2 Corinthians 1:1-11
Paul had not written his first epistle to the Corinthians as a critic or severe judge. He himself had been humbled and distressed by the news received from this assembly, more especially as it had reached him at a time when he was undergoing extreme affliction in that city of Ephesus in Asia, where there were many adversaries (v. 8; 1 Corinthians 16:9). Now even such a burden of suffering can be a cause of thanksgiving, for it produces a precious two-fold result. Firstly, it makes the believer lose all confidence in himself (v. 9). Secondly, it causes him to enter into the depths of the Lord’s sympathy. Abundant suffering thus brought to the beloved apostle abundant consolation (v. 5). Consolation is always personal but it allows the one who has experienced it in his turn to share the sorrows of others and to express genuine sympathy for them. After enduring trial with the Lord’s support a Christian is qualified to speak to those who are afflicted and direct their eyes towards "God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort" (v. 3).