2 Corinthians 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Corinthians 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, greets the assembly of God in Corinth and all saints in Achaia (vv. 1-2). He praises God, the Father of mercies, who comforts believers in their troubles (vv.

Key verse

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (WEB)

Outline

2 Corinthians 1:1–2 Introduction and Greeting
2 Corinthians 1:3–7 Praise for God's Comfort
2 Corinthians 1:8–11 Paul's Affliction and Deliverance
2 Corinthians 1:12–14 Integrity of Ministry
2 Corinthians 1:15–20 Travel Plans and Confidence
2 Corinthians 1:21–24 God's Faithfulness and Paul's Role

Discussion questions

In v4, what does Paul say God provides in all our affliction?
What word does Paul use in v10 to describe the death he experienced?
In v6, why does Paul say suffering leads to patient endurance?
In v23, what does Paul imply by stating he didn't come to Corinth 'to spare you'?
When have you experienced comfort in your afflictions as described in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 1: Ephesians 1, Isaiah 40, Philippians 1.

Before next time: read 2 Corinthians 2.