2 Corinthians 1:10 He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.
This verse shows the track record of God’s protection of Paul and his companions. The purpose of this verse is to renew the hope of the Corinthians and show them that God was with Paul during his suffering. Paul’s sufferings were not due to his own choice or weakness but were part of his calling as an apostle to take the good news of Jesus to everyone he met.
Paul had faced death many times. Chapter 11 lists some of the types of difficulties he faced. His confidence is built on several factors. One, God had protected him in the past. It is easy for us to forget God’s blessings and protection in the past. Often, all we see is what is before us. Our memories are short. Paul’s memory was clear about this matter. He did not live in the past but he remembered how God had delivered him. Two, God had raised Jesus from the dead and so death does not have the final victory. This gave Paul confidence to share the gospel even in the midst of opposition and suffering. Three, Paul had grown in his faith and hope. Hope is the by-product of faith. Faith grows through tests and trials. Fourth, Paul’s hope was not based solely on salvation in this life. God kept Paul from death on many occasions. Eventually, Paul did lose his life as a martyr by being beheaded by Nero around the year 65.
There are levels of faith. Our faith may be weak today, but it can grow. We may feel that we cannot make it through whatever trial or suffering we are facing. When we feel like this, we can look to others to help us and provide us comfort. Likewise, if we see others struggling with their faith and confidence during a difficult time, we can come along side them and hold them up with encouragement.
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