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A Change of Plans
1:12 to 2:13

Here the apostle begins by defending his travel plans. The question of why he did not come to Corinth as originally planned is discussed in three phases. First, Paul addresses a misguided view of why he had a change of plans: some thought he was wavering back-and-forth, demonstrating a confused or indecisive character that says both “yes” and “no” at the same time (to see link click An – God’s Seal of Approval). Rather, the apostle asserted that his character stood as rock-solid as the Gospel he preached.

The second phase of this section addresses the first of two reasons why Paul did not travel to Corinth as expected. Simply put, the trip would have caused even more pain to the Corinthians (1:23 and 2:1). In other words, the wound in their relationship, which was needed for the discipline and test (2:9) that the Corinthians needed at the time, was still open and the apostle didn’t want to rub spiritual salt in it. Paul’s mention of the sorrow caused by the painful visit (see Ao – Paul’s Painful Visit) and letter (see Bl – The Effects of the Severe Letter) gave rise to a discussion of a person who had evidently triggered much of the immediate friction between Paul and the church. The majority had played their part in discipling him and the apostle expressed his forgiveness and urged the Corinthians to offer comfort and forgiveness to the wrongdoer as well (see Ap – Forgiving the Offender).

Finally, Paul addressed a third reason why he changed his travel plans. He explains that when he traveled to Troas (see Aq – Paul’s Anxiety in Troas), he had an opportunity to go directly to Macedonia. Paul was restless in spirit because Titus did not meet him in Troas, and Paul evidently felt compelled to go and find Titus, which is what happened (7:5-7).35