Confident of thisPaul expresses a strong assurance rooted in his faith and relationship with the Corinthian church. This confidence is not based on human wisdom but on the grace and promises of God. In the broader context of 2 Corinthians, Paul often defends his apostolic authority and sincerity, emphasizing his reliance on God (
2 Corinthians 1:12). This confidence is also seen in his previous letters, where he trusts in the work of the Holy Spirit among the believers (
Philippians 1:6).
I planned to visit you first
Paul's intention to visit the Corinthians first indicates his desire to prioritize them in his missionary journey. This reflects the importance of the Corinthian church in his ministry. Historically, Corinth was a major city in Greece, known for its commerce and diverse population, making it a strategic location for spreading the Gospel. Paul's travel plans, as seen in Acts and his epistles, often involved revisiting churches to strengthen and encourage them (Acts 15:36).
so that you might receive a double blessing
The "double blessing" refers to the spiritual benefits the Corinthians would gain from Paul's visit. This could mean both the initial visit and a subsequent one, or the blessings of his presence and teaching. In Jewish culture, a double portion often signifies a special inheritance or favor (Deuteronomy 21:17). Spiritually, Paul’s presence would bring encouragement, correction, and deeper teaching, enhancing their faith and unity. This concept of blessing is consistent with Paul's desire for the churches to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He is expressing his intentions and plans regarding his visit to the Corinthian church.
2.
CorinthiansThe recipients of the letter, members of the church in Corinth, who were dealing with various issues and needed guidance and encouragement.
3.
VisitPaul's intended journey to Corinth, which he hoped would bring spiritual benefit to the church.
4.
Double BlessingThe anticipated spiritual benefit or encouragement that Paul hoped to impart to the Corinthians through his visit.
Teaching Points
Confidence in God's PlansPaul’s confidence in his plans reflects a trust in God’s sovereignty. We should also trust that God is at work in our plans and intentions.
Intentional EncouragementPaul’s desire to visit the Corinthians to provide a "double blessing" emphasizes the importance of intentional encouragement and support within the Christian community.
Spiritual AccountabilityPaul’s planned visit serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and personal presence in nurturing spiritual growth.
Flexibility in MinistryWhile Paul had plans, he remained open to God’s leading, teaching us to be flexible and responsive to God’s direction in our ministry efforts.
Value of Personal InteractionThe anticipated "double blessing" underscores the value of personal interaction and fellowship in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:15?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 1:15 demonstrate Paul's intention to visit the Corinthians twice?
3.What does Paul's confidence in 2 Corinthians 1:15 teach about Christian commitment?
4.How can we apply Paul's example of planning in 2 Corinthians 1:15 today?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of keeping promises and commitments?
6.How does 2 Corinthians 1:15 encourage us to be intentional in our relationships?
7.What does 2 Corinthians 1:15 reveal about Paul's intentions and plans for the Corinthians?
8.How does 2 Corinthians 1:15 demonstrate the importance of integrity in Christian leadership?
9.In what ways does 2 Corinthians 1:15 challenge our understanding of divine guidance and human plans?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 1?
11.In 2 Corinthians 1:15–17, Paul explains changes to his travel plans—why do these details seem at odds with the account in Acts, suggesting possible inconsistencies?
12.What rewards await us in heaven?
13.What is the meaning of the blessed hope?
14.Why does Luke’s account in Acts 20 appear to contradict other historical records of Paul’s journeys?What Does 2 Corinthians 1:15 Mean
Confident of this“Confident of this” (2Colossians 1:15) shows Paul resting, not in shifting emotions, but in God’s unchanging faithfulness.
• His confidence springs from the Lord who “is faithful” (1Colossians 1:9) and from the assurance that “all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2Colossians 1:20).
• Earlier he wrote, “We do not write you anything you cannot read or understand” (2Colossians 1:13); transparency fuels trust.
• Similar certainty is seen inPhilippians 1:6, where Paul is “confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work... will finish it,” underscoring that his plans flow from God’s work, not mere human ambition.
Paul’s confidence is therefore a settled conviction that God stands behind both his message and his intentions.
I planned to visit you first“I planned to visit you first” reveals Paul’s original itinerary.
• In1 Corinthians 16:5-7 he had outlined a journey through Macedonia, then hoped to “spend the winter” in Corinth. Here he clarifies that he actually intended to start with them, travel north, and return again.
•Acts 19:21 records him making these plans “in the Spirit,” indicating they were prayerfully considered, not impulsive.
• When circumstances changed (2Colossians 1:17), critics accused him of fickleness. Paul defends his integrity, pointing out that believers should make plans but hold them loosely, asJames 4:15 teaches: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
The phrase underscores that godly planning is both deliberate and submissive to divine redirection.
so that you might receive a double blessingThe goal of the itinerary: “so that you might receive a double blessing.”
• Literally, Paul wished to see them twice—once on the way to Macedonia, once on the return (2Colossians 1:16). Two face-to-face visits would supply a “second grace,” tangible encouragement from an apostle they loved.
•Romans 1:11-12 shows his heart: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift... that we may be mutually encouraged.”
• Such mutual refreshment echoesProverbs 11:25: “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed,” and1 Thessalonians 3:10, where Paul desires to “supply what is lacking in your faith.”
The “double blessing” therefore points both to two physical visits and to multiplied spiritual edification flowing from them.
summaryPaul’s words reveal a leader grounded in God’s faithfulness, making sincere plans, and longing to multiply grace among his people. His confidence rests in Christ, his travel itinerary reflects integrity surrendered to God’s will, and his aim is their greater spiritual good through repeated, personal ministry.
(15)
And in this confidence.--What has been said hitherto paves the way for the explanation of his apparent change of purpose which he is anxious to give, though he will not formally plead at the bar of the tribunal of those who accused or suspected him. It was because he trusted that they would judge him rightly that he had done that which had led some to judge him wrongly. His plan had been at first to go straight by sea from Ephesus to Corinth, then to pass on to Macedonia, thence to return to Corinth, and thence set sail for Jerusalem. When he wrote
1Corinthians 16:5-6, he had already modified his plan by deciding to go to Macedonia first. His original scheme had shown his wish to see as much of the Corinthians as possible. They were to have two visits ("a second
favour")
, and not one only. Had he shown less regard, he asks, in the change with which he had been taunted?
Verses 15-22.- His change of purpose in visiting Corinth.
Verse 15. -
In this confidence. In reliance on the mutual respect and affection which exists between us.
I was minded. The stress is partly on the tense: "my original desire
was." When speaking of matters purely personal, St. Paul generally reverts to the first person.
To come unto you before. I meant to visit you, first on my way to Macedonia, and again on my return from Macedonia, as explained in the next verse.
A second benefit; rather,
a second grace. There is another reading,
χαρὰν, joy, and the word
χάρις itself sometimes has this sense (as in Tobit 7:18), but not in the New Testament. Here, again, there is no boastfulness. St. Paul, filled as he was with the power of the Holy Spirit, was able to impart to his converts some spiritual gifts (
Romans 1:11), and this was the chief reason why his visits were so eagerly desired, and why his change of plan had caused such bitter disappointment to the Corinthians. The importance of the Church of Corinth, its central position, and its unsettled state made it desirable that he should give them as much as possible of his personal supervision.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Confidentπεποιθήσει(pepoithēsei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4006:Confidence, trust, reliance. From the perfect of the alternate of pascho; reliance.of this,ταύτῃ(tautē)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.I plannedἐβουλόμην(eboulomēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1014:To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing.to visitἐλθεῖν(elthein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064:To come, go.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.first,πρότερον(proteron)Adverb - Comparative
Strong's 4386:Formerly, before. Neuter of proteros as adverb; previously.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.you might receiveσχῆτε(schēte)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2192:To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.a doubleδευτέραν(deuteran)Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1208:Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.blessing.χάριν(charin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485:From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 1:15 In this confidence I was determined (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
