2 Corinthians 2:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
As I begin a new study of 2 Corinthians, I am struck by the Paul’s simply prayer wish for the Corinthian believers: for grace and peace. God’s grace leads to our experiencing peace. The Corinthians needed these in their lives and in their church. Some things had improved since Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, but there remain other issues of spiritual growth. Paul mentions Timothy as a co-author of this letter. This letter particularly focuses on issues of ministry. Paul and Timothy were seasoned missionaries, pastors, and leaders in the early church. Ministry back then, like today, was very challenging. The world that these two ministered in had many similarities to our own cultures. By studying this letter closely, we can gain significant insights into ministry and God’s plan for the church. At the heart of this plan is for people to receive God’s grace in Christ and to live in peace with God and others. Grace brings reconciliation, a them Paul will discuss in ch. 5. As I look at my own life, I find myself often trying to fix things on my own, often ending up in discouragement and defeat. Faith is the open door to receiving the transformation that God’s grace brings.
For older posts, click here.