2 Corinthians 1:15-16 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 16 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea.
Paul now lays out his travel plans that explains some of the misunderstanding and problems between himself and the Corinthians. The Corinthians may have felt slighted or neglected in these plans. Paul wanted to go to Corinth first before traveling north into Macedonia and then return again to the Corinthians. All of these planned visits should show them how important they were in Paul’s mind and ministry strategy. He viewed his visits with them as experiences of grace. God would work in powerful ways as they came together in fellowship. This is one of the key aspects of why Christians meet together. When we come together, Jesus is powerfully there in our midst through the Holy Spirit, creating new experiences of grace. There is some aspect of God’s grace in Christ that is missed if Christians do not meet together.
Paul also wanted the Corinthians to be intimately involved in the planning of his trip to Judea. One of the main purposes of this long trip was to bring the offering for those suffering from famine and persecution. Paul had taken up this offering throughout his travels. It was likely quite substantial by this point. He could sail from Corinth and make his way back to Judea. This plan invites the Corinthians to be partners in this. He will take up this topic later in chs. 8-9.
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