What was Paul's condition while at Philippi?
While at Philippi in northern Greece, Paul was evidently on his sickbed, nigh unto death. He was suffering a tremendous sickness and almost despairing of his life. In time, after he got well, he made his way onward and eventually visited Corinth a second time.
Les teaches that Paul missed Titus meeting him at Troas, so he went on up to Philippi in northern Greece, where he was evidently on his sickbed nigh unto death. After he got well, he made his way down and finally visited Corinth a second time. This was the backdrop for the next few verses, when he was almost despairing of his life because of his tremendous sickness. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul says, 'We have this treasure,' which Les explains as the light of God in earthen vessels—our body of flesh made of the elements of the earth.