Second Corinthians reveals Paul's heart more than any other letter. Relations with Corinth had been strained by a sorrowful visit (2:1), a letter written with many tears (2:4), and rival teachers who questioned his authority. Yet Paul opens with praise. God is the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts believers in all affliction so that they can comfort others. As the sufferings of Christ overflow to His people, so through Christ comfort overflows too.
Paul does not hide his weakness. In the province of Asia he was so utterly burdened beyond his strength that he despaired of life and felt he had received the sentence of death. That experience taught him to rely not on himself but on God who raises the dead. Suffering became a training ground for trust. He also invites the church into partnership through prayer, so that many will give thanks for the favor granted to him.
Critics accused Paul of fickleness because he changed his plans to visit. He answers that his conduct was marked by godly sincerity. The deeper ground of his reliability is God's faithfulness. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, was not Yes and No; in Him it has always been Yes. All God's promises find their Yes in Christ, and through Him believers say Amen to God's glory. God has anointed them, set His seal on them, and given the Spirit in their hearts as a guarantee. Paul delayed his visit to spare them (1:23).