2 Corinthians 1:3-22

Notes on the text

II Corinthians 1:3-5 – Paul had indeed suffered greatly for the cause of Christ. Suffering is not a sufficient reason not to encourage others.
II Corinthians 1:6-7 – “Comfort” is the idea of being lifted up or cheered. We must patiently endure what suffering comes our way.
II Corinthians 1:8-9 – Paul leaned to rely on God and not on himself. See I Corinthians 3:1-2. Paul is now able to reference Jesus’ resurrection in passing, showing that they had grown.
II Corinthians 1:10-11 – Paul encouraged them to pray on his behalf.
II Corinthians 1:15-17 – See I Corinthians 16:5-7. He wanted to visit them on the way back and forth to Macedonia, but apparently his plans had changed.
II Corinthians 1:18-20 – Paul addresses criticism that he was fickle with his plans. Timothy and Silvanus (likely the same person known as Silas in other passages) were with Paul on his second journey. “Amen” is transliterated from Hebrew and means, “I believe.” It is also translated “verily” or “assuredly” when it comes at the beginning of a sentence.
II Corinthians 1:21-22 – See Also Romans 8:16-17. Compare Ephesians 1:13 (“sealed”); 4:30.

What have you suffered or experienced that you are using to serve and comfort others.