2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;… The passage presents to us man in three aspects — I. AS REQUIRING DIVINE COMFORT. This is implied in the words, "God of all comfort." There are troubles arising — 1. From secular sources — broken plans, profitless efforts, worldly cares and anxieties. 2. From social sources — the disruption of social ties, the venom of social slander, the disappointments of social ingratitude and unfaithfulness. 3. From moral sources — sense of guilt, conflict of passions with conscience, terrible forebodings of the future. II. AS ENJOYING DIVINE COMFORT. The apostle speaks of himself and the Church at Corinth as being "comforted of God." God comforts His trusting people — 1. By inspiring hope. What delightful promises does He make — promises suitable to every tribulation! (1) To those in secular tribulation He says, "Be careful for nothing," etc. (2) To those in social tribulation He says, "Cursed is the man that maketh flesh his arm," "Cursed is the man that trusteth not in the Lord."(3) To those in moral tribulation He says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." 2. By uniting their thoughts. Conflicting thoughts are the great troublers of the soul. God harmonises those thoughts by centring them on Himself. 3. By engrossing their love. Distracted affections are sources of distress. God centres the heart upon Himself, and man is kept in perfect peace. III. AS MINISTERING DIVINE COMFORT. "That we may be able to comfort," etc. And Paul felt thankful for the comforts received, not merely for his own sake, but the sake of others. His language implies — 1. That he gratefully administered comfort to others as the gift of God. 2. That he loyally administered comfort to others "according to the will of God." "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith the Lord." Conclusion: How suitable is the God of the gospel to the troubled condition of humanity. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; |
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