2 Corinthians 1:5

The sufferings of Christ. The expression may mean either sufferings endured for Christ’s sake or the sufferings of Christ Himself that are shared by His followers. The Greek construction, “of Christ,” permits the second meaning, which raises the question:

In what sense are the sufferings of Christ to abound in us? Christ asked His disciples, “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?” (Matt. 20:22). Peter speaks of being “partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (1 Peter 4:13). It is the Christian’s privilege to know “the fellowship of his sufferings” (Phil. 3:10), “always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus” (2 Cor. 4:10). According to the first interpretation, “the sufferings of Christ” are those endured for His sake. As Christ’s sufferings were occasioned by opposition, contempt, persecution, trial, and want, so are those of His disciples.

The value of suffering depends, however, not so much upon the circumstances that occasion it, as upon the attitude of the sufferer toward it (cf. 1 Cor. 13:3, RSV). Willingness to suffer is not of itself an evidence of Christianity. Countless thousands who have uncomplainingly experienced trials and sufferings were not children of God. It is fellowship with Christ that ennobles and sanctifies suffering (see 1 Peter 2:20, 21).

Consolation. Gr. paraklesis (see on v. 3).

Aboundeth. See on Eph. 3:20. In all his earthly distresses Paul was fully satisfied with the “comfort” provided from Heaven.