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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 1:7–11.
In these verses the apostle speaks for the encouragement and edification of the Corinthians; and tells them (Co2 1:7) of his persuasion or stedfast hope that they should receive benefit by the troubles he and his companions in labour and travel had met with, that their faith should not be weakened, but their consolations increased. In order to this he tells them, 1. What their sufferings had been (Co2 1:8): We would not have you ignorant of our trouble. It was convenient for the churches to know what were the sufferings of their ministers. It is not certain what particular troubles in Asia are here referred to; whether the tumult raised by Demetrius at Ephesus, mentioned Acts 19, or the fight with beasts at Ephesus, mentioned in the former epistle (Co1 15:32), or some other trouble; for the apostle was in deaths often. This however is evident, that they were great tribulations. They were pushed out of measure, to a very extraordinary degree, above the common strength of men, or of ordinary Christians, to bear up under them, insomuch that they despaired even of life (Co2 1:8), and thought they should have been killed, or have fainted away and expired. 2. What they did in their distress: They trusted in God. And they were brought to this extremity in order that they should not trust in themselves but in God, Co2 1:9. Note, God often brings his people into great straits, that they may apprehend their own insufficiency to help themselves, and may be induced to place their trust and hope in his all-sufficiency. Our extremity is God's opportunity. In the mount will the Lord be seen; and we may safely trust in God, who raiseth the dead, Co2 1:9. God's raising the dead is a proof of his almighty power. He that can do this can do any thing, can do all things, and is worthy to be trusted in at all times. Abraham's faith fastened upon this instance of the divine power: He believed God who quickeneth the dead, Rom 4:17. If we should be brought so low as to despair even of life, yet we may then trust in God, who can bring back not only from the gates, but from the jaws, of death. 3. What the deliverance was that they had obtained; and this was seasonable and continued. Their hope and trust were not in vain, nor shall any who trust in him be ashamed. God had delivered them, and did still deliver them, Co2 1:10. Having obtained help of God, they continued to that day, Act 26:22. 4. What use they made of this deliverance: We trust that he will yet deliver us (Co2 1:10), that God will deliver to the end, and preserve to his heavenly kingdom. Note, Past experiences are great encouragements to faith and hope, and they lay great obligations to trust in God for time to come. We reproach our experiences if we distrust God in future straits, who hath delivered as in former troubles. David, even when a young man, and when he had but a small stock of experiences, argued after the manner of the apostle here, Sa1 17:37. 5. What was desired of the Corinthians upon this account: That they would help together by prayer for them (Co2 1:11), by social prayer, agreeing and joining together in prayer on their behalf. Note, our trusting in God must not supersede the use of any proper and appointed means; and prayer is one of those means. We should pray for ourselves and for one another. The apostle had himself a great interest in the throne of grace, yet he desires the help of others' prayers. If we thus help one another by our prayers, we may hope for an occasion of giving thanks by many for answer of prayer. And it is our duty not only to help one another with prayer, but in praise and thanksgiving, and thereby to make suitable returns for benefits received.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"And our hope for you is steadfast." That is, though ye should suffer ills innumerable, we are confident that ye will not turn round, either upon your own trials or upon our persecutions. For so far are we from suspecting you of being confounded on account of our sufferings that even when yourselves are in peril, we are then confident concerning you.
Seest thou how great had been their advance since the former Epistle? For he hath here witnessed of them far greater things than of the Macedonians, whom throughout that Epistle he extolleth and commendeth. For on their [the Macedonians'] account he feared and saith, "We sent unto you Timothy...to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith, that no man be moved by these afflictions, for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed." And again: "For this cause when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by any means the tempter hath tempted you: and our labor should be in vain." But of these [the Corinthians] he saith nothing of this kind, but quite the contrary, "Our hope for you is steadfast."
"Or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. Knowing that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so also are ye of the comfort."
That for their sakes the Apostles were afflicted, he showed when he said, "whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation:" he wishes also to show that for their sakes also they were comforted. He said this indeed even a little above, although somewhat generally, thus; "Blessed be God, Who comforteth us in all our afflictions, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any affliction." He repeats it here too in other words more clearly and more home to their needs. "For whether we be comforted," says he, "it is for your comfort." What he means is this; our comfort becometh your refreshment, even though we should not comfort you by word. If we be but a little refreshed, this availeth for encouragement to you; and if we be ourselves comforted, this becometh your comfort.
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Summary
In 2 Corinthians 1:7, the Apostle Paul expresses his unwavering confidence in the Corinthian believers, affirming that just as they share in the sufferings experienced for the sake of Christ and the gospel, they will likewise share fully in the divine comfort and consolation that God provides. This verse serves as a foundational statement of mutual experience and hope, establishing a deep empathetic connection between Paul and the Corinthian church amidst their collective trials and tribulations.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the opening salutation and thanksgiving of Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians. Paul has just recounted his profound personal sufferings in Asia and the miraculous deliverance by God, emphasizing that God comforts him in all his tribulation so that he, in turn, can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). Verse 7 directly follows this declaration, extending the principle of shared suffering and comfort from Paul's personal experience to the collective experience of the Corinthian church. It sets an empathetic tone, assuring the Corinthians that Paul understands their struggles and that their shared experience in suffering guarantees their shared experience in God's comfort, thereby reinforcing their spiritual bond and preparing them for the challenging topics addressed later in the letter.
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The church in Corinth faced numerous internal divisions and external pressures, including persecution and opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities. Paul himself had endured significant hardship, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks, often for the sake of the gospel (as detailed in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27). The Corinthian believers, by identifying with Christ, would inevitably face similar opposition and suffering. Paul's emphasis on "sufferings" (πάθημα, pathēma) would resonate deeply with a community experiencing various forms of affliction, whether social ostracism, economic hardship, or direct persecution, all for their faith in Christ.
Key Themes
A predominant theme in this verse, and indeed throughout 2 Corinthians, is the profound connection between suffering and divine comfort. Paul consistently presents suffering not as a sign of God's abandonment, but as a pathway to experiencing God's profound consolation and demonstrating Christ's power (as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Another crucial theme is steadfast hope, which is not merely wishful thinking but a firm assurance rooted in God's faithfulness and the shared reality of the Christian journey. This hope undergirds their ability to endure trials. Furthermore, the concept of fellowship in Christ is central, highlighting the deep spiritual bond that unites believers in both their afflictions and their experience of God's grace, echoing sentiments found in Philippians 3:10.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the provided Strong's G1680, elpís signifies expectation, usually with pleasure, or confidence. In this context, Paul's "hope" is not a mere wish but a deep, unwavering confidence and assurance regarding the spiritual state and future comfort of the Corinthian believers. It is a theological virtue, a firm trust in God's promises and character, particularly His faithfulness to provide comfort to those who suffer for Him.
Based on Strong's G2844, koinōnós means a sharer or associate. This word denotes a deep, intimate participation, fellowship, or partnership. It implies more than just experiencing something alongside someone; it suggests a mutual bond and shared involvement. When Paul states the Corinthians are "partakers of the sufferings," he emphasizes their profound, shared experience and solidarity with Christ and with Paul himself in enduring hardship for the gospel.
According to Strong's G3874, paráklēsis encompasses imploration, hortation, and solace. It is the same root word from which "Paraclete" (Helper/Comforter) is derived, underscoring the divine source and nature of this comfort. Here, it refers to the divine comfort, encouragement, and strength that God provides to His people in their afflictions, enabling them to persevere and find peace amidst their trials.
Verse Breakdown
"And our hope of you is stedfast,"
Paul begins by declaring his firm and unwavering confidence in the Corinthian believers. The term "stedfast" (Greek: bébaios, G949) means firm, sure, or unwavering, indicating that Paul's expectation regarding their spiritual resilience and ultimate reception of divine comfort is not based on fleeting emotion but on a solid conviction. This hope is "of you," meaning it pertains to their spiritual well-being and endurance.
"knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings,"
This clause reveals the basis of Paul's steadfast hope. His knowledge (Greek: eídō, G1492, "to know") is that the Corinthians are actively "partakers" (Greek: koinōnós, G2844) or sharers in the "sufferings" (Greek: páthēma, G3804). These sufferings are not merely general hardships but afflictions endured specifically for their faith in Christ and their association with the gospel. Paul acknowledges their shared experience in the difficult realities of Christian life.
"so shall ye be also of the consolation."
This is the profound promise and assurance. The conjunction "so" (Greek: hoútō, G3779) establishes a direct, proportional relationship: just as they share in the sufferings, they will equally and certainly share in the divine "consolation" (Greek: paráklēsis, G3874). This comfort is not merely human sympathy but a supernatural strengthening and encouragement from God, ensuring that their endurance in suffering will be met with an equivalent measure of divine solace and support.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in 2 Corinthians 1:7 to convey his message with power and clarity. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically a chiastic or balanced structure. The verse sets up a direct correspondence: "as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." This symmetrical arrangement emphasizes the direct and inevitable link between experiencing hardship for Christ and receiving divine comfort. The use of Assurance is also evident, as Paul's declaration "our hope of you is stedfast, knowing" conveys a deep, confident conviction rather than a mere wish. This tone of certainty aims to instill confidence and encouragement in the Corinthians. Furthermore, the concept of "partakers" can be seen as a Metaphor for deep, intimate fellowship, likening the shared experience of suffering and comfort to a common portion or inheritance, underscoring the profound unity between Paul, the Corinthians, and ultimately, Christ.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Corinthians 1:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth central to Christian experience: suffering for Christ is intrinsically linked to experiencing His divine comfort. This is not a transactional relationship, but a revelation of God's faithfulness and the nature of the Christian journey. God does not promise a life free from hardship, but He does promise His sustaining presence and abundant comfort within those hardships. This comfort equips believers not only to endure but also to minister to others who are suffering, creating a cycle of grace and empathy within the body of Christ. The steadfast hope mentioned is rooted in God's character—His immutable love and power to bring good out of all circumstances, even the most painful ones. This verse assures believers that their trials are not in vain but are pathways to deeper reliance on God and richer experiences of His solace.
Reflection and Application
2 Corinthians 1:7 offers immense encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating the inevitable challenges of life and faith. It reminds us that suffering is not an anomaly in the Christian walk but a shared reality that connects us deeply with Christ and with one another. When we experience hardship—whether it's persecution for our beliefs, the pain of loss, or the struggles inherent in a fallen world—this verse assures us that we are not alone. More profoundly, it promises an accompanying divine comfort that is proportionate to our suffering. This comfort is not the absence of pain, but the presence of God's sustaining grace, peace, and strength within the pain. Embracing this truth transforms our perspective on adversity, allowing us to view trials as opportunities to experience God's intimate care and to develop a deeper, more resilient faith. It also calls us to be channels of this comfort to others, having personally received it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "sufferings" is Paul referring to in 2 Corinthians 1:7?
The "sufferings" (Greek: páthēma) Paul refers to are primarily those endured for the sake of Christ and the gospel. While the term can encompass general human hardships, in the context of Paul's letters, it often specifically denotes the afflictions, persecutions, and trials that believers face because of their identification with Christ and their commitment to spreading His message. These could include social ostracism, verbal abuse, physical persecution, imprisonment, or even the internal struggles and anxieties that arise from faithfully serving God in a hostile world. Paul himself was a prime example of someone who suffered extensively for the gospel, as detailed in 2 Corinthians 11:23-27.
What does it mean to be "partakers" of sufferings and consolation?
To be "partakers" (Greek: koinōnós) signifies a deep, intimate sharing or fellowship. It means that believers are not merely observers of suffering or comfort, but active participants in them. In suffering, it implies a solidarity with Christ, who Himself suffered, and with fellow believers who endure similar trials (as seen in Philippians 3:10). In consolation, it means experiencing God's divine comfort and strength firsthand, not as an external gift, but as an internal reality that sustains and empowers. This shared experience creates a profound bond within the Christian community, as believers walk alongside each other in both joy and sorrow, knowing that God is intimately involved in every aspect of their journey.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Corinthians 1:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "sufferings" of which believers are "partakers" are fundamentally a participation in the sufferings of Christ Himself. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, endured unimaginable suffering—rejection, betrayal, and ultimately, the agony of the cross—to secure salvation for humanity (as prophesied in Isaiah 53:3-5 and fulfilled in Matthew 27). Believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, are called to share in His sufferings, not in an atoning sense, but in the experience of hardship and opposition that comes from following Him in a fallen world (Colossians 1:24). Correspondingly, the "consolation" promised is the very comfort that flows from Christ's victory over sin and death. His resurrection guarantees that suffering is not the final word, and that divine comfort, peace, and ultimate triumph are assured for those who are in Him (as seen in John 16:33 and Romans 8:17-18). Thus, in Christ, our suffering is sanctified, and our consolation is eternally secured, making Him the ultimate source and embodiment of both the shared journey and the promised comfort.