Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Corinthians 1:8

"For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell [us] in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:" — 2 Corinthians 1:8 (ASV)

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:

Why would Paul have them know this, if not so that they might understand that he had to suffer as they did, and even more?

Sometimes, God's people tend to think that their ministers are not discouraged as they themselves are. They view them as a sort of superior order of beings who have no doubts and fears, no lack of strength, no despair.

But that is a baseless notion, and the sooner it is gone from our minds, the better. For those who lead God's people will tend to have more afflictions, not fewer. Since they need more instruction than others, and that instruction usually comes with the rod, they will most likely experience more of the rod than others will.

Paul, therefore, is eager for the Corinthians to know in what seas of trouble he had to swim.