Epiphany Season · Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
2 Corinthians 1:18-22
Paul’s Change of Plans
February 21, 2027
Overview & Insights
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
After the thanksgiving in 1:3–11, the body of the letter begins with a lengthy section in which Paul seeks to deal with various accusations the Corinthians have made against his character and conduct (1:12–2:13). By the writing of 2 Corinthians, Paul has heard the good report from Titus that most of the Corinthians have been reconciled to Paul (cf. 7:6–7). Yet, because of the discrepancy between Paul’s written word and his actions, the Corinthians have become suspicious of Paul’s motives, accusing him of duplicity and double-mindedness, especially in regard to his travel plans. Why, for example, did he delay his third visit? Why, instead of coming to Corinth, did he write a “tearful letter” after his painful second visit? And why did he then go to Macedonia first, instead of coming directly to Corinth? The Corinthians’ suspicions against Paul stand in the way of a full and final reconciliation.
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Commentary
2 Corinthians 1 - Paul's Comfort and Sincerity Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's commentary on God's 'Yes' in Christ and the Spirit given as a guarantee.
2 Corinthians 1:18 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated commentary notes on the 'Yes and Amen' in Christ and the seal of the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1 Commentary Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse notes, word studies, and quotations on God's faithfulness and the Spirit's seal.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 1 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' classic exposition of Paul's defense of his integrity and God's sure promises.
The Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre explains the 'Yes' of God in Christ and the anointing and sealing of the Spirit.
Background & Word Study
2 Corinthians (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's introduction to the letter, its occasion, and Paul's defense of his ministry.
Book of 2 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
An animated overview of the letter's message about strength in weakness and God's faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 1:18 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Word-by-word Greek with parsing for 'Yes and Amen' and the sealing of the Spirit.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Paul mean by God's Yes?
Defending his change of travel plans, Paul points past himself to Christ, in whom God's every promise is a firm Yes; God has sealed believers and given the Spirit as a guarantee.
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