2 Corinthians 1:3-7

The God of All Comfort

Paul went on to thank God and honor him as the source of mercy and comfort. The singer of Israel sang of God in Psalms 86:15. "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth." As McGarvey and Pendleton wrote, "Paul regarded affliction as a school wherein one who is comforted of God is thereby instructed and fitted to become a dispenser of comfort unto others." Comfort, according to G. Campbell Morgan, "literally means strengthened, sustained....This is more than consolation, it is underpinning. It is coming to the side of someone and disannulling all his loneliness and his difficulty--comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Just as Jesus suffered persecution and ridicule, so will Christians, his followers, suffer when they try to imitate Christ. Peter said, "But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:13). That joy should arise from knowing the promise that all will work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). Also, if a Christian suffers, he will be greatly rewarded (2 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Timothy 2:12).

Paul endured persecution so others might hear the gospel message and be converted by his willingness to suffer to proclaim it. The comfort Paul received served to comfort those who also suffered since they knew God would aid them. Those who stood with Paul and the true gospel would likely face the same hardships Paul faced. However, the apostle knew that all would come out for their good since God would give them the same comfort he had received (2 Corinthians 1:6-7).