2 Corinthians 1:6

If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.

Study Bible

If we are afflicted
The Greek word for "afflicted" here is "θλιβόμεθα" (thlibometha), which conveys a sense of being pressed or burdened. In the historical context of Paul's ministry, afflictions were common due to persecution and hardships faced for the sake of the Gospel. This phrase highlights the reality of suffering in the Christian life, reminding believers that afflictions are not without purpose. They serve as a means of refining faith and character, aligning with the broader biblical narrative that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.

it is for your comfort and salvation
The word "comfort" in Greek is "παράκλησις" (paraklēsis), which means encouragement or consolation. Paul emphasizes that his sufferings are not in vain but serve a greater purpose for the Corinthian believers. The term "salvation" (σωτηρία, sōtēria) here is not just about eternal deliverance but also encompasses the ongoing process of being saved from sin's power and presence. This phrase underscores the interconnectedness of the Christian community, where one believer's trials can lead to the spiritual benefit and growth of others.

if we are comforted
The comfort Paul refers to is not merely emotional relief but a profound sense of peace and encouragement that comes from God. The Greek root "παρακαλέω" (parakaleō) suggests a calling to one's side, indicating the intimate presence of God in times of distress. This comfort is a testament to God's faithfulness and serves as a model for how believers can support one another through life's challenges.

it is for your comfort
Reiterating the earlier point, Paul stresses that his experiences of divine comfort are meant to be shared with the Corinthian church. This reflects the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and the communal nature of the Christian faith. The comfort received by one believer is intended to overflow into the lives of others, fostering a supportive and nurturing community.

which accomplishes in you
The Greek word "ἐνεργεῖται" (energeitai) implies an active, ongoing process. This suggests that the comfort and encouragement believers receive are not static but dynamic, working within them to produce spiritual fruit. This aligns with the scriptural theme that God is continually at work in the lives of His people, shaping them into the likeness of Christ (Philippians 1:6).

patient endurance
The term "ὑπομονή" (hypomonē) is often translated as perseverance or steadfastness. It denotes a steadfastness under trial, a key virtue in the Christian life. This endurance is not passive but an active, hopeful waiting, rooted in faith and trust in God's promises. Historically, the early church faced significant persecution, and this endurance was crucial for maintaining faith amidst trials.

of the same sufferings we experience
Paul identifies with the sufferings of the Corinthian believers, emphasizing the shared nature of Christian suffering. The phrase "same sufferings" indicates that the trials faced by Paul and the Corinthians are part of the common experience of following Christ. This solidarity in suffering serves to strengthen the bonds within the Christian community and provides a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of this letter, the church in Corinth, was a diverse and often troubled congregation in a major Greek city known for its immorality and idolatry.

3. Afflictions and Comfort
Paul speaks of the afflictions he and his companions endure, which serve a purpose for the comfort and salvation of others, particularly the Corinthians.

4. Patient Endurance
A theme in this passage, patient endurance is the ability to withstand suffering with faith and perseverance, a quality Paul encourages in the Corinthians.

5. Salvation
The ultimate goal of the afflictions and comfort is the salvation of believers, a central theme in Paul's writings.

Teaching Points

Purpose in Suffering
Suffering is not meaningless; it serves a purpose in God's plan, often leading to the comfort and salvation of others.

Shared Comfort
The comfort we receive from God is meant to be shared with others, creating a community of support and encouragement.

Developing Endurance
Endurance is developed through experiencing and overcoming trials, strengthening our faith and character.

Empathy through Experience
Our own experiences of suffering enable us to empathize with others, making us more effective in ministering to them.

Focus on Salvation
The ultimate goal of enduring afflictions is the salvation of ourselves and others, keeping our focus on eternal outcomes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the purpose of suffering change your perspective on personal trials?

2. In what ways can you share the comfort you have received from God with others in your community?

3. How can the concept of patient endurance be applied in your current life situation?

4. Reflect on a time when your own experiences of suffering helped you empathize with someone else. How did it impact your relationship with them?

5. How can focusing on the ultimate goal of salvation help you endure present challenges? Consider other scriptures that reinforce this perspective.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 5:3-5
This passage discusses how suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, similar to the patient endurance mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:6.

Philippians 1:29
Paul speaks about suffering for Christ as a gift, which aligns with the idea that afflictions serve a greater purpose.

James 1:2-4
James encourages believers to consider trials as joy because they produce perseverance, echoing the message of patient endurance.