A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 1

And Timothy (κα Τιμοθεος). Timothy is with Paul, having been sent on to Macedonia from Ephesus (Acts 19:22). He is in no sense co-author any more than Sosthenes was in 1 Corinthians 1:1.

In all Achaia (εν ολη τη Αχαια). The Romans divided Greece into two provinces (Achaia and Macedonia). Macedonia included also Illyricum, Epirus, and Thessaly. Achaia was all of Greece south of this (both Attica and the Peloponnesus). The restored Corinth was made the capital of Achaia where the pro-consul resided (Acts 18:12). He does not mention other churches in Achaia outside of the one in Corinth, but only "saints" (αγιοις). Athens was in Achaia, but it is not clear that there was as yet a church there, though some converts had been won (Acts 17:34), and there was a church in Cenchreae, the eastern port of Corinth (Romans 16:1). Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:2 speaks of Achaia and Macedonia together. His language here would seem to cover the whole (ολη, all) of Achaia in his scope and not merely the environment around Corinth.

Identical with 1 Corinthians 1:3 which see.

Blessed (ευλογητος). From old verb ευλογεω, to speak well of, but late verbal in LXX and Philo. Used of men in Ge 24:31, but only of God in N.T. as in Lu 1:68 and chiefly in Paul (2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 1:25). Paul has no thanksgiving or prayer as in 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, but he finds his basis for gratitude in God, not in them.

The God and Father (ο θεος κα πατηρ). So rightly, only one article with both substantives as in 2 Peter 1:1. Paul gives the deity of Jesus Christ as our Lord (Κυριου), but he does not hesitate to use the language here as it occurs. See 1 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3 where the language is identical with that here.

The father of mercies (ο πατηρ των οικτιρμων) and God of all comfort (κα θεος πασης παρακλησεως). Paul adds an item to each word. He is the compassionate Father characterized by mercies (οικτιρμων, old word from οικτειρω, to pity, and here in plural, emotions and acts of pity). He is the God of all comfort (παρακλησεως, old word from παρακαλεω, to call to one's side, common with Paul). Paul has already used it of God who gave eternal comfort (2 Thessalonians 2:16). The English word comfort is from the Latin confortis (brave together). The word used by Jesus of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter or Paraklete is this very word (John 14:16; John 16:7). Paul makes rich use of the verb παρακαλεω and the substantive παρακλησις in this passage (3-7). He urges all sorrowing and troubled hearts to find strength in God.

In all our affliction (επ παση τη θλιψε ημων). Θλιψις is from θλιβω, to press, old and common word, as tribulation is from Latin tribulum (roller). See on Mt 13:21 and 1 Thessalonians 1:6. The English affliction is Latin afflictio from ad-fligere, to strike on.

That we may be able to comfort (εις το δυνασθα ημας παρακαλειν). Purpose clause with εις and the articular infinitive with the accusative of general reference, a common idiom. Paul here gives the purpose of affliction in the preacher's life, in any Christian's life, to qualify him for ministry to others. Otherwise it will be professional and perfunctory.

Wherewith (ης). Genitive case of the relative attracted to that of the antecedent παρακλησεως. The case of the relative here could have been either the accusative ην with the passive verb retained as in Mr 10:38 or the instrumental η. Either is perfectly good Greek (cf. Ephesians 1:6; 4:1). Personal experience of God's comfort is necessary before we can pass it on to others.

The sufferings of Christ (τα παθηματα του Χριστου). Subjective genitive, Christ's own sufferings.

Abound unto us (περισσευε εις ημας). Overflow unto us so that we suffer like sufferings and become fellow sufferers with Christ (4:10f.; Romans 8:17; Colossians 1:24).

Through Christ (δια του Χριστου). The overflow (περισσευε) of comfort comes also through Christ. Is Paul thinking of how some of the Jewish Christians in Corinth have become reconciled with him through Christ? Partnership with Christ in suffering brings partnership in glory also (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:13).