John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:8

"[we are] pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair;" — 2 Corinthians 4:8 (ASV)

While we are pressed on every side. This is added as an explanation, for he shows that his abject condition is far from diminishing the glory of God; rather, it is the means of advancing it.

He says, “We are reduced to dire straits, but the Lord eventually provides an escape for us; we are oppressed with poverty, but the Lord gives us help. Many enemies are armed against us, but under God’s protection we are safe. In short, though we are brought low, so that it might seem as if it were all over for us, yet we are not destroyed.” This last trial is the most severe of all. You see how he turns to his own advantage every charge that the wicked bring against him.