The first chapter of 2 Corinthians, addressed by Paul (an apostle of Christ Jesus) and Timothy to the church in Corinth and believers in Achaia, opens with a greeting of grace and peace1. It quickly moves into a section praising God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort"1.A key concept presented is that God provides comfort in all our troubles, enabling those who have received this comfort to then comfort others in their own difficulties1. The source explains that just as believers share in the sufferings of Christ, their comfort also abounds through Christ1. Suffering and comfort are seen as intertwined, both serving for the comfort and salvation of others, producing patient endurance1.Paul describes a personal experience of facing "troubles we experienced in the province of Asia", where they were under "great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself"1. He states they felt they had received a "sentence of death"1. However, the purpose of this extreme trial was deliberate: "that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead"1. God delivered them from this "deadly peril" and they have set their hope on His continued deliverance, aided by the prayers of the believers1.The chapter also touches upon Paul's integrity and sincerity, stating that their conduct has been with integrity and godly sincerity, relying "not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace"1. Regarding a change in his travel plans, Paul clarifies that his intentions were not fickle or worldly1. He assures the Corinthians that his message, the preaching of Jesus Christ, was not a mixture of "Yes" and "No," but "in him it has always been “Yes.”"1. This is because "no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ"1.Ultimately, the source highlights that it is God who makes believers stand firm in Christ; He has anointed them, set His seal of ownership on them, and put His Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee1. Paul states they work with the believers for their joy, because it is by faith you stand firm1. This chapter thus provides a powerful perspective on enduring suffering by relying on God's comfort and faithfulness, rooted in the certainty of His promises in Christ1.
