Paul begins his second letter to the church at Corinth with an affirmation of his apostleship. This statement was necessary because of the claim that his writing was inspired (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:10). This is a recurring introduction of Paul’s seen in his other epistles (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 and 2 Timothy 1:1). “By the will of God” strengthens his claim that his apostleship was from God (cf. Galatians 1:1).

The letter is addressed to “the church of God which is at Corinth.” This is a correct description of the called out who reside at Corinth. They were a church that belonged to God. The same meaning is expressed in “the church of Christ” (cf. Romans 16:16). “Saints” is a comprehensive term used to describe all who are sanctified through obedience to the gospel.

The unmerited favor, that is grace, only comes from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This grace that is greater than all our sin (cf. Romans 5:20-21) is the only source from which peace originates.