Paul Greets the Corinthians
(Acts 18:1–11; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3)

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of God which is in Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

2Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The God of All Comfort

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all consolation; 4Who consoleth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to console those who are in any tribulation, through the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. 5Because, as the sufferings of Christ abound toward us, so through Christ our consolation also abounds. 6But, whether we be in tribulation, it is for your consolation and salvation; or, whether we are consoled, it is for your consolation, which is effective in the endurance of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7and our hope in your behalf is steadfast, knowing that, as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so are ye of the consolation also.

8For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our tribulation which befell us in Asia; that we were exceedingly weighed down beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9yea, we ourselves had in ourselves the sentence of death, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God, Who raiseth the dead; 10Who delivered us out of so great a death, and will still deliver: on Whom we have set our hope, that He will also still deliver; 11ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the mercy bestowed upon us by means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Paul’s Change of Plans

12For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you. 13For we write no other things to you, than what ye read or even acknowledge, and I hope ye will acknowledge to the end; 14as also ye did acknowledge in part, that we are your theme of boasting, as ye also will be ours in the day of our Lord Jesus.

15And in this confidence I was purposing before to come to you, that ye might have a second favor; 16and through you to go into Macedonia, and from Macedonia to come again to you, and by you to be sent forward to Judaea. 17When, therefore, I was purposing this, did I manifest fickleness or the things which I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the "Yea, yea," and the "Nay, nay?" 18But, as God is faithful, our word to you is not "Yea" and "Nay." 19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Who was preached among you through us?through me and Sylvanus and Timothy?was not "Yea" and "Nay," "Nay," but in Him is "Yea." 20For however many are the promises of God, in Him is the "Yea"; wherefore, also, through Him is the "Amen," to the glory of God through us. 21Now He Who confirmeth us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; 22Who also sealed us, and gave us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

23But I invoke God as a witness upon my soul, that, as sparing you, I came not yet to Corinth. 24Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye have been standing.