“As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
My Notes
What Does 2 Corinthians 1:14 Mean?
Paul describes the mutual joy between himself and the Corinthian church: they are his boast and he is theirs—a reciprocal pride that will be fully realized "in the day of the Lord Jesus." The relationship between spiritual parent and spiritual children is one of mutual rejoicing, and the ultimate validation happens at Christ's return.
The phrase "in part" (apo merous) acknowledges that the Corinthians haven't fully understood or appreciated Paul's ministry yet. Their acknowledgment is partial. The full recognition will come on the day of the Lord when every hidden thing is revealed and every ministry is evaluated. Paul is patient with their partial understanding because the complete understanding is coming.
The "day of the Lord Jesus" as the setting for mutual rejoicing places the relationship in eternal perspective. What seems complicated now—Paul's difficult letters, the Corinthians' resistance, the tensions between them—will resolve into rejoicing at Christ's return. The day that reveals everything will also heal everything. Present tensions dissolve in eschatological joy.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What relationships in your life feel 'in part'—partially understood, partially appreciated? How do you hold them with patience?
- 2.If the full measure of mutual joy arrives 'in the day of the Lord,' how does that eternal perspective help you navigate present tensions?
- 3.Are you willing to be partially understood now, trusting that full understanding comes later?
- 4.Who will you rejoice over at the day of the Lord—and who will rejoice over you?
Devotional
Paul and the Corinthians are each other's boast. He's proud of them. They're proud of him. But the full measure of that mutual joy won't arrive until the day of the Lord Jesus—the day when everything is revealed, everything is resolved, and every complicated relationship finds its final meaning.
The "in part" is honest: they don't fully understand Paul yet. He's written them hard letters. He's confronted their sin. He's challenged their self-image. The relationship is complicated, and their appreciation of him is partial. Paul doesn't pretend it's complete. He says: you get some of it now. You'll get all of it then.
The eschatological frame is what makes complicated relationships bearable. Not every relational tension resolves in this life. Not every misunderstanding gets cleared up in time. Some relationships are messy now and will only be fully understood in the light of eternity. Paul holds onto the Corinthians not because the relationship is easy but because the day is coming when the fullness of what they mean to each other will be revealed.
If you have relationships that feel "in part"—partially understood, partially appreciated, partially resolved—Paul's perspective is your comfort. The day of the Lord will complete what this life leaves partial. The people you've served imperfectly will see the full picture. The people who've served you imperfectly will be understood. The rejoicing that's partial now will be complete then.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
As also you have acknowledged us in part,.... This may refer either to the thing known and acknowledged, namely, the…
As also ye have acknowledged us - You have had occasion to admit my singleness of aim, and purity of intention and of…
Have acknowledged us in part - Απο μερους may signify here not in part, but some of you; and it is evident, from the…
The apostle in these verses attests their integrity by the sincerity of their conversation. This he does not in a way of…
As also St Paul connects "the future for which he hopes, with the past of which he knows." Meyer.
in part It is here…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture