Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Paul proceeds to describe the particular hardship in which he received divine comfort and empowering. It overtook Paul “in the province of Asia” (i.e., probably some part of the province other than Ephesus; cf. Acts 19:22), possibly Troas (2:12–13). That it had occurred recently—certainly after 1 Corinthians

was written—seems indicated by the vividness of Paul’s description of the divine deliverance. While the Corinthians may already have known about Paul’s trial, he now informs them of its overwhelming and unique character. He had been through such a devastating hardship that he was forced to renounce all hope of survival.