Sufferings

2Corinthians 1:5-11 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounded by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation. For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raised the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 

‘Sufferings’ [Greek: pathema] It refers to sufferings for Christ, not to those of Christ on earth. Translated “suffering” (1:5-7; Rom. 8:18; Php. 3:10; Col. 1:24; Heb. 2:9-10; 1Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1); “affliction” (2Tim. 3:11; Heb. 10:32; 1Pet. 5:9); “affections” (Gal. 5:24); and “motions” (Rom. 7:5).

‘So our consolation also abounded by Christ’ – the more we suffer for Christ, the more grace and comfort abound by Christ (1Cor. 10:13).

‘Afflicted’ [Greek: thlibo] narrow (Matt. 7:14); suffer tribulation (1Thess. 3:4); throng (Mark 3:9); afflict (1:6; 1Tim. 5:10; Heb. 11:37); and trouble (4:8; 7:5; 2Thess. 1:6-7).

‘It is for your consolation and salvation’ – the substance of 2Corinthians 1:6-7 is: whether we be afflicted or comforted, it is for your good and for an example to you.

‘Partakers’ [Greek: koinonos] partaker (1:7; Matt. 23:30; 1Cor. 10:18; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Pet. 1:4); partner (8:23; Luke 5:10; Phm. 1:17); companion (Heb. 10:33); and have fellowship with (1Cor. 10:20).

‘So shall you be also of the consolation.’ Since you share sufferings for Christ, you will share His grace and comfort.

‘For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia’ Six things not to be ignorant of: God’s faithfulness in trouble (1:8-10); Gospel responsibility (Rom. 1:11-18); Spiritual gifts (1Cor. 12:1-31); God’s purpose for Israel (Rom. 11:25-32); The resurrection and future life (1Thess. 4:13-18); God’s judgments on backsliders (1Cor. 10:1-13).

‘Our trouble which came to us in Asia’ Acts 13:44 – 20:3 cover his troubles in Asia.

‘Raised the dead’ an example from Paul’s own life is given in Acts 14:19.

‘You also helping together by prayer for us.’ Paul depended upon saints for prayer. ‘Gift bestowed upon us’ – this gift refers to the contributions of the saints to Paul’s work for God (1:10-11).