2 Corinthians 1:2

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

Grace {G5485} be to you {G5213} and {G2532} peace {G1515} from {G575} God {G2316} our {G2257} Father {G3962}, and {G2532} from the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

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

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

The second verse of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians opens with a foundational Christian greeting: "Grace [be] to you and peace from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ." This salutation, characteristic of Paul's letters, is more than a mere formality; it is a profound theological statement and a prayer for the recipients.

Context

This verse serves as the opening salutation of Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth. Following the complex relationship and challenges detailed in his first letter, this epistle addresses Paul's recent suffering and comfort, defends his apostolic authority, and encourages reconciliation and generosity among the Corinthian believers. The greeting immediately establishes the divine source of all blessings, setting a tone of spiritual authority and loving concern for a community that had experienced division and doubt.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Origin of Blessings: The verse explicitly states that both "grace" and "peace" originate "from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ." This emphasizes the unified work of the Father and the Son in bestowing spiritual blessings upon believers, highlighting the Trinitarian foundation of Christian faith.
  • Grace (charis): This term signifies God's unmerited favor, His benevolent disposition towards humanity, and the divine enablement for salvation and holy living. It is the very foundation of the Christian's standing before God, a concept Paul elaborates on throughout his epistles, such as when he explains salvation by grace through faith in Ephesians 2:8.
  • Peace (eirēnē): More than just the absence of conflict, this peace refers to a state of spiritual wholeness, reconciliation with God, and inner tranquility. It's the profound well-being that results from being in right relationship with God, often echoing the Hebrew concept of shalom. This divine peace is distinct from worldly peace and can even surpass all understanding, guarding hearts and minds.
  • Apostolic Blessing: Paul's consistent use of this greeting across his letters (e.g., Romans 1:7, Ephesians 1:2) underscores its significance as a prayer and a declaration of the spiritual realities available to believers. It’s a foundational statement about the source of all good things in the Christian life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "grace" is charis (χάρις), denoting favor, kindness, or a gift freely given without expectation of return. It is central to Paul's theology, emphasizing God's initiative in salvation. The term for "peace" is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), which carries a broader meaning than just cessation of hostilities. It implies wholeness, well-being, harmony, and reconciliation, reflecting the deep spiritual peace that Jesus Himself bestows upon His followers.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 1:2 serves as a powerful reminder that "grace" and "peace" are not earned or achieved through human effort, but are divine gifts freely given by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to continually rely on God's unmerited favor for strength, forgiveness, and guidance. It also points us to the profound inner peace that comes from a reconciled relationship with our Creator, a peace that can sustain us through life's trials and uncertainties. Living in this grace and peace is the foundation for all Christian conduct and spiritual growth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 1:7

    To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Philippians 1:2

    Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Ephesians 6:23

    Peace [be] to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Philemon 1:3

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

  • 1 Chronicles 12:18

    Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

  • Colossians 1:2

    To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians [which is] in God the Father and [in] the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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