PODCAST
Are You Comfortable?
May 21st, 2016
2 Corinthians 1:1-11
The letter we call 2 Corinthians is probably not Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth. There are internal indications that there was additional correspondence. Paul’s relationship with this community went back to its founding (Acts 18:1-17). His relationship with the Corinthians was, putting it mildly, “rocky.” Paul was rejected and ridiculed by some in a church that seemed to be infested with factionalism, heresy, and spiritual pride. Yet, there were also faithful believers who were young in their faith but fervent in their spirit. Corinth was the kind of church that required a rare combination in pastoral leadership of a strong hand and a tender heart.
Is it any wonder then, that in the opening prayer of 2 Corinthians, Paul uses the word “comfort” nine times in five verses (1:3-7)? The “God of all comfort” comforted Paul and his companions in all their troubles, and they had troubles (vv. 8-11). In fact, Paul found comfort to spare with the raucous Corinthians.
This comfort has but one source–“the Father of compassion.” Seek Him and experience His abounding comfort.
Author: Duane Brush
Tags: Compassion
