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. 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul wasn't just hoping for a new experience of grace for the Corinthians; he wanted them to have a second one, suggesting a richness and depth to God's grace that can be encountered repeatedly and in new ways. This implies that grace isn't a one-time transaction but a continuous flow, something we can anticipate and receive again and again, even within the same relationships and circumstances.
Paul had originally planned to visit Corinth before going to Macedonia, but changed his travel plans due to some kind of trouble or difficult situation he faced. This unexpected detour caused some people in Corinth to doubt his sincerity and question his motives, so in this section, he's explaining his heart and reassuring them of his genuine love and desire to bless them.
Paul had big plans to visit the Corinthian church. Why was this visit so important to him, and what did he hope they would gain?
A Double Dose of Blessing
Paul's desire to visit Corinth wasn't just about checking a box. He explains in verse 15 that he wanted to come first so they could "have a second experience of grace." This suggests that their initial encounter with God's grace through the gospel was so profound, Paul wanted them to receive more of it.
Think about it: When you experience something truly amazing, don't you want to share it or relive it? Paul saw their spiritual life as something that could be continually enriched by God's grace. His visit was meant to be another outpouring, another opportunity for them to feel God's favor and power in their lives.
Paul starts this verse with "Because I was sure of this..." What was he so sure about, and how did that certainty shape his plans?
The Foundation of His Decision
Paul's confidence wasn't in his own abilities or plans, but in God's faithfulness. He was sure that God would ultimately fulfill His promises and direct their paths. This deep conviction about God's sovereignty and goodness was the bedrock upon which he built his strategy for ministry.
Because he was certain of God's guiding hand, Paul felt free to make plans, like visiting Corinth. He wasn't rigidly bound by his own schedule, knowing that God could and would direct him. His certainty in God allowed him to be flexible yet purposeful in his approach to the churches.
Understand the original words
Makedonia · Greek Noun
Refers to the region in northern Greece where Paul intended to travel. In biblical geography, it represents a specific mission field and geographic transition in Paul's itinerary.
Ioudaian · Greek Noun
A region of southern Palestine. In biblical history, it is the center of Jewish life, the location of Jerusalem, and the destination Paul sought to visit for his ministry.
Paul's planned second visit to Corinth was cancelled, leading to deep hurt and mistrust. His letter seeks to explain his intentions and reassure the Corinthians of his love and their shared spiritual heritage.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Visit to Corinth
The Apostle Paul established the church in Corinth during his initial ministry there. This visit laid the foundation for the community but also faced opposition.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
After leaving Corinth, Paul wrote his first letter to the church to address issues and correct false teachings that had arisen.
c. AD 56— this verse
Proposed 'Painful Visit'
Paul had planned a second visit to Corinth, intending it to be a joyful reunion, but he had to cancel it. This cancellation caused distress and questions among the believers.
c. AD 56-57
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Written from Macedonia, this letter is Paul's response to the complex situation in Corinth following his cancelled visit and a subsequent painful encounter.
This passage speaks to Paul's initial visit to Corinth, laying the groundwork for his desire to return for a 'second experience of grace' as mentioned in 2 Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5This passage shows a major issue in the Corinthian church that likely caused Paul to delay his visit, highlighting the underlying reasons for his change of plans and the need for a more impactful return.
2 Corinthians 2:1Immediately following our verse, Paul explains that his change of plans was to avoid causing them pain, reinforcing the idea that his intended 'second grace' involved not just joy, but also necessary correction.
2 Corinthians 13:1-2Paul later reiterates his intention to be firm when he returns, suggesting the 'second experience of grace' would encompass both encouragement and a clear demonstration of God's power through him.
Paul wasn't just hoping for a new experience of grace for the Corinthians; he wanted them to have a second one, suggesting a richness and depth to God's grace that can be encountered repeatedly and in new ways. This implies that grace isn't a one-time transaction but a continuous flow, something we can anticipate and receive again and again, even within the same relationships and circumstances.
Paul had originally planned to visit Corinth before going to Macedonia, but changed his travel plans due to some kind of trouble or difficult situation he faced. This unexpected detour caused some people in Corinth to doubt his sincerity and question his motives, so in this section, he's explaining his heart and reassuring them of his genuine love and desire to bless them.
Paul had originally planned to visit Corinth before going to Macedonia, but changed his travel plans due to some kind of trouble or difficult situation he faced. This unexpected detour caused some people in Corinth to doubt his sincerity and question his motives, so in this section, he's explaining his heart and reassuring them of his genuine love and desire to bless them.
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"Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 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 wasn't just hoping for a new experience of grace for the Corinthians; he wanted them to have a second one, suggesting a richness and depth to God's grace that can be encountered repeatedly a…
