II Corinthians 1:6
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If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
we . . . afflicted . . . for your consolation--exemplifying the communion of saints. Their hearts were, so to speak, mirrors reflecting the likenesses of each other (Phi 2:26-27) [BENGEL]. Alike the afflictions and the consolations of the apostle tend, as in him so in them, as having communion with him, to their consolation (Co2 1:4; Co2 4:15). The Greek for "afflicted" is the same as before, and ought to be translated, "Whether we be in tribulation." which is effectual--literally, "worketh effectually." in the enduring, &c.--that is, in enabling you to endure "the same sufferings which we also suffer." Here follows, in the oldest manuscripts (not as English Version in the beginning of Co2 1:7), the clause, "And our hope is steadfast on your behalf."
Open source ↗After the introduction (Co2 1:1, Co2 1:2) the apostle begins with the narrative of his troubles and God's goodness, which he had met with in Asia, by way of thanksgiving to God (Co2 1:3-6), and for the edification of the Corinthians (Co2 1:7-11). Then he attests his and his fellow-labourers' integrity (Co2 1:12-14), and afterwards vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy (Co2 1:15-24).
Open source ↗1:6 it is for your comfort and salvation! Paul’s sharing in their troubles and offering of encouragement promotes their spiritual well-being.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
So I ask you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.
And God has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.
And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us.