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DISPAIRING OF LIFE -

  • Writer: Wardell Brantley
    Wardell Brantley
  • May 2
  • 2 min read

My Daily Life Parallels this passage.


2 Corinthians 1:8. Paul describes a severe affliction he and his companions experienced in Asia, stating they were "pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life" (KJV) due to being overwhelmed beyond their power.


  • 2 Corinthians 1:8–9): Paul explains, "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death" (ESV).

  • Purpose of the Despair: Paul explains in verse 9 that this extreme situation was allowed so that they would "not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead".

  • The Cause: While not explicitly detailed, scholars believe this refers to extreme persecution or life-threatening danger, such as a riot in Ephesus or an incident of imprisonment.


PAUL'S AFFLICTIONS

Paul the Apostle endured extreme physical, emotional, and spiritual afflictions, including five Jewish scourgings, three beatings with rods, stoning, three shipwrecks, frequent imprisonment, and dangerous journeys. He consistently faced hunger, thirst, sleeplessness, cold, and persecution from both enemies and false believers while carrying the "daily pressure" of his concern for all the churches.


Physical and External Trials (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)

  • Violent Punishments: Five times he received 39 lashes from the Jews; three times beaten with rods; once stoned and left for dead.

  • Imprisonment: Spent over five years in various prisons for his faith.

  • Dangerous Journeys: Survived three shipwrecks, including being adrift at sea for a night and a day.

  • Constant Threats: Faced threats from robbers, Gentiles, his own countrymen, and "false brothers" in both cities and wilderness.

  • Physical Deprivation: Suffered frequent hunger, thirst, cold, nakedness, and lack of sleep.


Internal and Spiritual Afflictions

  • "Thorn in the Flesh": Described as a messenger of Satan that buffeted him to prevent pride; many suggest it was a physical ailment (like eye trouble), which God refused to remove, promising grace instead.

  • Mental/Emotional Strain: Expressed daily anxiety and care for all the churches he founded.

  • Despair of Life: In Asia, he experienced such severe tribulation that he "despaired of life itself".


The Purpose of Paul's Suffering

Paul viewed these trials as a way to demonstrate God's strength through his weakness, allowing him to share in the sufferings of Christ. These trials served to prove his apostleship and allowed him to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel



 
 
 

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