[:en]THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT (vs. 1-11)
Timothy was one of Paul’s traveling companions. He was sent to minister in Corinth. Timothy reported to Paul about the crisis in Corinthian Church that prompted Paul to make an unplanned visit to the Corinthian church to deal with their problem.
Praise the Lord, we have the Faith of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (v. 4) Being comforted means receiving strength, encouragement, love and hope to deal with our troubles. God gives us comfort as we suffer and every trial will help us comfort others who are suffering similar problem. As we serve the Lord, we may experience suffering. But as we suffer, Christ also suffer with us since we are united with Him.
Paul said that he and his companions suffered and under great pressure far beyond their ability to endure. They thought that they were going to die. But this happened so that they might not rely on themselves but on God. Their hope in on God and they believed He will deliver them. He requested prayer for them.
PAUL’S CHANGE OF PLAN (vs. 12-24)
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian Church was based in the holiness and security from God. It did not come with holiness and sincerity from God. He did not come with worldly wisdom but rather through God’s grace.
Paul’s original plan was to visit Corinthian Church. But since the Corinthian Church had not solved its problems and the crisis had not been fully resolved, he wrote a letter instead, for the sake of church unity. Some accused Paul with the change or plan, some accused him of not being trustworthy. But Paul explained that it was not indecision but concern for their feelings that forced him to change his plans. The reason for this trip was to bring joy. But with the presence crisis, he did not want to rebuke them. He postponed his visit at a better times.
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