Salutation and Introduction.
2 Corinthians 1:1 f. Timothy, whose approaching visit to Corinth had been announced in 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:11, is now again in Paul's company, and joins with him in salutation to all God's people in Greece (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:2).
2 Corinthians 1:3-11. Thanksgiving for Divine comfort, leading (2 Corinthians 8) to a fuller account of his sufferings. Paul does not hesitate to speak of the Father as the God of our Lord Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3), to whom as Son our Lord was subordinate (1 Corinthians 15:26 ff.*). Like every other benefit, Paul receives God's comfort as a trust, enabling him to minister comfort to others. He is so truly one with Christ that his sufferings are really an extension of the sufferings of Christ (see Colossians 1:24); and he is so truly one with his converts that the comfort he receives flows out in comfort for them, so that, whichever form his experience takes, it confirms his assurance regarding them; his sufferings and his consolation in Christ alike issue in consolation (and salvation) for the Corinthians.
For they must know that he had passed through a period of terrible disaster and suffering in the province of Asia. Either the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:23) had involved Paul and his companions in greater danger and suffering than we should gather from Acts, or he had undergone some other persecution of which we have no record (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He had looked death in the face. His courage had all but given way. But he had learnt once more God's power to deliver, and knows that He will yet deliver (Psalms 9:10). It is their part so to co-operate with him in prayer that the prayer of many may turn to the thanksgiving of many in view of yet further bestowal of Divine mercy.