19. Why did Paul move on from Troas to Macedonia, and how did he eventually gain relief?

¹⁹ While in Ephesus, not only did Paul write the brothers in Corinth but he also sent Titus to assist them, commissioning him to report back on their response to the letter. Paul hoped to intercept Titus at Troas. There Paul was blessed with fine opportunities to make disciples. But this failed to relieve his anxiety because Titus had not yet arrived. (2 Corinthians 2:12, 13) So he journeyed on to Macedonia, hoping to meet up with Titus there. Paul’s anxious state was aggravated by intense opposition to his ministry. “When we arrived in Macedonia,” he explains, “our flesh got no relief, but we continued to be afflicted in every manner—there were fights without, fears within. Nevertheless God, who comforts those laid low, comforted us by the presence of Titus.” (2 Corinthians 7:5, 6) What relief when Titus finally arrived to tell Paul about the positive response of the Corinthians to his letter!

20. (a) As in the case of Paul, what is another important way in which Jehovah supplies comfort? (b) What will be considered in the next article?

²⁰ Paul’s experience is comforting to God’s servants today, many of whom also face trials that cause them to be “laid low,” or “depressed.” (Phillips) Yes, ‘the God who supplies comfort’ knows our individual needs and can use us to be of comfort to one another, just as Paul gained comfort through Titus’ report of the repentant attitude of the Corinthians. (2 Corinthians 7:11-13) In our next article, we will consider Paul’s warm response to the Corinthians and how it can help us to be effective sharers of God’s comfort today.

Paul experienced great comfort through Titus’ report about the Corinthians