In 2 Corinthians 1:12. Paul turns to deal with the problems he's had with the Corinthian church. One of these problems was due to misunderstanding. The Corinthians had a right to expect Paul to keep his word. Paul states that his conscience is clear in that regard, but there is more to the story. Integrity in ministry is a critical issue for Paul so he takes time to make sure they know what happened, so they will be able to trust him and his word.
In this first message on the book of Second Corinthians we notice right away a change in how Paul approached the Corinthian believers. As we'll discover, Paul was forced to defend his apostleship and the form of his ministry because of attacks from some in the Corinthian church.
Instead of starting with thanksgiving and prayer, Paul starts with an uncharacteristic focus on himself. He talks about the depth of his suffering for Christ, and the reality of God's comfort in the midst of this. He explains that God had a bigger purpose tin allowing these things to occur. He used them to equip Paul to comfort others who were suffering as they served the Lord.
We can learn five truths about suffering and God's comfort from these opening verses that apply to us today.
