2 Corinthians 1:1-7

2 Corinthians begins very appropriately.  

For one thing, it begins like the rest of Paul’s letters (v1-2).  He identifies himself as a representative or spokesman for Jesus Christ, a role that is his by the will of God.  He identifies Timothy who has been to Corinth and likely carried this letter to them.  He identifies the recipients as God’s church in Corinth as well as the broader audience of believers in all of Achaia.  And he wishes grace and peace to be upon them both from their Father and from their Lord.  

 Also, in these verses Paul sets out the theme of “trouble and comfort” which is quite prominent in the letter.  2 Corinthians is very personal and in it Paul speaks of some of his own trials.  But he makes it clear from the start that the sharing of his trials is not an attempt to gain their sympathy or to lay some kind of guilt trip on them.  Rather he makes clear to them …

Þ   That God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort (v3).

Þ   That there are no trials that are exempt from His comfort (v4).

Þ   That suffering relates us to Christ, the man of sorrows (v5, Isa. 53:3).

Þ   That there is abundant comfort for the abundance of trials (v5).

Þ   That his trials and the attending mercy and comfort should be an encouragement to them (v6).  

 Paul speaks with confidence concerning the Corinthians: they will partake of the same comfort from God that he has known (v7).

There is one other way in which Paul begins his letter that is most significant.  He begins by blessing God.  This word for bless is eulogeo from which we get eulogy.  It means to speak well of someone.  Thus, in a context of trials, and in a letter where Paul will reveal a long list of afflictions he has endured, he begins by speaking well of God.

This is the supreme issue in the matter of affliction:  can you speak well of God?  Can you speak well of His …

Þ   Glory, exalting Him as God.

Þ   Sovereignty, submitting yourself to His Lordship, acknowledging that He knows what He is doing.

Þ   Righteousness, that He is right in what has come upon you.

Þ   Purpose, whatever it is.  He may be cleansing you from sin, or growing your faith, or increasing your fellowship with Him, or cultivating a greater love for others, or sharpening your sense of hope, or making you a better tool in His hands to help others.

Growing up in a strictly religious environment Paul as a young man may have been afraid to speak anything but good of God.  But that is not what we are seeing here.  Paul speaks well of God out of the abundance of trials.  He has come to know God as the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.  

In your current trial are you blessing God?