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:
Cross-references
2 Corinthians 4:7-12 elaborates on the same affliction theme—describing God's sustaining power through pressures, echoing the despair here.
2 Cor 11:26 lists Paul’s many perils, showing the affliction in Asia was part of his broader pattern of constant danger.
2 Corinthians 4:8 says 'perplexed, but not despairing', contrasting directly with the despair here.
2 Corinthians 6:5 lists beatings and hardships, similar to the overwhelming affliction here.
Acts 19:23-35 describes the Ephesian riot, likely the very 'trouble in Asia' Paul mentions—giving concrete historical background.
1 Corinthians 15:32 refers to fighting beasts at Ephesus—linking that same affliction to Paul's resurrection hope.
2 Chronicles 20:12 says 'we are powerless... nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You' — matching Paul's 'beyond our strength' and looking to God.
In 1 Samuel 30:6, David is 'greatly distressed' but strengthens himself in God — a strong parallel to Paul's despair and reliance on God.
Psalm 55:4 describes heart anguish and terrors of death — mirroring Paul's 'despair of life itself'.
Psalm 94:17 says without God's help the soul would dwell in silence — the very plight Paul faced and was rescued from.
Psalm 107:6 depicts crying to the Lord and being delivered — the same pattern of distress and rescue Paul experienced.
In Lamentations 3:54, 'water closed over my head' mirrors Paul's statement of despairing of life — same overwhelming feeling.
2 Tim 3:11 recounts persecutions in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, paralleling the severe affliction in Asia described here.
1 Corinthians 16:9 notes many adversaries in Ephesus but also a great door—contextualizing the extreme affliction here.
Isaiah 40:31 promises renewed strength for those who wait on the Lord — the hope Paul clung to when utterly burdened.
1 Corinthians 4:8 mocks Corinthians for thinking they reign while Paul suffers—contrasting their comfort with his despair.
Romans 7:24's cry 'Wretched man that I am!' parallels the intense despair of life here.
Psalm 56:3 shows trusting God when afraid — a response underlying Paul's hope even in despair.
2 Thess 3:2 shows Paul requesting prayer for deliverance from evil men, echoing the affliction he faced in Asia.
Psalm 4:1 recalls God giving relief in distress — echoing the deliverance Paul implies despite his despair.