2 Corinthians 1:3

The Greek word translated "blessed" (eulogetos) occurs eight times in the New Testament, mostly in Paul’s writings. It always occurs with the person of God. It expresses both gratitude and adoration (cf. Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3).

"Adored be God! is the expression of the highest veneration and thankfulness." [Note: Hodge, p. 4.]

To Jesus Christ, God is both God and Father (cf. John 20:17). In His humiliation as a man, Jesus related to God as His God (cf. Mark 15:34). However within the Godhead, God was Jesus’ Father (cf. Hebrews 10:7). In other words, God was the God of the dependent Jesus in His human nature, but He was the Father of the infinite Christ in His divine nature (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:31).

"In His eternal being, God was always His Father; in His incarnation as the Messiah, God was His God." [Note: Kent, p. 30.]

God is the "Father of mercies" in two senses. He is their source; all mercies we enjoy come from Him. Moreover He is the Father characterized by mercy, the merciful Father. The Greek construction permits both senses, and Paul probably intended both.

"Comfort" (Gr. paraklesis) is the key word in this section (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) occurring 10 times as a noun or a verb. It also appears in 2 Corinthians 2:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 7:4; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7; 2 Corinthians 7:13; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:17; 2 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Corinthians 10:1; 2 Corinthians 12:8; 2 Corinthians 12:18; and 2 Corinthians 13:11. Thus 2 Corinthians is truly a letter of encouragement. This Greek word means much more than mere sympathy. It communicates the idea of one person standing alongside another to encourage and support his friend. The same word describes the Holy Spirit ("Paraclete") who strengthens and guides us (John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7). Christ, too, provides encouragement and support as our Advocate (1 John 2:1) and Helper (Hebrews 2:18). Here it is the Father who comforts and consoles the afflicted.

"There are two things of which God is said to have the monopoly: He is ’the God of all grace’ and He is ’the God of all comfort.’ All grace comes from Him, all lasting comfort comes from Him." [Note: Harry Ironside, Addresses on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 17.]

The double designation of God as the "Father of mercies" and the "God of all comfort" was very appropriate to Paul’s situation. This description really sets the tone for the first nine chapters of this epistle. This verse has a chiastic structure.

"The effect of this rhetorical device is to emphasize that the God who is here ’praised’ is both (1) Father of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and (2) Father (= source) of mercies." [Note: Barnett, p. 69.]