2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us— It is certain that the mention of these experiences must have had a powerful tendency to conciliate the regard of the Corinthians to St. Paul; and such an introduction to his epistle as the whole of this before us, could not but incline them strongly in his favour. Some think that the last clause of this verse refers plainly to the comfort which the repentance of the incestuous person gave St. Paul, after the affliction that he had endured on his account. See ch. 2 Corinthians 7:7. But it seems more natural to understand it of that general consolation arising from the pardon of sin and interest in God; that his afflictions should co-operate for his advantage; and that a crown of glory, heightened by these trials, would close the scene. He frequently insists on these topics in his epistles; and none surely can be more important and delightful.