Verse 5
Paul personally experienced many afflictions and sorrows, to which he began to refer here. However note that it is a particular kind of suffering to which he referred: the sufferings of Christ (cf. 1 Peter 2:20). These were the sufferings Paul was experiencing because he belonged to Christ and stood up for Christ in a hostile environment.
"Suffering which is the consequence of disobedience and selfishness has no blessing in it and cannot possibly be described as ’of Christ.’" [Note: Hughes, p. 14. Cf. 1 Peter 2:20.]
"Samuel Rutherford wrote to one of his friends, ’God has called you to Christ’s side, and the wind is now in Christ’s face in this land: and seeing ye are with Him ye cannot expect the lee-side or the sunny side of the brae [hill].’" [Note: William Barclay, The Letters to the Corinthians, p. 190.]
Paul’s point in this verse was this. Regardless of how great our sufferings for Christ may be, God will not only match them but exceed them with His comfort, strength, and encouragement.
Be the first to react on this!
