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“For indeed, when we [Paul and his fellow-travellers] came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus...” (2 Corinthians 7:5-6).

The condition of Paul and his friends was not an enviable one. They were under extreme hardship both physically and emotionally. The fears were of the worst kind, fear over the spiritual condition of others. Notice that Paul specifically mentioned the fact that they were beset inside and out – a thoroughly exhausting condition in which to find oneself. Yet, there was relief, relief from God in the person of Titus. Actually the word that Paul used was comfort, not relief. The word is more far reaching than relief. The Greek word translated comfort could literally be translated calling to ones side. It involves the consolation and comfort that only a friend can give by his presence and support.

As we continue our thoughts, do not lose sight of what Paul said: “God... comforted us by the coming of Titus.” going back to the first chapter of this book, Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1.3-4). Note first, that he referred to God as the God of all comfort. Every true comfort by which man is refreshed is directly or indirectly traceable to God. Although I may not understand this, I have to believe it because of this verse. Secondly, notice the reason Paul gives for being comforted by God; “...That we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” The comforted ones become the comforters!

This is exactly the role that Titus played in the focus verse; he received comfort in the good news that the Corinthian brethren had corrected their mistakes for which Paul had sternly rebuked them in his first letter to the Church there. He relayed this message to Paul, and he in turn was also comforted by the news. But, once again notice that it was God who was doing the comforting, just that he was doing it in the person of Titus.

Carefully follow this next thought, please. Remember that the word comfort literally means the calling alongside of a friend. It is the encouragement that only a close friend can give through the personal touch that is conveyed by his presence. Now, consider the fact that God comforted Paul (literally, was called to His side as an encourager), but God did this in the person of Titus. When Titus came with words of refreshing encouragement, it was as if God Himself was present in the person of Titus! What a marvellous picture! God visited Paul when Titus came to see him!

Now, apply this lesson to your life. Whether you are the one needing comfort or the one doing the comforting, God is the originator of all true comfort. When you or I supply comfort consistent with the Scriptures to another person, we are acting in God's stead toward that person. God is called along side the one who needs comforting, but He is called there in our person! Again, think of the role that we are called upon to play when we have the opportunity to be an encourager of those who are downcast and downtrodden. What greater privilege could one have than that of acting on God's behalf toward another human being!

Questions:

1. What is the literal meaning of the Greek word translated comfort in our focus verse?

2. How did God comfort Paul as he expressed it in 2 Corinthians 7.6?

3. According to 2 Corinthians 1.3, who is the source of all true comfort?

4. When we extend the comfort of the scriptures to another person, we become vessels through whom God acts. Explain/discuss this fact.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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