2Cor 1:8-12 | ESV | STEP | For we do not want you to be unaware , brothers , of the affliction we experienced in Asia . For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself .

2 Corinthians 1:8-12

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, ^{▼▼Or brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God’s family, the church} of ^bthe affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us ^crely not on ourselves ^dbut on God ^ewho raises the dead. 10 ^fHe delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. ^gOn him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 11 ^hYou also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf ⁱfor the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Paul’s Change of Plans

12 For our boast is this, ^jthe testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity ^{▼▼Some manuscripts holiness} and ^lgodly sincerity, ^mnot by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.