Understanding the context and setting of Bible passages and books is crucial. In 2 Corinthians chapter one, we see that even the great apostle Paul experienced suffering throughout his ministry, yet he found comfort and strength in God’s amazing grace. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul penned these powerful words, which have provided comfort and strength to millions of believers since their inception.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3–11, the apostle Paul is referring to the intense trials and tribulations he faced during his ministry. Although the specific circumstances of these trials are not explicitly detailed in this passage, we know from Paul’s other writings and the book of Acts that he experienced various forms of persecution and suffering throughout his missionary journeys.

Paul was chosen by God to be the apostle to the Gentiles. Paul and Paul alone were given the gospel of grace and the doctrine for the body of Christ by the ascended and glorified Lord Jesus around 37-40 AD. The apostle Paul preached the gospel of grace not the gospel of the kingdom for approximately 25 years.

The apostle Paul’s hardships included imprisonment (Acts 16:23-24), beatings (2 Corinthians 11:24-25), and even a stoning that left him for dead (Acts 14:19). He also faced opposition and false accusations from both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 13:50; 2 Corinthians 11:26), as well as life-threatening dangers such as shipwrecks (Acts 27:41-44) and plots against his life (Acts 23:12-15).

In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Paul describes an incident in Turkey (Asia Minor), likely in Ephesus (Acts 19), where he faced such severe persecution that he “despaired even of life” and felt the “sentence of death.” Despite the overwhelming trials, Paul recognized that God allowed these difficulties to teach him and the Corinthians to rely solely on God’s power and not their own strength (2 Corinthians 1:9-11).

Paul’s experiences taught him to rely fully on God’s grace and power. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares a revelation he received from God: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Despite the hardships, Paul’s recognized that God’s grace was sufficient, and he glorified God through his weakness, recognizing that God’s grace was all he needed.

Like Paul, believers today may face various trials and difficulties. However, we can find comfort in knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for us in every situation. By relying on God’s strength and grace, we can persevere and triumph over adversity, glorifying Him in our weakness.

The God of All Comfort

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.’

II Corinthians 1:3-7

The God of All Comfort – (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) Part 1 of 3