Paul's Thanksgiving After Suffering Affliction

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we can comfort those experiencing any kind of affliction with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and [fn]salvation, which helps you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. And our hope for you is steadfast. If we are comforted, it is also for your comfort and salvation, 7 because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But this happened so that we would not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He rescued us from such a terrible death, and [fn]continues to rescue us. We have put our hope in him that he will rescue us yet again 11 as you join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on [fn]your behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many.