2 Corinthians 1:11-2:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:7-11

In these verses the apostle speaks for the encouragement and edification of the Corinthians; and tells them (2 Cor. 1:7) of his persuasion or stedfast hope that they should receive benefit by the troubles he and his companions in labour and travel had met with, that their faith should not be weakened, but their consolations increased. In order to this he tells them, 1. What their sufferings had been (2 Cor. 1:8): We would not have you ignorant of our trouble. It was convenient for the churches... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

1:8-11 I want you to know, brothers, about the terrible experience which happened to us in Asia, an experience in which we were excessively weighted down till it was beyond bearing, so that we despaired even of life. The only verdict we could give on our condition was the verdict of death; but this happened in order that we should not trust in ourselves but in the God who raises the dead. It was he who rescued us from so terrible a death, and who will rescue us. We hope in him that he will... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:11

You also helping together by prayer for us ,.... Though the apostle ascribes their deliverance solely to God, as the author and efficient cause of it; yet he takes notice of the prayers of the saints for them, as helping causes or means of their obtaining it. It was a very laudable practice in the churches, and worthy of imitation, to pray for the ministers of the Gospel, and especially when under affliction and persecution; see Acts 12:5 , and the prayers of those righteous ones were... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:11

Ye also helping together by prayer - Even an apostle felt the prayers of the Church of God necessary for his comfort and support. What innumerable blessings do the prayers of the followers of God draw down on those who are the objects of them! The gift bestowed - by the means of many persons - The blessings communicated by means of their prayers. Thanks may be given by many - When they who have prayed hear that their prayers are so particularly answered, then all that have prayed... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:11

Verse 11 11.That the gift bestowed upon us through means of many persons. As there is some difficulty in Paul’s words, interpreters differ as to the meaning. I shall not spend time in setting aside the interpretations of others, nor indeed is there any need for this, provided only we are satisfied as to the true and proper meaning. He had said, that the prayers of the Corinthians would be an assistance to him. He now adds a second advantage that would accrue from it — a higher manifestation of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Thanksgiving in the midst of tribulation; uses of sorrow; comforting others; personal references. The ascription begins with "blessed," the strongest term the apostle could employ as representing the highest and strongest emotions, the head-word in the vocabulary of gratitude and praise, found in the Old and New Scriptures, and common to Jews and Gentile Christians. "Blessed;" the best in us acknowledging the God of grace, an anthem in a single utterance, and embodying the whole nature of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:6-11

Personal sufferings. "And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation," etc. The words suggest a few remarks concerning personal sufferings. I. THEY ARE OFTEN EXPERIENCED IN THE BEST OF ENTERPRISES . What a glorious enterprise Paul and his fellow apostles were engaged in!—nothing less than the restoration of mankind to the knowledge, image, and friendship of the great God. Yet how great their sufferings! "We were pressed out of measure, above strength,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

In the depths and out of them. I. THE EMERGENCIES OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD . God's children are often afflicted children. Far from escaping trial, it is frequently multiplied to them. Through much tribulation they enter the kingdom; with much tribulation they often abide in it whilst on earth. For them the furnace seems not seldom to be made "seven times hotter." Children of sorrows follow the "Man of sorrows." Like the apostle, they are sometimes "pressed out of measure,"... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

The sanctifying influence of nearness to death. In God's providence he brings his people sometimes to the "borderland," and, after giving the expectation, and almost the experience, of death, he leads them back to life and labour and relations again. Of this Hezekiah is the prominent Bible example. The sufferings through which the apostle had passed are not here detailed, and there is found much difficulty in deciding to what experiences he refers. Some think he recalls the tumult in... read more

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