2 Corinthians 1:8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
One of the reasons Paul writes this letter is given in this verse. He wants to let the Corinthians know about his suffering. This is not to boast in his own abilities. His catalog of suffering is intended to help the Corinthians see the value of their own suffering and to see that Paul and they are on the same team. Paul’s suffering does not his weakness but his connection with other believers who are experiencing similar challenges. He suffered many things in Asia. Acts records many of these. The list he gives later in chs. 11-12 is longer and more inclusive of the types of experiences he had in his ministry.
Paul’s suffering was not light weight, like many modern people, especially in the West, experience today. His burden was overbearing (hyperbole), excessive, and too much to bear without God’s help. His suffering weighed heavily upon him. He does not say what that suffering was at this point but will give several lists later in the letter. The burden he bore was beyond his strength. There are many things that are beyond our ability to understand, choose the right course, or stand up under peer or social pressure. Paul came to the point of wanting to give up and “despaired of life itself.” This could be the sign of the beginning of depression. But Paul would not let that happen to him. He turned to the grace of God in Christ to find his way through this haze of doubt and uncertainty. Paul’s confidence did not come in what he could do on his own but in Jesus who is the representative of God’s optimistic grace.
Ministry can be a heavy burden to bear. The minister carries the mental worry for people and this will affect his or her spiritual well-being. More and more in this world, believers are experiencing more hardship from unbelievers. Suffering is not just something pastors face. The divide of clergy and laity was not well-defined or clear in Paul’s day. The suffering he had from his ministry and witness was common for all who truly believed in Jesus and committed their lives to him. Suffering like this is not pleasant. Most people try to avoid it as much as possible. But praise be to God, we have an outlet and resource to sustain us through our trials, not only just to get by, but to even have victory.
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