2 Corinthiens 1:8

8 Car, mes frères, nous ne voulons pas que vous ignoriez l'affliction qui nous est survenue en Asie, c'est que nous avons été accablés excessivement, au-dessus de nos forces, en sorte que nous désespérions même pour notre vie.

2 Corinthiens 1:8 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our
trouble
The apostle was very desirous that the Corinthians might be thoroughly acquainted with the trouble that had lately befallen them; partly because it would clearly appear from hence what reason he had to give thanks to God as he had done; and partly, that they might be encouraged to trust in God, when in the utmost extremity; but chiefly in order to remove a charge brought against him by the false apostles; who, because he had promised to come to Corinth, and as yet had not come, accused him of lightness and inconstancy, in as much as he had not kept his promise. Now to show that it was not owing to any such temper and disposition of mind in him, he would have them know, that though he sincerely intended a journey to them, yet was hindered from pursuing it, by a very great affliction which befell him: the place where this sore trouble came upon him, is expressed to be in Asia: some have thought it refers to all the troubles he met with in Asia, for the space of three years, whereby he was detained longer than he expected; but it seems as though some single affliction is here particularly designed: many interpreters have been of opinion, that the tumult raised by Demetrius at Ephesus is here meant, when Paul and his companions were in great danger of their lives, ( Acts 19:21-41 ) , but this uproar being but for a day, could not be a reason why, as yet, he had not come to Corinth: it seems rather to be some other very sore affliction, and which lasted longer, that is not recorded in the Acts of the Apostles: the greatness of this trouble is set forth in very strong expressions,

as that we were pressed out of measure.
The affliction was as an heavy burden upon them, too heavy to bear; it was exceeding heavy, (kay' uperbolhn) , even to an "hyperbole", beyond expression; and

above strength,
that is, above human strength, the strength of nature; and so the Syriac renders it, (Nlyx Nm) , "above our strength"; but not above the strength of grace, or that spiritual strength communicated to them, by which they were supported under it: the apostle adds,

insomuch that we despaired even of life;
they were at the utmost loss, and in the greatest perplexity how to escape the danger of life; they greatly doubted of it; they saw no probability nor possibility, humanly speaking, of preserving it.

2 Corinthiens 1:8 In-Context

6 Et, soit que nous soyons affligés, c'est pour votre consolation et votre salut, qui s'opère dans la patience avec laquelle vous endurez les mêmes maux que nous souffrons aussi; soit que nous soyons consolés, c'est pour votre consolation et votre salut;

7 (Et l'espérance que nous avons de vous est ferme; ) sachant que comme vous avez part aux souffrances, vous aurez aussi part à la consolation.

8 Car, mes frères, nous ne voulons pas que vous ignoriez l'affliction qui nous est survenue en Asie, c'est que nous avons été accablés excessivement, au-dessus de nos forces, en sorte que nous désespérions même pour notre vie.

9 Et nous nous regardions nous-mêmes comme condamnés à mort, afin que nous n'eussions point de confiance en nous-mêmes, mais en Dieu qui ressuscite les morts;

10 Qui nous a délivrés et nous délivre d'une telle mort; et nous avons cette espérance qu'il nous en délivrera encore;