In This Confidence

2Corinthians 1:13-17 For we write none other things unto you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end; As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that you might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 

‘Than what you read or acknowledge.’ Than what you read or acknowledge in the first epistle to you.

‘As also you have acknowledged us in part.’ We hope that you will always acknowledge the truths in the first epistle to you. Some of you acknowledge us, even as we acknowledge that you are ours (1:13-14).

‘We are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.’ We are the cause of your rejoicing because we have won you to Christ and you believe we are His ministers. You also will be our rejoicing in the day of Christ when we present you as our converts before Him (1Thess. 2:18-20; 3:13).

‘Day of the Lord Jesus’ this is the first New Testament prophecy in 2Corinthians (1:14). Will be fulfilled at the Rapture of the body of Christ for the Christians from Corinth in Paul’s day as well as all Christians who are not ignorant of the six things noted in 2Corinthians 1:8: God’s faithfulness in trouble (1:8-10); Gospel responsibility (Rom. 1:11-18); Spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:1-31); God’s purpose for Israel (Rom. 11:25-32); The resurrection and future life (1Thess. 4:13-18); God’s judgments on backsliders (1Cor. 10:1-13).

‘In this confidence I was minded to come unto you before.’ Under the conviction that you rejoice in us as ministers of Christ, and we rejoice in you as our converts.

‘Benefit’ [Greek: charis] grace or favour. It refers to the benefits of grace that Paul’s ministry would naturally bring to them on his second visit. It does not and could not refer to a second work of grace to sanctify them or take out the old man, as taught by some. They were already sanctified (1Cor. 1:2, 30; 6:11).

‘Come again out of Macedonia unto you’ – it appears that Paul fulfilled this second ministry before he finished writing this epistle, for in 2Corinthians 12:14 and 13:1 he speaks of coming to them a third time. ‘Do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay.’ Do I act as carnal people, who change their minds from day to day and falsify their engagements to suit their own secular interests? They say yea, yea, and nay, nay, or say one thing one day and change it the next day if it is to their advantage. All our promises have been true and God has confirmed them to you (1:20-22).