Note 6 at 2 Cor. 1:5: Even though the believer has been redeemed and delivered from many afflictions that result from sin and its power, we are still called to partake in what the scriptures call the "sufferings or afflictions of Christ" (2 Cor. 1:5; Col. 1:24). However, these afflictions are not sickness and poverty, etc., as some religious teachings suggest. We may describe these afflictions as the fellowship of sufferings that the believer will encounter for doing the will of God (Acts 9:16; Rom. 8:17; 1 Cor. 4:12; 12:26-27; 2 Cor. 1:6; Gal. 5:11; 6:12; Phil. 1:29-30; 1 Th. 3:4; 2 Th. 1:5; 1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Tim. 1:12; 2:9-12; 3:12; Heb. 11:25; 1 Pet. 2:20-21; 3:13-17; 4:16, 19).

Persecution for righteousness' sake is not something that we can rebuke (2 Tim. 3:12). We must remember that as we live godly lives, suffering will follow. The Apostle Peter reminds us that these trials of our faith will result in praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:7).

Note 7 at 2 Cor. 1:5: In both the Old and New Testaments the word "abound" carries the idea of "overflowing." This Greek verb "perisseuo" is translated 39 times by various words such as "abound," "abundance," "remain," "exceed," "increase," "be left," "redound," etc. In the following scriptures I have underlined the English words that use the Greek verb "perisseuo." Notice how each English word carries the idea or meaning of "overflow" or "overflowing."

". . .except your righteousness shall exceed (overflow) the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom. . ." (Mt. 5:20)

"For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance (overflow). . ." (Mt. 13:12)

". . .and they took up the fragments that remained (the overflow) twelve baskets full" (Mt. 14:20)

". . .How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare (overflow). . ." (Lk. 15:17)

"For all these have of their abundance (overflow) cast in unto the offerings of God. . ." (Lk. 21:4)

". . .that ye may abound (overflow) in hope. . ." (Rom. 15:13)

". . .ministration of righteousness exceed (overflow) in glory" (2 Cor. 3:9)

". . .the thanksgiving of many redound (overflow) to the glory of God" (2 Cor. 4:15)

"Wherein he hath abounded (overflowed) toward us in all wisdom and prudence. . ." (Eph. 1:8)

". . .The Lord make you increase and abound (overflow) in love. . ." (1 Th. 3:12)

What Paul is saying is that Christ's "comfort," strength, help, and love are ready to "overflow" into every "trial" that we face if we will only look unto Him (Heb. 12:2).