2 Corinthians 1:5

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

For {G3754} as {G2531} the sufferings {G3804} of Christ {G5547} abound {G4052} in {G1519} us {G2248}, so {G3779} our {G2257} consolation {G3874} also {G2532} aboundeth {G4052} by {G1223} Christ {G5547}.

For just as the Messiah’s sufferings overflow into us, so through the Messiah our encouragement also overflows.

For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:5, succinctly articulates a profound truth about the Christian life: the intimate connection between suffering endured for Christ and the divine comfort received through Him. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement, especially for believers navigating trials and afflictions.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening salutation and thanksgiving in his second letter to the church in Corinth. Paul begins by blessing God, "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). He immediately connects this to his own experiences, explaining how God comforts him in all his tribulation, not just for his own sake, but so that he might in turn comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). The Corinthian believers were aware of Paul's considerable hardships as an apostle, and this passage reassures them that God's presence was powerful even amidst his intense suffering and persecution.

Key Themes

  • Shared Sufferings with Christ: The phrase "sufferings of Christ" (Greek: pathēmata tou Christou) refers not to Christ's atoning work on the cross, but to the afflictions endured by believers for the sake of Christ and His gospel. These are sufferings that align with the pattern of Christ's own life and ministry, indicating a spiritual identification with Him. It implies that to follow Christ often means participating in His rejection and hardship (see also Romans 8:17).
  • Proportional Consolation: The structure "as...so also" highlights a divine principle: the measure of suffering endured for Christ is directly paralleled by the measure of comfort received from Him. This is not a mere human coping mechanism but a supernatural infusion of strength, peace, and encouragement.
  • Christ as the Source of Comfort: The consolation "aboundeth by Christ." This emphasizes that the comfort is not self-generated or derived from external circumstances, but flows directly from Jesus Christ Himself. He is the ultimate source of solace and spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "abound" (perisseuō) means to be over and above, to superabound, or to overflow. Paul uses this powerful term to indicate that both the sufferings and the consolation are not merely present but are in rich supply, often exceeding expectation. The term for "consolation" (paraklēsis) is significant; it implies more than just sympathy. It encompasses encouragement, exhortation, and strengthening, often associated with the work of the Holy Spirit, who is called the Paraclete or "Comforter" in the Gospel of John.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 1:5 offers profound hope and perspective on suffering. It teaches us that:

  • Suffering has Purpose: When endured for Christ's sake, our trials are not meaningless but are opportunities for deeper identification with Him and His mission.
  • Divine Comfort is Guaranteed: No matter how intense the suffering, God promises an equally abundant, if not overflowing, supply of comfort and spiritual strength through Christ. This comfort enables us to endure and even thrive in adversity.
  • Our Experience Equips Us: As Paul implies in the surrounding verses, the comfort we receive from Christ in our own sufferings prepares us to minister and comfort others who are going through similar trials (see 2 Corinthians 1:6). This transforms personal pain into a powerful tool for ministry and empathy within the body of Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 1:24

    Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

  • Philippians 3:10

    That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

  • Philippians 1:20

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:10

    Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:11

    For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:16

    ¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:17

    Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

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