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2 Corinthians 1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;

Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;

As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

What does 2 Corinthians 1:17 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 1:17 refers to the apostle Paul's defense of his change in travel plans.

He had previously intended to visit the Corinthian church but had to postpone the visit.

Paul is addressing potential criticisms from the Corinthians who may have viewed his change in plans as a sign of fickleness or unreliability.

In saying, "did I use lightness?", Paul is in effect asking if he made his plans carelessly or without serious consideration.

"According to the flesh" refers to worldly or human standards of behavior, implying that his decisions are not based on mere human whims but are grounded in spiritual wisdom and guidance. He contrasts saying "yes, yes" or "no, no" to emphasize his consistency and integrity.

Therefore, the deeper meaning of the verse revolves around the reliability, intention, and integrity of a believer, especially as it pertains to their commitments and communication.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

The verse forms part of a letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth around AD 55-57.

The church in Corinth is known to have had many issues, including internal divisions, moral failures, and challenges in understanding and practicing the Gospel.

At this time, travel was difficult and plans often had to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances.

The change in Paul's travel plans had led some in the Corinthian church to doubt his sincerity and reliability as an apostle.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse emphasizes the integrity expected of Christian leaders.

In saying he does not operate "according to the flesh," Paul underscores that his motivations are divinely inspired rather than humanly devised.

There is also an underlying teaching on the nature of God's promises; just as Paul strives for his 'yes' to mean 'yes,' God's promises are also steadfast and trustworthy.

Practical Applications

In everyday life, this verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and reliability in one's word. It teaches the value of making commitments carefully and then striving to fulfill them as one who is guided by spiritual rather than fleshly (or worldly) concerns.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:37 - "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
James 5:12 - "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek include:

"Elaphria" (ελαφρια), often translated as "lightness," which connotes triviality or lack of seriousness.
"Kata sarka" (κατα σαρκα), translated as "according to the flesh," referring to human standards or worldly ways.
"Nai" (ναι), meaning "yes," and "ou" (οὒ), meaning "no," are affirmations and negations that stress straightforwardness and truthfulness in communication.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, as in many ancient cultures, oaths and the integrity of one's word were taken seriously.

However, Paul's approach highlights a contrast where Christian integrity does not depend on external oaths but on an inner commitment to truthfulness, reflecting Jewish wisdom literature and teachings of Jesus on oaths.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings, as it deals with principles of personal behavior and integrity.

However, the importance of reliability and predictability can be parallel to scientific principles, which rely on consistent and replicable results.

Commentaries

John Chrysostom, an early church father, noted the firmness of Paul's defense as necessary to protect the credibility of his ministry.
The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary stresses that Paul's purpose was guided by God's will, reflecting a defense against accusations of mere human vacillation.
The Expositor's Greek Testament notes that Paul's change of plan was not from levity but was a responsible act designed to spare the Corinthians.
The Pulpit Commentary adds that Paul's yea and nay mean more than simple affirmations or negations; they imply reliability and earnestness in his purposes and promises.

2 Corinthians 1

2 Corinthians 1

What does 2 Corinthians 1:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 2 Corinthians 1:17 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?