2 Corinthians 1:10
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Notice Paul doesn't just say God did rescue them; he states God will rescue them, firmly placing his present hope in the future. This isn't about a vague wish but a deeply rooted confidence in God's ongoing faithfulness, stretching from past deliverance to future rescue.
He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is recounting a near-death experience that he and his companions faced, likely in Asia. This terrifying situation tested their ability to trust in God, and they've now been rescued. Their hope for continued deliverance is firmly fixed on God's proven faithfulness.
Paul’s past experiences weren’t just memories; they were powerful evidence of God’s faithfulness. How can remembering God's past actions transform our present fears?
Paul looks back at a severe trial, describing it as a 'deadly peril.'
Faith Built on Experience
He doesn't just recall it; he uses it as a foundation for trust. This shows us that our past encounters with God's saving power are not meant to be forgotten. They are fuel for our faith when facing new dangers.
The Power of Testimony
Recounting these deliverances, whether to ourselves or others, reinforces the truth of God's character – He is a rescuer. It builds confidence that the God who acted then, can and will act again.
Paul doesn't just rely on the past; he speaks with absolute confidence about the future. What makes his hope so secure?
The verse moves from past deliverance to future assurance.
Present Hope, Future Guarantee
Paul states, 'and he will deliver us.' This isn't a hopeful wish; it's a statement of certainty rooted in God's nature and promises. He has a track record, and His character hasn't changed.
Not Just Survival, But Sustenance
This hope isn't merely for escaping danger, but for continued preservation and faithfulness. It’s the confidence that God’s work in us is not finished until it is complete.
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Where do we place our ultimate trust? Paul points us to the very source of our hope, not just His actions.
The verse culminates by pointing to the object of Paul's trust.
Trusting the Rescuer, Not Just Rescue
'On him we have set our hope...' The focus shifts from the event of deliverance to the person of God. Our hope isn't in escaping hardship, but in the unwavering faithfulness and power of the One who orchestrates it all.
A Deep, Active Trust
'Set our hope' implies a deliberate, intentional placement of trust. It's an active decision to anchor our deepest expectations in God, believing He will deliver us 'again.' This isn't passive waiting; it's confident reliance.
Understand the original words
rhyomai · Greek Verb
The act of God rescuing or saving His people from danger or destruction. It reflects God’s active intervention in the lives of His servants.
Paul's bold declaration of God's deliverance is rooted in his very real, life-threatening experiences, reminding us that faith isn't just about abstract hope, but about trusting the God who has acted and will act in tangible ways through our trials.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a significant church community amid a bustling, often morally corrupt, Roman port city.
c. AD 55-57
Difficulties in Ephesus
During his extended stay in Ephesus, Paul faced intense opposition and 'afflictions' which he alludes to in his letters, possibly including the events mentioned here.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul's Severe Sufferings
The Apostle Paul experienced extreme danger, possibly near death, during his ministry, which forms the backdrop for his profound reliance on God's deliverance.
c. AD 57
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Earlier in his ministry to the Corinthians, Paul had written a harsh letter (now lost) expressing his deep sorrow and concern over their spiritual state.
c. AD 57
Writing of 'The Severe Letter'
Following the severe sufferings, Paul wrote a painful letter (likely the 'severe letter' mentioned in 2 Cor 7:8) to the Corinthian church, intending to bring them to repentance.
c. AD 57
Writing of 2 Corinthians
In this letter, 2 Corinthians, Paul revisits his past trials and God's deliverance, explaining the painful circumstances that led to the previous harsh letter and reaffirming his apostolic authority and love for them.
This Psalm echoes the sentiment of deliverance, highlighting God's closeness to the brokenhearted and His rescue of those who call out to Him.
Philippians 1:6Paul's confidence in God's ongoing work is mirrored here, assuring believers that the good work God has started will be completed, just as Paul trusts God for future deliverance.
2 Timothy 4:17-18This passage directly parallels Paul's testimony, where he recounts God's past rescues and expresses absolute confidence in future deliverance through God's kingdom.
Hebrews 13:5-6The unwavering hope Paul places in God's delivering power finds a strong parallel in the assurance that God will never leave or forsake us, giving us courage to say the Lord is our helper.
Notice Paul doesn't just say God did rescue them; he states God will rescue them, firmly placing his present hope in the future. This isn't about a vague wish but a deeply rooted confidence in God's ongoing faithfulness, stretching from past deliverance to future rescue.
Paul is recounting a near-death experience that he and his companions faced, likely in Asia. This terrifying situation tested their ability to trust in God, and they've now been rescued. Their hope for continued deliverance is firmly fixed on God's proven faithfulness.
Paul is recounting a near-death experience that he and his companions faced, likely in Asia. This terrifying situation tested their ability to trust in God, and they've now been rescued. Their hope for continued deliverance is firmly fixed on God's proven faithfulness.
"He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again." — Notice Paul doesn't just say God did rescue them; he states God will rescue them, firmly placing his present hope in the future. This isn't about a vague wish but a deeply rooted confidence in Go…
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Last reviewed October 2026
