2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Contemporary English Version

1 ^(A) From Paul, chosen by God to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and from Timothy, who is also a follower.

To God's church in Corinth and to all of God's people in Achaia.

² I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!

Paul Gives Thanks

³ Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. ⁴ He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share this same comfort with others in trouble. ⁵ We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. ⁶ We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. ⁷ You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.

^8 (B) My friends, I want you to know what a hard time we had in Asia. Our sufferings were so horrible and so unbearable that death seemed certain. ⁹ In fact, we felt sure we were going to die. But this made us stop trusting in ourselves and start trusting God, who raises the dead to life. ¹⁰ God saved us from the threat of death,^[a] and we are sure that he will do it again and again. ¹¹ Please help us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks for the blessings we receive in answer to all these prayers.