2 Corinthians 1:8

For we would not … have you ignorant A favourite expression with St Paul. Cf. Romans 1:13; 1Co 10:1; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

of our trouble which came to us in Asia Some have referred these expressions (1) to the tumult at Ephesus, Acts 19. Others have supposed, in consequence of the very strong expressions here, that some other trouble, a grievous sickness perhaps, is referred to, especially as St Paul says in Asia, not in Ephesus. But Dean Stanley's remark that "here, as elsewhere, we may observe the under-statement of St Paul's sufferings in the Acts" (see also ch. 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 and notes), suggests the inference that the tumult at Ephesus was far more serious than it would appear to be from St Luke's account. We can hardly suppose that the mere -dismissal of the assembly" by the -town-clerk" entirely appeased the multitude. And it is quite possible, since St Luke's object in the Acts was rather a vindication of St Paul's ministry than a glorification of his person, that he omits to mention a determined attempt upon St Paul's life made by Demetrius and the craftsmen, as afterwards (Acts 23:12-15) by the Jews at Jerusalem. For the word translated troublehere and elsewhere, see note on 2 Corinthians 1:4.

Asia By this is meant Asia Minor. So also Acts 2:9. But it seems (see Acts 16:6) not to have included the whole peninsula usually known by that name.

pressed Literally, weighed down. Gravati, Calvin; greved, Wiclif, whom the other English versions followed till the Rhemish, from which the A. V. appears to have borrowed its pressed. The expression conveys the idea of anxiety, but is not irreconcileable with the notion of a prolonged effort to escape those who thirsted for his life.

out of measure Cf. for the same Greekword (though it is variously rendered in English) Romans 7:13; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Galatians 1:13, and especially ch. 2 Corinthians 4:17. Dr Plumptre remarks that the word occurs exclusively in the Epistles of this period of St Paul's life.

despaired This expression confirms the idea of a plot to kill the Apostle. Literally, it means that he was utterly at a loss (rathlos, Meyer) to know what to do to protect his life. See ch. 2 Corinthians 4:8, where the same word occurs.