2 Corinthians 4:8-11

Troubled on every side. Verses 8–10 contain four pairs of contrasts. On the one side they illustrate the frailty of the earthen vessel, and on the other the excellency of the power of God despite this frailty. See on ch. 1:4. Every Christian, and particularly the Christian minister, finds himself in the midst of a great battle, the age-long warfare between Christ and Satan (Eph. 6:10–17; Rev. 12:7–12, 17). Consequently, he cannot escape trial and tribulation (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rev. 7:14). Yet the success that attends the efforts of the frail human instrument in the midst of tribulation and distress demonstrates the presence of divine power (Rom. 8:35–39). Therefore no man may “glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14). The clearest and most effective revelation of Christ is made in and through men and women who triumph by God’s grace.

Yet not distressed. The buoyancy of Paul’s indomitable spirit has inspired countless thousands of ambassadors for Christ to be loyal, brave, and courageous in the midst of uncertainty, disappointment, difficulty, persecution, and death. Circumstances do not determine the climate of the Christian soul. He endures because he sees his invisible Lord, and is sustained by the light of divine grace (see Heb. 11:27).

Perplexed. Gr. aporeō, “to be in doubt.” Paul had often found himself in situations where, from a human point of view, there was no way out. But he had learned, under such circumstances, to trust God and wait.

In despair. Gr. exaporeō, “to be in despair,” “to be utterly at a loss [to know what to do].” However forbidding the circumstances, Paul had learned by experience to trust God for a solution.