2 Corinthians 1:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

NIV: who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

NASB: who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

CSB: He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

NLT: He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

KJV: Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

NKJV: who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

It makes sense that Paul begins by focusing on God's mercy and comfort to those who are in "affliction," meaning difficult suffering. Paul had experienced a traumatic event not long before writing this letter to the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:8). He has described God as the Father of all mercies and the God of all comfort.

He now continues that God comforts believers in all our affliction. Paul intentionally uses the word "all" three times in a row to show that God provides for Christians completely in every possible kind of suffering. God is never a partial solution to our pain, though He helps us in a variety of ways. He is the source of all mercy and comfort for those who are hurting.

The affliction Paul describes likely has something to do with persecution for faith in Christ or opposition to the gospel. We don't need to limit the application of these verses, though. God comforts His children when they are suffering, no matter the cause. Comfort here means more than just a temporary relief from pain or being at ease, as in the modern sense of the word. It involves being able to rest because God carries our burdens and gives us strength to keep going.

Suffering in this life often feels meaningless. Scripture immediately brings a sense of purpose to our suffering. Those who have been comforted by God—strengthened, encouraged, relieved of the burden—have opportunity to pass along comfort to others who are suffering. In that sense, God's comfort is reproducible and repeatable. God remains the source, but believers can keep distributing God's comfort to others who suffer as they have.

Who has more empathy and compassion for someone who is suffering, inwardly or outwardly, than a believer who has experienced that same suffering from that same cause? Who is better able to express how God comforted them in a similar moment than someone who has walked the same path?

Second Corinthians 1:3–11 contains profound praise to God for His comfort of all in affliction. Paul connects Christian suffering to the sufferings of Christ. This shows the Corinthians how Paul's suffering and the comfort he has received from God during it have been for their benefit. Paul has experienced grave suffering recently, bringing him and his co-workers to the edge of death. The God who raises the dead has delivered them. Paul invites the Corinthians to participate in the celebration of God's power by continuing to pray for Paul and his companions and to give thanks for God's deliverance.

Paul begins another letter to the Corinthians following a series of tumultuous events with them. He begins by praising God for His comfort to those who are in affliction, connecting Christian suffering to the sufferings of Christ. Paul insists that his suffering and the comfort he has received from God have been for the Corinthians' benefit. He defends both his integrity and sincerity in dealing with them and explains that he delayed his planned trip to visit them again for their sake.

Second Corinthians 1 follows about a year after the end of 1 Corinthians, and much has happened between the two letters. Paul has had a painful visit with the Corinthians before traveling to Macedonia, where he wrote a painful letter. The text of which has not been kept. He writes this new letter from Macedonia, as well, after learning about a positive change of heart on their behalf. Paul begins by praising God for His comfort for those who are afflicted and defending himself against several complaints from some in the church.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.