# 2 Corinthians 1 General Notes

### Structure and formatting

The first paragraph reflects a common way to begin a letter in the ancient Near East.  

### Special Concepts

#### Paul's integrity
People were criticizing Paul and saying he was not sincere. He refutes them by explaining his motives for what he was doing. 

#### Comfort
Comfort is a major theme of this chapter. The Holy Spirit comforts Christians. The Corinthians probably were afflicted and needed to be comforted.  

### Important figures of speech in this chapter

#### Rhetorical question

Paul uses two rhetorical questions to defend himself against a charge of not being sincere. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]]) 

### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

#### We
Paul uses the pronoun "we". This likely represents at least Timothy and himself. It may also include other people. 

#### Guarantee

Paul says the Holy Spirit is the guarantee, which means pledge or down payment, of a Christian's eternal life. Christians are securely saved. But they will not experience all of God's given promises until after they die. The Holy Spirit is a personal guarantee that this will happen. This idea comes from a business term. A person gives some valuable item to another person as a "guarantee" that they will repay money. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/eternity]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/save]])
 
## Links:

* __[2 Corinthians 1:1 Notes](./01.md)__
* __[2 Corinthians intro](../front/intro.md)__

__| [>>](../02/intro.md)__