2 Corinthians 1:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

NIV: If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

NASB: But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;

CSB: If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.

NLT: Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

Some in Corinth were apparently questioning the effectiveness of Paul's role as an apostle of Jesus. After all, why would someone with such access to God's power experience so much suffering? Shouldn't an apostle experience more victory than defeat? This is a common belief of non-Christian religions: that those truly favored by God are immune to earthly suffering.

Paul seems to be answering such critics here. His view is that the ministry-related suffering of Paul and his companions serves a great purpose. The same thing which brought them many troubles also brought the Corinthians comfort in their troubles. That suffering also enabled preaching the gospel which led to their salvation. The implication is that the Corinthians should be grateful that Paul willingly endured the suffering required to bring the gospel to them.

In addition, Paul has shown that abundant suffering in Christ brings abundant comfort in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5) and that those who have been comforted by God are able to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Now he adds that his affliction leads to God's comfort, which he is then able to use for comforting the Corinthians when they suffer.

Paul says confidently that the Corinthians will suffer, as well, just as he suffers. They will patiently endure their suffering, as he does, and then they will receive God's strengthening, encouraging comfort. Paul shows that his suffering is not evidence of a lack of power as an apostle. Instead, suffering for others, as Christ did, is in his job description. In truth, every believer will experience suffering.

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.