2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (WEL) Brethren, we don’t want you to be ignorant of our trouble that happened to us in Asia, for we were under pressure beyond endurance, so much so that we even thought we might die. 9 We had the death sentence on us so that we shouldn’t have confidence in ourselves but in God, who raises the dead. 10 Who delivered us from such a great death and still delivers. In whom we expect will continue to deliver us. 11 Also, you are helping us by praying for us, so that this gift for us from many people will cause many people to give thanks on our behalf.
V8 Brethren, we don’t want you to be ignorant of our trouble that happened to us in Asia, for we were under pressure beyond endurance, so much so that we even thought we might die.
This might refer to Acts 19:23 or a situation not recorded in the book of Acts. There is also the reference of Paul’s suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:24. I would have thought that too.
Psalms 94:19 (EHV) When my worries within me were many, your comfort brought joy to my soul.
It still is amazing to me how believers suffer but God gives us comfort and strength in the midst of it.
V9 We had the death sentence on us so that we shouldn’t have confidence in ourselves but in God, who raises the dead.
He thought he would die. The principle taught is we in ourselves cannot handle these things, but there is one, just one, who can help us. It is the one who can raise the dead—God Himself.
Psalms 31:14-15 (EHV) But I—I trust in you, O LORD. I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who pursue me.
V10 Who delivered us from such a great death and still delivers. In whom we expect will continue to deliver us.
This great death is the final death as the just sentence and punishment for our sins. See Revelation 20:11-15. God is the deliverer. He always has and always will be. Compare Hebrews 2:14-15 and Psalm 71:23.
Note his hope and expectation: He will continue to deliver us. What a wonderful promise.
“I have experienced His presence in the deepest hell that man can create. I have really tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them.” ~ Corrie Ten Boom
V11 Also, you are helping us by praying for us, so that this gift for us from many people will cause many people to give thanks on our behalf.
Principle: let us pray for others. We are a family. We help each other through prayer even if we have nothing else to offer.
God’s deliverance’s should be public proclaimed, if appropriate, for God is glorified.
The Greek word for gift is (G5486) xχάρισμα chárisma, which means (Thayer): “a gift of grace; a favor which one receives without any merit of his own; the gift of divine grace.”
It is by God’s grace that there is deliverance. When we are delivered, shouldn’t we praise the deliverer?
We learn:
- Christians do have difficult times.
- God is the only deliverer.
Questions:
- Are you suffering? What have you done about it?
- How has God helped you in difficult times?