4:8-12 What do we understand from what Paul says here?
4:8-12 What do we understand from what Paul says here?
What Paul describes here reflects the vulnerability of those who are totally committed to the work of the word on the one hand, and the power of God that sustains them on the other (CP 6:1-10; 11:23-33).
Caught up in affliction and persecution Paul was continually exposed to death, but at the same time found the resurrection life of Christ manifested in his body which enabled him to overcome all the adversities he encountered in his ministry. On the one hand he was daily subject to the forces which lead to death, but on the other he was continually upheld, caused to triumph, and made more than a conqueror (CP Ro 8:35-39; 1Cor 4:9-13; 2Cor 1:8-10; 4:10-12 with 2Cor 2:14; Php 3:7-10; 4:12-13).
Paul was willing to suffer hardship, or martyrdom even, so that the Corinthians could know the power of God.
We learn from this that if Christians are to minister life to others, they must be prepared to share the sufferings of Christ and experience the working of death in their lives too. We must be prepared to suffer all that Paul suffered for Jesus (CP Jn 12:24-25; Php 1:29; 1Pe 4:13-14),
Despite the afflictions and persecutions Paul suffered in his ministry he still operated in the Spirit of faith because he knew that in the resurrection he would be raised up with Christ together with all his converts (CP 2Cor 4:13-15 with 1:14; Php 2:16 and 1Th 2:19).
None of the adversities that beset Paul could undermine his faith in God. The afflictions and persecutions he suffered in his ministry only strengthened his faith in the future eternal glory he would experience in the resurrection (CP 2Cor 4:16-5:5 with Ro 8:11, 17-18, 28-32).
See also comments on 2Cor 6:3-10 and author's study Paul the Apostle - a Chosen Vessel unto God in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).