2 Corinthians 1:8

Our trouble. From a statement of general principles on tribulation (vs. 3-7), Paul now turns to the specific trial through which he has recently passed in Asia. Scholars have suggested various experiences that Paul may have had in mind:

a. The tumult raised by Demetrius at Ephesus (Acts 19:22-41). It has been objected, however, that Paul could hardly have despaired of life during this tumult, since it was his friends who persuaded him not to appear in public at the theater, fearful that he would be torn to pieces. Furthermore, Paul had often been in danger of death, as at Lystra, where he was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19, 20), so that the experience at Ephesus would hardly seem to account for the extreme anguish expressed here. The incident at Lystra has been regarded by some as that to which Paul here refers.

b. Some deadly sickness. This proposal hardly seems warranted by the context.

c. The plot of the Jews to kill Paul as he left Corinth, and as a result of which he found it necessary to change his plans (Acts 20:3; cf. 1 Cor. 16:9).

d. The agony of mind and soul Paul suffered over the condition of the Corinthian church, particularly since his second visit, which had so distressed him (see p. 822), and his anxiety over the reception of his previous letter. It is pointed out that Paul reserves his strongest expressions for mental anguish rather than physical danger and suffering. Attention has also been called to the relief that came to Paul with the news of a change in affairs at Corinth (2 Cor. 7:6, 7, 13). Although the expression “despaired even of life” may seem strong for mental anguish, those who have experienced it will testify that circumstances may give rise to such stress of soul that it seems impossible to go on living unless a remedy is found. All things considered, this suggestion seems more probable than the others (cf. AA 323-325).

Pressed out of measure. It is not the suffering itself, but its intensity, that Paul stresses. His purpose is twofold: (1) to express his personal interest in, and concern for, the believers at Corinth, and (2) to encourage them to be steadfast.

Despaired even of life. See above on “our trouble.”