For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ. [By "sufferings of Christ" Paul means the persecutions, etc., suffered for Christ's sake. As Christ himself suffered while on the earth, so the church, his mystical body, must likewise suffer while in the flesh (Philippians 3:17; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 3:13; 1 Peter 4:13; Acts 9:4). It does this because it lives as he did, and its work is in a sense supplemental to his (Colossians 1:24; John 17:14; John 18:19-20). It is comforted by the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18), with the sense of the present love of Christ, and assured hope of reward; a sense of increased power to assist and comfort others; a trust that all things are working together for good (2 Corinthians 4:17). The measure of affliction becomes also the measure of comfort.]

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Old Testament