2 Corinthians 1:8 - Exposition

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant. This is a favourite phrase with St. Paul ( Romans 1:13 ; Romans 11:25 ; 1 Corinthians 12:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ). Of our trouble; rather, about our affliction . He assumes that they are aware what the trouble was, and he does not specially mention it. What he wants them to know is that, by the help of their prayers and sympathy, God had delivered him out of this affliction, crushing as it was. Which came to us in Asia. Most commentators refer this to the tumult at Ephesus ( Acts 19:1-41 .); and since St. Paul's dangers, sicknesses, and troubles are clearly understated throughout the Acts, it is possible that the perils and personal maltreatment which were liable to occur during such a season of excitement may have brought on some violent illness; or, again, be may have suffered from some plots ( 1 Corinthians 16:9 , 32; Acts 20:19 ) or shipwreck ( 2 Corinthians 11:25 ). In Romans 16:4 he alludes again to some extreme peril. But St. Paul seems systematically to have made light of external dangers and sufferings. All his strongest expressions (see Romans 9:1-3 , etc.) are reserved for mental anguish and affliction. What he felt most keenly was the pang of lacerated affections. It is, therefore, possible that he is here alluding to the overpowering tumult of feelings which had been aroused by his anxiety as to the reception likely to be accorded to his first letter. To this and the accompanying circumstances he alludes again and again ( 2 Corinthians 2:4 , 2 Corinthians 2:12 ; 2 Corinthians 7:5 , etc.). The sense of "comfort'' resulting from the tidings brought by Titus ( 2 Corinthians 7:6 , 2 Corinthians 7:7 , 2 Corinthians 7:13 ) is as strong as that expressed in these verses, and the allusion to this anguish of heart is specially appropriate here, because he is dwelling on the sympathetic communion between himself and his converts, both in their sorrows and their consolations. That we were pressed cut of measure, above strength; literally, that toe were weighed down exceedingly beyond our power . The trial seemed too heavy for him to bear. The phrase here rendered "out of measure" occurs in 2 Corinthians 4:17 ; Romans 7:13 ; 1 Corinthians 12:31 ; Galatians 1:13 ; but is only found in this particular group of letters. Insomuch that we despaired even of life. This rendering conveys the meaning. Literally it is, so that we were even in utter perplexity ( 2 Corinthians 4:8 ) even about life . "I fell into such agony of mind that I hardly hoped to survive." Generally, although he was often in perplexity, he succeeded in resisting despair ( 2 Corinthians 4:8 ).