Daily Lesson for Sunday 23rd of August 2026
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. What is the reason for Paul’s attitude of thanksgiving here?
Paul’s thankfulness focuses on the comfort that God provides for those who are suffering. In this passage, the verb parakaleō (to comfort) and the noun paraklēsis (comfort) occur together ten times. This represents one third of all occurrences of these words in 2 Corinthians (29 times). God is portrayed as the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NKJV).
“Come Unto Me” Image ©Lars Justinen by Lars Justinen of GoodSalt.com
The comfort one receives from God is not to be kept for oneself (2 Corinthians 1:4-5). Only the afflicted heart that became the recipient of God’s consolation is able to impart comfort effectively to those in affliction, too.
Paul could comfort others because he himself, in his sufferings, received comfort from God. “If we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation. . . . Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation” (2 Corinthians 1:6, NKJV; emphasis supplied). This is love!
What is Paul expressing thanks for in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11?
Paul speaks of trouble “beyond measure, above strength” that made him and his fellow workers fear that the end had come to them (2 Corinthians 1:8). For a moment, they thought the resurrection was their only hope. However, God delivered them, and the scenario changed (2 Corinthians 1:10). From the fear of death (2 Corinthians 1:8), they rise to an implicit hope that God would deliver them once again (2 Corinthians 1:10). God’s victories in the past give us confidence that He will do the same in the future. God uses afflictions to teach us to trust in Him. Hardships can lead us to spiritual maturity, at least to the extent that we allow them to draw us closer to God. Paul’s thanksgiving also displays the power of intercessory prayer and the gratitude we experience because of God’s deliverance (2 Corinthians 1:11).
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What have you found helpful in dealing with the suffering that, one way or another, we all face? |
