2 Corinthians 1:15 – “Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, Paul is explaining his original plan to visit the Corinthian church. He had intended to come to them first, before traveling elsewhere, so that they could receive a double blessing from his visit.

His phrase “Because I was confident of this” refers back to what he just said in the previous verses—his desire for the Corinthians to fully understand him and to share in their mutual joy in Christ. Because of this confidence, he had originally planned to visit them in person.

The phrase “benefit twice” means that Paul wanted to encourage and strengthen them not just once but twice. Some translations say “a second experience of grace,” meaning that his visit would have brought them spiritual encouragement and teaching on multiple occasions. Paul’s heart was to build them up in faith and give them the guidance they needed.

However, as later verses explain, Paul did not end up following through on this plan. This led some in Corinth to doubt his sincerity, thinking he was unreliable or inconsistent. But Paul reassures them that his decision was not made out of selfishness, but rather because he wanted to act according to God’s leading.

Historical Context

Paul had a close but complicated relationship with the Corinthian church. He had originally planted the church in Corinth during his missionary journeys (Acts 18:1-11). After leaving, he kept in touch through letters and planned return visits.

However, things did not always go as planned. Paul had intended to visit the Corinthians twice—first on his way to Macedonia and again on his return. But when his plans changed, some in Corinth began to question his integrity and reliability. They accused him of being indecisive or even dishonest.

In this section of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing these concerns. He wants them to understand that his motives were pure, and he was not being careless with his commitments. His goal had always been to strengthen them in their faith.

Theological Implications

1. Godly Leaders Desire to Strengthen Others – Paul’s heart was not focused on his own benefit but on blessing the Corinthians (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
2. Plans May Change, but Integrity Matters – Paul’s intention was sincere, even though his plans shifted (Proverbs 16:9).
3. Spiritual Encouragement is a Gift – Paul saw his visits as a way to give a spiritual blessing, not just a casual visit (Romans 1:11-12).
4. Ministry is About Serving, Not Controlling – Paul wanted to serve the Corinthians, not manipulate them for his own purposes (Mark 10:45).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s words in this verse are personal and heartfelt. He is not just defending himself—he is explaining his deep love and care for the Corinthians.

The phrase “benefit twice” stands out. Paul saw his visits as a way to pour into their spiritual lives, not just a social gathering. This reinforces the idea that Christian fellowship is meant to strengthen faith, not just be about friendship.

The structure of the verse also shows Paul’s humility. Instead of insisting on his authority, he gently explains his original plan and his good intentions. This reflects his overall approach in 2 Corinthians—seeking reconciliation and mutual understanding.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
• Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
• Romans 1:11-12 – “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
• Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• James 4:15 – “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that:

• Spiritual encouragement is important. We should seek to build others up in faith, just as Paul wanted to do for the Corinthians.
• Plans may change, but our intentions should be honorable. It is okay when things don’t go as expected, as long as our motives remain pure.
• Christian fellowship should be about strengthening faith. Our interactions with other believers should help each other grow closer to Christ.
• Trust in leadership is built through consistency and communication. Paul took the time to explain himself to the Corinthians because he valued their trust.

For believers today, this means being intentional about encouraging others in faith. Whether through visits, conversations, or prayer, we should seek to be a blessing to those around us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He places people in our lives to strengthen and encourage us. Paul’s desire to bless the Corinthians reflects God’s own heart for His people—He wants them to grow in faith and be spiritually strengthened.

God’s love is also seen in how He guides our plans. Even when things don’t go the way we expect, He is still in control, directing our steps according to His wisdom.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of someone who came to bless others.

• Jesus came to bring spiritual blessing – Just as Paul wanted to encourage the Corinthians, Jesus came to give life and hope (John 10:10).
• Jesus’ plans were guided by the Father – He always did what was in line with God’s will, even when it meant changing course (Luke 22:42).
• Jesus is the foundation of true encouragement – Our greatest encouragement comes from knowing Him and the salvation He brings (Hebrews 6:19-20).

Paul’s desire to visit the Corinthians twice reflects Christ’s heart—He is always seeking to strengthen, encourage, and build up His people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever had to change your plans for a good reason? How did you handle it?
2. How can you be intentional about encouraging others in their faith?
3. What does this verse teach about the importance of Christian fellowship?
4. How can we trust God when our plans do not go as expected?
5. How does Jesus’ example encourage us to serve and strengthen others?

This verse reminds us that the Christian life is about more than just personal faith—it is about building up others and encouraging them in their walk with God. Even when plans change, our focus should remain on being a blessing to those around us.