FocusHelp received and shared
Connection to the wholePaul blesses God for comfort that equips believers to comfort others and recounts a severe trial that deepened dependence on God.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 1:6
KJVAnd whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Read it in context
Comfort in affliction
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 1:1 (2 Corinthians 1:1 to 2 Corinthians 1:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul blesses God for comfort that equips believers to comfort others and recounts a severe trial that deepened dependence on God.
- 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
- 1:2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
- 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
- 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
- 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
- 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
- 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
- 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
- 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
- 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 1:1–7:16): Paul addresses the Corinthian believers about his afflictions, ministry, changed travel plans, and their response to his earlier painful dealings, as reported by Titus. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Comfort in affliction. Read 2 Corinthians 1:1 through 2 Corinthians 1:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul blesses God for comfort that equips believers to comfort others and recounts a severe trial that deepened dependence on God. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Comfort in affliction (2 Corinthians 1:1 to 2 Corinthians 1:11). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:11, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- whether 2 Cor 1:4 2 Cor 4:15-18 1 Cor 3:21-23 2 Tim 2:10
- it is Acts 21:5
- effectual 2 Cor 4:17 2 Cor 5:5 Rom 5:3-5 Rom 8:28 Phil 1:19 Heb 12:10-11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 1
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Paul explains his conduct
2 Corinthians 1:12–24FocusSincerity and changed plans
Connection to the wholeThe defense of his sincerity and travel plans addresses strained relations, distinguishing pastoral concern from unreliability.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation The ministry entrusted to Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14–7:16FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.