What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:15? Confident of this “Confident of this” (2 Colossians 1:15) shows Paul resting, not in shifting emotions, but in God’s unchanging faithfulness. • His confidence springs from the Lord who “is faithful” (1 Colossians 1:9) and from the assurance that “all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Colossians 1:20). • Earlier he wrote, “We do not write you anything you cannot read or understand” (2 Colossians 1:13); transparency fuels trust. • Similar certainty is seen in Philippians 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. • In 1 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 (2 Colossians 1:17), critics accused him of fickleness. Paul defends his integrity, pointing out that believers should make plans but hold them loosely, as James 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 blessing The 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 (2 Colossians 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 echoes Proverbs 11:25: “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed,” and 1 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. summary Paul’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. |
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