2 Corinthians 1:2–7

Bible Studies for Life 
Samford University and Brookwood Baptist Church

Ministry in the Face of Mental Illness

2 Corinthians 1:2–7

During his missions work Paul endured being stoned, beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, snake-bitten and left for dead numerous times. He also struggled with internal issues of depression and despair. In this epistle he confesses to having even despaired of life itself (1 Cor. 1:8). But Paul never gave in and part of what kept him going was the comfort of fellow Christ-followers. In this passage Paul describes the comfort Christ gives us that we can, in turn, offer to others who are in crisis.

God is the source of comfort. (2–3)

Paul employs the word “comfort” nine times in verses 3–7 and 29 times in the letter. The concept of comfort in Scripture has more to do with strengthening than soothing. It does not relieve our pain so much as stiffen our resolve. Some render the literal word in the Greek as “to help by giving courage.” The English word comes from the Latin root “fortis,” from where we get words like “forte,” “fortress” and “fortitude.” According to Scripture it is not about feeling better so much as about feeling stronger.

Paul’s use of “we” and “us” throughout this passage invites the Corinthians to picture themselves in solidarity with Paul before their compassionate God, whose comfort meets them in every distress. Also worth noting is the close connection between the Greek word for “comfort” and the Greek word for “Holy Spirit.” The latter means literally “one who comes alongside.” What an assuring image for us to recall when crisis comes our way. As we walk through the valleys of life the Comforter is walking alongside us.

We are called to be channels of God’s comfort. (4–5)

Paul does not focus on his individual troubles but includes the Corinthians in the sufferings of the church at large. A key phrase to the passage is “so that.” We are comforted (strengthened) by God so that we can comfort (strengthen) others. John Henry Jowett once remarked, “God does not comfort us to make us comfortable but to make us comforters.”

Paul uses the example of Jesus Himself to illustrate that no one is exempt from suffering. Verse 5 notes that “the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives.” From the beginning of His life Jesus was lonely and rejected, a victim of criticism and acquainted with grief. If Jesus was perfect and He suffered, then how can we expect to be exempt? God had one Son without sin but He had no sons without suffering.

Paul assures the Corinthians that Christ’s comfort is stronger than their sufferings. The word “overflow” or “abundance” appears seven times in this letter. Paul is asserting Christ’s comfort abounds more than earthly suffering. Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives Paul declares, “so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” In Romans 5:20 Paul points out that because of Jesus where sin abounds grace abounds all the more. In 2 Corinthians we receive another encouraging word: where suffering abounds, comfort abounds all the more.

We can use our difficulties to comfort others. (6–7)

In verse 7 Paul reminds the Corinthians there is always the possibility the situation can be reversed: Members of the church might go through difficulties and receive God’s comfort so that they can comfort others. “Patient endurance” is an evidence of faith. If we become bitter or rebellious our trials can work against us instead of for us. Part of the challenge is for us to get beyond ourselves and see the needs of others who are suffering. Thus we need to overcome a key temptation: When we are suffering and focusing on ourselves, we become cisterns instead of channels. As faithful followers we can be channels of grace and comfort. Because God has encouraged us we can encourage others.