Yes, Paul felt weak, troubled, perplexed, and at times despaired of life, but he did not surrender or feel forsaken.
Paul experienced constant pressure from enemies, sickness, and the care of the churches, leading him to despair of life itself. However, he knew God's power was made perfect in his weakness, and he was not distressed to the point of quitting. He also received divine assurance that he was not forsaken.
2 Corinthians 4:7-8 — This verse directly describes Paul's feelings of being troubled and perplexed but not in despair.
The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, openly shares the depth of his struggles. He writes, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8). This reveals that while he faced constant opposition and confusion, he was never utterly crushed or hopeless. He also confesses, "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" (2 Corinthians 1:8). This shows that at one point he felt he might not survive to finish his ministry.
Les Feldick emphasizes that Paul was just as human as any believer, subject to the same feelings and downcast moments. He shows that Paul was constantly under pressure from physical persecution, sickness, and the care of all the churches. Les points out that Paul even despaired of life itself from his sickbed, feeling that his ministry was unfinished and that he was under attack from every direction. Yet, Les notes that Paul was never distressed to the point of despair, and he persevered because of God's strength, not his own.
Les Feldick describes that Paul faced trouble in Asia, was pressed out of measure and above strength, and even despaired of life. He also mentions the mental and spiritual pressure of caring for the churches, as well as physical sickness after leaving Ephesus. He was driven from city to city and constantly besieged by adversaries both within and without the church.
Les emphasizes that despite being pressed down and distressed, Paul was always triumphant because God caused him to triumph. He notes that the Lord who permitted the affliction also provided the strength to endure. Paul did not regard himself as forsaken, and he was obedient to God's call even when circumstances were difficult.
Les explains that Paul despaired of life because he thought he might not live to finish his ministry. He was set apart to go to the Gentiles, and that work seemed incomplete. Christianity was still in its infancy, and he felt a heavy burden for the churches, which added to his mental and spiritual pressure.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Paul was a mortal man with human limitations, yet the excellency of God's power was displayed through him, not his own ability.
Triumph Amidst Distress
Paul was both pressed down and triumphant, showing he could be downcast and yet trust God for victory.
Despair of Life
Paul's trouble in Asia pressed him beyond his strength, leading him to despair of life and think he might not finish his ministry.
Care of All the Churches
The constant pressure of caring for the churches added to Paul's mental and spiritual burdens, alongside physical suffering.
Unfinished Business
Even on a sickbed, Paul realized there was unfinished business, and he was willing to labor because his life was not his own.
Sickness and Persecution
Paul suffered not only at the hands of enemies but also through sickness, after leaving Ephesus under persecution.
Defending His Apostleship
Paul grew weary and despaired of life, partly because of the constant attacks from Judaizers and other factions.
Perseverance Amidst Weakness
Despite being beaten and physically unhealthy, Paul persevered and established churches, showing God's power in his weakness.
2 Corinthians 4:7-8: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
This verse shows Paul's human weakness yet God's sustaining power.
2 Corinthians 1:8: 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:
Paul openly shares the extreme pressure that led to despair.
2 Corinthians 5:8-9: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Paul expresses confidence and willingness to labor despite his suffering.
Les Feldick indicates that Paul despaired of life itself and was perplexed, but he never quit or lost sight of his calling. He continued laboring despite the pressure, knowing his life was not his own.
Paul used this phrase to describe an overwhelming pressure beyond his natural strength, which led him to despair of life. Les explains it was so severe that Paul thought he might not live to finish his ministry.
Paul was encouraged by knowing that God's power is made perfect in weakness and that the Lord who permitted affliction also provided strength to endure. He also had confidence in being present with the Lord, which gave him hope.
Watch the Teaching: What the Bible Really Says About Suffering and Glory