2 Corinthians 1:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

NIV: And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

NASB: and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are partners in our sufferings, so also you are in our comfort.

CSB: And our hope for you is firm, because we know that as you share in the sufferings, so you will also share in the comfort.

NLT: We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

KJV: And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

NKJV: And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Paul's status as an apostle—or at least a "good" one—was apparently being challenged by some in the Corinthian church. Should he really be experiencing so much suffering if He represents God? Shouldn't life in Christ improve things instead of making them worse? This reflects a belief common even today: that those who God truly loves won't suffer.

Paul has shown that suffering happens for every believer. His suffering has served the purpose of bringing the gospel to them, leading to eternal life for all the Corinthians who have trusted in Christ. In addition, his suffering has led to God's comfort, which he can turn around and share with them, as well, since they will suffer, too.

Paul insists that the experience of suffering in this life—whether from persecution or just the normal pain of existence on this side of eternity—is not a reason to give up hope. He writes that his hope for the Corinthians, the same as that of his co-workers, remains unshaken, despite the suffering they may face. He is convinced they will share in the same comfort he has received from God to carry them through the same sufferings he has experienced.

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.