Paul had apparently told the church in Corinth that he was going to visit them on his mission trip. Since his proposed route ran through Corinth, he imagined that he would see them on the way to the “turn around point” and then again on his way back. That didn’t happen. Paul tells the church that he felt that it would be better if he came and stayed for one longer period, especially since he didn’t want to make a short visit and have it be “painful”, meaning that he had some difficult things to tell them.
There were some who probably criticized Paul for his actions (that’s why he is explaining them). But it seems he had good reason and healthy motives in passing by them initially.
This chapter begins with Paul’s underlying desire: to bring comfort to the church. His first motivation wasn’t to indulge himself, but to sacrifice for others. That’s a great example for all of us.
Paul also reminds us that when we go through difficult times we should remember that that same God who allows the difficulties also provides for our comfort. He is able! In fact, this is one of those passages that tells us when God comforts us, it is meant to be shared with others. Think of it this way: if God allows me to endure a painful trial, so that I can receive comfort afterwards, and then be able to comfort someone else (who may not be as close to God), that’s worth it. That’s a good investment of my endurance and emotional energy.
Paul has recently been tested “to the max”. It seems that it was so difficult, he didn’t think that he would survive it. I don’t know exactly what the trial or persecution was, but for Paul to say this, it must have really been severe.
That’s worth remembering the next time I am feeling stressed out, abandoned or unloved…or just plain overworked and underappreciated. When God brings comfort to me, I should pass that same comfort along to others. In this way, the more difficulties I have to endure, the more comfort I receive, and the more effective I am in my witness and ministry.
Praying that your times of testing will seem less threatening,
PR