“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:”
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself — Paul discloses a near-death crisis (anankasmenos hyper dynamin, pressed beyond capacity). This is likely the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19) or an incident not fully recorded, but the autobiographical confession establishes credibility: Paul knows suffering intimately, not theoretically.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 1:8
“For we would not, Brethren, have you ignorant concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia.” “These things we speak,” says he, “that you may not be ignorant of what befell us; for we wish, yea have earnestly endeavored, that you should know our affairs:” which is a very high proof of love. Of this even in the former Epistle he had before given notice, where he said, “For a great door and effectual is opened to me at Ephesus, and there are many adversaries.” 1…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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