed his visit to spare them pain, which would have been necessary had he come and found sin still being allowed. Some seem to take great delight in pointing out sin and in bringing the person to justice. Paul, however, loved these people and did not want to cause them unnecessary pain, but faithfulness to God would require him to take a stand against sin. It was his hope that before he came, they would deal with the sin and assume an attitude of repentance. In matters of discipline, Paul had authority, but in matters of faith Paul was a fellow believer. He places himself along side of them as a joint-believer in the faith. It was his ministry to help them that the joy of the gospel would come to full bloom in their very lives and experience.