1 ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the all-merciful Father, the God whose consolation never fails us! 1 ⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we in turn may be able to comfort others in any trouble of theirs and to share with them 1 ⁵ the consolation we ourselves receive from God. As Christ's cup of suffering overflows, and we suffer with him, so also through Christ our consolation overflows. 1 ⁶ If distress be our lot, it is the price we pay for your consolation, for your salvation; if our lot be consolation, it is to help us to bring you comfort, and strength to face with fortitude the same sufferings we now endure. 1 ⁷ And our hope for you is firmly grounded; Some witnesses give these clauses: If distress ... firmly grounded. — in different sequence. for we know that if you have part in the suffering, you have part also in the divine consolation.

1 ⁸ In saying this, we should like you to know, dear friends, how serious was the trouble that came upon us in the province of Asia. The burden of it was far too heavy for us to bear, so heavy that we even despaired of life. Indeed, we felt in our hearts that we had received a death-sentence. 1 ⁹ This was meant to teach us not to place reliance on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead. 1 ¹⁰ From such mortal peril God delivered us; and he will deliver us again, Some witnesses read: and he still delivers us. he on whom our hope is fixed. Yes, he will continue to deliver us, if you will co-operate by praying for us. 1 ¹¹ Then, with so many people praying for our deliverance, there will be many to give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favour God has shown towards us.