Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 1:8

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 .

We are at a great loss to determine what these troubles were in Asia, of which the Apostle doth here speak. We read of several troubles Paul met with in Asia; it was there he was in danger through the tumult raised by Demetrius, Acts 19.23. It was there (at Ephesus) where he fought with beasts after the [illegible: 1 word] of men (as he told us in the former Epistle.) Whoso readeth Chap. 19, & 20. of the Acts, will find the largest account we have in Scripture of the troubles Paul met with in Asia. But this Epistle is thought to have been written at a time, that will not agree to the time of those troubles; therefore they are thought to have been some troubles, of which we have a mention no where else in holy Writ.

Whatsoever they were, this Text tells us they were very great, and above his natural strength to have born; some think, above the strength of ordinary Christians, insomuch that if the Apostle had not found the more than ordinary assistances of the Spirit of God, he could not have stood under them.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. [illegible: 1 letter]5.32.