'2Co 1:-11

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2Co 1:1-11 INTRODUCTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT

Paul greets the Corinthian church, along with other Christians in Achaia, in the name of the God of all comfort (2Co 1:1-3).

One reason why Christians suffer all kinds of troubles is that they may know how to sympathize with and help others who are similarly troubled. Just as they share in Christ’s sufferings, so they can share in his comfort (2Co 1:4-5).

When the Corinthians see the divine comfort Paul experiences in his sufferings, they should be encouraged to bear their own sufferings (2Co 1:6-7).

The troubles that Paul suffered in the province of Asia were so severe that they almost led to his death. But they also caused him to see clearly that he himself was completely helpless, and therefore he needed to trust entirely in God (2Co 1:8-9).

This gives him the assurance that in the future God will likewise deliver him. If the believers in Corinth pray for God’s protection over him in his work, they will also have good reason to give thanks when God answers their prayers (2Co 1:10-11).