It will be recalled from our studies in First Corinthians that Paul had written his first epistle in order to reprove and correct the sinful abuses that had broken out in the church and also to answer a number of questions that the church at Corinth had directed to him.

The language that Paul had used in rebuking their sin was strong and stern.  He had not failed his Lord. It will not surprise us therefore that Paul was most anxious to hear how his letter had been received. 

He had written the 1st epistle from Ephesus where he planned to await its response. That period of waiting was most trying for the apostle. 2 Cor 2:13, 7:6-16. Timothy and Erastus had been dispatched by Paul to Macedonia in advance of his own visit to the area. This was before the first epistle had been written, 1 Cor 4:17, 16:10; Acts 19:21-22. It is not clear if he actually arrived. Titus was later sent to see how things were in Corinth and report back to Paul at Troas. 

There was much at stake in Corinth. The whole testimony of the gospel in a major heathen city, the authority of the apostle and the whole work of God in Macedonia. Paul left Ephesus and went to Troas but Titus for some reason did not appear. Paul sailed across to Macedonia, leaving Asia even though there appears to have been great opportunities to advance the gospel in Troas, 2 Cor 2:12, and entered Europe. In Macedonia, most likely in Philippi, Titus met Paul and reported the good news that the church had responded well to his epistle. It was then that Paul addressed his second epistle to the church about one year (AD 58) after he had written his first epistle. One of the main subjects in this second letter is his rebuttal of the continued criticism of him by his detractors in Corinth.

1. THERE IS MUCH ANXIETY LINKED TO THE WORK OF GOD.

“Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches,” 2 Corinthians 11:28. 

2. EVEN THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE VICTORY OF CHRIST ARE SUBJECT ANXIETIES. 

There can be no doubt that Paul was a man who lived in the power of the Holy Ghost yet he was beset by burdens and distresses. 

3. SUCH ANXIETIES OFTEN GREATLY HINDER GOD’S WORK.  

“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 2:12.

4. THE MEANS BY WHICH THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN DEALS WITH BURDENS.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you,” 1 Peter 5:7. Cast  = to throw down, Luke 19:35.In the verses before us, please note:—

I. PAUL REITERATES HIS APOSTLESHIP

His greeting is in the same formal fashion of his first letter. There is a need for a decree of formality to be maintained in the house of God. There is a special need for a recognising of the offices with the church as ordained of God.

1. Paul was a messenger of Christ. The word apostle simply means a messenger. John 13:16, Acts 14:14. 

2. Paul’s message was Christ. 1 Cor 1:23.

3. His authority was of God. Gal 1:1.

II. PAUL LINKS TIMOTHY’S NAME WITH HIS GREETINGS

1. Paul did not entertain high opinions of his own importance. God’s work is teamwork. I Cor 3:6-7.

2. Paul does, however, distinguish between himself and Timothy.  Apostle of Christ — brother in Christ. 

III. THE WORD OF GOD IS FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF GOD

1. Paul sought to minister to all. Even his enemies. He still sees those who refused his authority and the admonition of God’s inspired Word as part of the Church of God, verse 1.

2. The whole Bible is for the whole church. It was particularly for the Corinthians but generally for all — with all the saints which are in all Achaia, verse 1. We need to rightly divide the Word when we read it. 

3. His desire for them was just the same. Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, 1:2.

Grace and peace. The divine companions whose presence blesses any church where they attend.

Such come from the Father and that through the Lord Jesus. Through the merits of His blood and by virtue of His mediation and supplications before the throne of grace.