Daily Devotions
2 Corinthians
"For your consolation and salvation..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:6
REASON FOR SUFFERING
Suffering is never easy to bear. The burden of suffering is more bearable if we know that through our tough times, others may be benefitted.
“Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer.
Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.”
2 Corinthians 1:6
1. “Now if we are afflicted”
a) The word “afflicted” is the same word as “tribulation”.
i) The word “afflicted” helps us to see the kind of “tribulation” Paul wrote about.
ii) He was making reference to difficulties that were placed upon him by detractors.
iii) Paul was severely opposed in his ministry by many enemies of the faith.
b) Some of the “afflictions” or “tribulation”.
i) Physical beatings
ii) Being cast into prison
iii) Stoned
2. “It is for your consolation and salvation”
a) “Consolation”
i) This word simply means “comfort”.
ii) This is the same word that has been used in verses 3-6.
iii) The repeat of the same word in close proximity is called “paronomasia”.
iv) It is a literary device used by writers to bring “emphasis”.
v) His suffering may be a source of “consolation” or “comfort” to those who are in similar suffering.
b) “Salvation”
i) Paul believed that his affliction was not in vain.
ii) Perhaps it would lead some people to find salvation in Christ.
The testimony of Paul’s suffering may lead people to discover faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. “Which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer”
a) The comfort that we have from God will be effective.
b) We will find that we are able to endure the sufferings that we endure for the Lord.
4. “Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation”
(This statement was added by the translators for good measure. This statement was not found even in the Greek text behind the NKJV).