2 Corinthians 1:6
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
Paul's being afflicted was for the consolation and salvation of the Corinthians, and his being comforted was likewise for their consolation and salvation, so that both affliction and comfort work for the good of others. His suffering helps them and his comfort encourages them, showing that what a servant of God endures and receives from God serves the church. Affliction borne for others becomes effectual in them by working in them the endurance of the same sufferings that are suffered. They can be strengthened to endure the same sufferings he faces, so that suffering does not crush them but trains them to stand firm.
God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts His people in all tribulation so that they can comfort those in any trouble with the same comfort they themselves received from Him. As the sufferings of Christ abound in them, so their consolation also abounds by Christ. Distress does not separate them from the love of Christ, because He Himself is consolation, and those who suffer reproach for Christ's sake are not left without consolation in their trials.
Tribulation is not a strange thing but is plainly foretold, belonging to moral discipline and necessary to an all-round spiritual education. Accepting Christ does not remove all briers and thorns from the pathway, and those who would share His glory must share His reproach and be partakers with Him in suffering. As they are partakers of the sufferings, so they shall also be partakers of the consolation. The verse is truth for this time, spoken to a large assembly of believers at Battle Creek, calling those who have received repeated warnings to humble themselves before God, confess their sins, and take heed to His word so that their hearts can be impressed.
The verse is a warning that every soul must take in the moral darkness of the last days, calling for faith with works in clear distinct lines. Every ray of light is to be gathered to substantiate the truth and to bear aloft the third angel's message, setting the churches in order and closing the door of unbelief. It calls for standing firm against Satan's increased seducing power that would deceive even the elect, and for making straight paths for the feet so that the weak are not turned out of the way. It is a warning every soul must take to heart, given to rescue souls in peril who do not see themselves in spiritual danger, when the seducing power of Satan increases to deceive if possible the very elect and the weak are in danger of being turned out of the way.
The chapter containing the verse is a lesson for all believers, and especially for ministers who open the Word to others. Before entering the pulpit they are to examine self-denial, simplicity of food that leaves the brain unclouded, bodily health, readiness to assemble, righteous judgment, and Spirit-guided speech. Practical godliness is to recommend the truth and advance the work more than preaching, for Christ is present in every assembly with angels ascending and descending between earth and heaven and God's glory shining upon the congregation.