2 Corinthians 1:15

KJV

¶ And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} in this {G5026} confidence {G4006} I was minded {G1014} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209} before {G4386}, that {G2443} ye might have {G2192} a second {G1208} benefit {G5485};

Complete Jewish Bible

So sure was I of this that I had planned to come and see you, so that you might have the benefit of a second visit.

Berean Standard Bible

Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing.

American Standard Version

And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 1:15, the Apostle Paul articulates his original intention to visit the Corinthian church twice, a plan he had confidently formed with the aim of imparting a "second benefit" or spiritual blessing to them. This statement serves as part of his broader defense against accusations of fickleness or insincerity regarding his travel arrangements, emphasizing his pastoral heart and the genuine desire to minister further grace and encouragement to the believers in Corinth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, immediately following his customary salutation and a profound expression of comfort in affliction. The overarching theme of 2 Corinthians 1 is Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and the nature of his ministry, particularly in light of changed travel plans that had caused some in Corinth to question his trustworthiness. Verses [2 Corinthians 1:12-14](/2_corinthians/1-12-14 "2 Corinthians 1:12-14 - Paul's Conscience and Confidence") establish Paul's clear conscience and the Corinthians' shared joy and boasting in him, setting the stage for his explanation of why his initial plans (mentioned in [2 Corinthians 1:15-16](/2_corinthians/1-15-16 "2 Corinthians 1:15-16 - Paul's Original Travel Plans")) were altered. His subsequent explanation in [2 Corinthians 1:17-20](/2_corinthians/1-17-20 "2 Corinthians 1:17-20 - God's Steadfast 'Yes' in Christ") directly addresses the perceived inconsistency, linking his own reliability to the faithfulness of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was complex and often strained. Corinth, a major Roman port city, was a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religions, which contributed to various issues within the church, including factions, moral laxity, and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Travel in the ancient world was arduous and subject to many unpredictable factors, making fixed itineraries difficult to maintain. However, in a culture that highly valued honor and consistency, a change in plans could be easily misconstrued as unreliability or even deceit. Paul's opponents likely seized upon his altered itinerary as evidence to undermine his credibility, making his detailed explanation in this chapter crucial for restoring trust and defending his ministry.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout 2 Corinthians. First, it highlights **Apostolic Integrity and Transparency**, as Paul openly explains his intentions and actions to maintain his credibility among the Corinthians, a theme he revisits frequently (e.g., [2 Corinthians 4:2](/2_corinthians/4-2 "2 Corinthians 4:2 - Paul's Openness and Truthfulness")). Second, it underscores **Pastoral Care and Spiritual Edification**, revealing Paul's deep desire to impart spiritual blessings and further strengthen the believers, reflecting his role as a spiritual father (cf. [1 Corinthians 4:15](/1_corinthians/4-15 "1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul as a Spiritual Father")). Third, the concept of **Divine Grace and Benefit** is central, as Paul views his ministry and presence as a conduit for God's favor and spiritual advantage to the church (cf. [2 Corinthians 9:8](/2_corinthians/9-8 "2 Corinthians 9:8 - God's Grace for Abundance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confidence (Greek, _pepoíthēsis'_):** From the perfect form of a verb meaning "to suffer" or "to experience," this noun denotes reliance, assurance, or trust. Here, it signifies Paul's firm conviction and settled resolve in his original plans, indicating that his intention to visit was not whimsical but a matter of settled purpose and belief in its spiritual benefit.
* **minded (Greek, _boúlomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, means "to will," "to be willing," or "to intend." It expresses a deliberate and conscious decision, a volitional act. Paul's use of this word emphasizes that his desire to visit was a thoughtful and intentional choice, not a casual thought or an uncommitted wish.
* **benefit (Greek, _cháris'_):** While famously translated as "grace," this word carries a broader semantic range including graciousness, favor, gift, or blessing. In this context, it refers to a spiritual advantage, a blessing, or an act of divine favor that Paul intended to impart through his presence, teaching, and ministry. It implies a tangible spiritual gain or enrichment for the Corinthians.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in this confidence":** Paul begins by grounding his past intention in a state of firm assurance and conviction. This "confidence" refers to the integrity of his conscience and the transparency of his ministry, as he has just explained in the preceding verses. His plans were not made lightly but with a settled belief in their rightness and benefit.
* **"I was minded to come unto you before":** This clause reveals Paul's original, deliberate intention to visit the Corinthians. The use of "minded" (from _boúlomai_) highlights his conscious decision and willingness. The phrase "unto you before" indicates that this was his initial, pre-planned itinerary, implying a visit that would precede other travels or engagements.
* **"that ye might have a second benefit;":** This final clause states the purpose and desired outcome of Paul's intended visit. The "second benefit" (or "second grace") suggests that his first visit had already brought a "benefit" (spiritual blessing or grace), and he desired to impart further spiritual enrichment, teaching, or encouragement. It implies an ongoing process of spiritual growth and the reception of God's favor through his apostolic ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Ethos** in this verse, appealing to his character and credibility by asserting the sincerity and deliberate nature of his original travel plans. By stating "in this confidence I was minded," he presents himself as a man of integrity whose intentions are well-considered and aimed at the spiritual good of the Corinthians. The phrase "second benefit" functions as a form of **Euphemism** or **Understatement**, referring to the spiritual blessings and grace he sought to impart, which would be far more profound than a mere "benefit" in a secular sense. This also serves as a subtle form of **Pathos**, reminding the Corinthians of his deep pastoral care and the spiritual value he places on their relationship, aiming to evoke a positive emotional response and reinforce their trust in him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 1:15 is deeply rooted in the theology of grace and the nature of apostolic ministry. The "benefit" Paul intended to impart is best understood as a manifestation of God's _cháris_ (grace) flowing through his ministry. This highlights that spiritual growth and enrichment are not solely dependent on individual effort but are also facilitated by the divinely appointed ministry of others. Paul saw himself as a steward of God's mysteries, commissioned to deliver spiritual truth and encouragement, thereby extending God's favor to the churches. His desire to provide a "second benefit" underscores the ongoing, progressive nature of sanctification and the continuous need for believers to receive fresh infusions of grace and teaching for their spiritual maturity. This also speaks to the importance of genuine pastoral care, where the minister's primary aim is the spiritual well-being and edification of the flock, rather than personal gain or convenience.

* [Romans 1:11-12](/romans/1-11-12 "Romans 1:11-12 - Paul's Desire to Impart Spiritual Gift")
* [Philippians 1:25-26](/philippians/1-25-26 "Philippians 1:25-26 - Paul's Desire for Their Progress and Joy")
* [1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's explanation in 2 Corinthians 1:15 offers profound insights for both leaders and congregants today. For those in ministry, it underscores the vital importance of **integrity in intention** and **transparency in communication**. Even when plans change, the underlying motivation to serve and bless God's people should remain steadfast and clearly articulated. It reminds us that ministry is fundamentally about imparting God's grace and spiritual benefit, not about personal agendas or convenience. For all believers, this verse encourages a posture of **receptivity to spiritual growth** and a **gracious understanding** when circumstances alter the plans of others, especially those in leadership. We are called to discern the genuine heart behind actions, extending grace and trust rather than quickly judging based on perceived inconsistencies. Ultimately, it teaches us to value opportunities for mutual spiritual enrichment and to trust that God's ultimate "benefit" to us, through Christ, is always assured, even when human plans shift.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's emphasis on his "confidence" and "mindedness" challenge my own approach to making and communicating plans, especially in ministry or leadership?**
* **What "benefits" (spiritual blessings or graces) have I received through the ministry of others, and how can I be more intentional about seeking and imparting such benefits?**
* **When plans change, how can I cultivate a more gracious and understanding response, trusting in God's sovereignty rather than quickly questioning motives?**
* **In what ways can I, like Paul, demonstrate a genuine pastoral heart that prioritizes the spiritual well-being and enrichment of others?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul's travel plan to Corinth so significant that he needed to defend it?**

Answer: Paul's travel plans were significant because they became a point of contention and accusation against his integrity. He had initially promised to visit Corinth twice (once on his way to Macedonia and again on his return), as detailed in [2 Corinthians 1:15-16](/2_corinthians/1-15-16 "2 Corinthians 1:15-16 - Paul's Original Travel Plans"). When these plans changed, possibly due to unforeseen circumstances or a strategic decision to avoid a more painful visit (as implied in [2 Corinthians 2:1-2](/2_corinthians/2-1-2 "2 Corinthians 2:1-2 - Paul's Decision Not to Cause Grief")), some in the Corinthian church, particularly his opponents, seized upon this as evidence of his unreliability, fickleness, or even deceit. In a culture that highly valued consistency and honor, such accusations could severely undermine his apostolic authority and the credibility of his message. Therefore, Paul needed to defend his actions to restore trust and ensure the Corinthians understood his motives were pure and focused on their spiritual good, not on personal convenience or duplicity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 1:15 speaks of Paul's intention to impart a "second benefit" to the Corinthians, this concept finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Paul's ministry, and any spiritual benefit he could offer, was always a derivative of the immeasurable grace and blessing found in Christ. Jesus is the singular source of all spiritual benefits, the one through whom God's _cháris_ (grace) is fully manifested to humanity. He is the "second Adam" who brings life where the first brought death ([1 Corinthians 15:45-49](/1_corinthians/15-45-49 "1 Corinthians 15:45-49 - The First and Second Adam")). Every spiritual blessing we possess is "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")), and His advent brought grace upon grace ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace")). The "benefit" Paul sought to bring was a further unveiling of this divine grace, a deeper experience of the life and truth found in the Son. Thus, Paul's desire to give a "second benefit" foreshadows the unending, ever-increasing spiritual blessings that flow from our union with Christ, who is the "yes" and "amen" to all of God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the ultimate and continuous "benefit" to all who believe, providing not just a second, but an eternal and complete spiritual advantage.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 1:11

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

1 Corinthians 4:19

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Romans 15:29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Philippians 1:25

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Philippians 1:26

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

1 Corinthians 11:34

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

2 Corinthians 6:1

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.