Commentary on 2 Corinthians

Origen of Alexandria (185–253)

If as the sufferings of Christ abound so also comfort abounds through Christ, let us welcome the great encouragement of Christ's sufferings and let them abound in us, if we indeed yearn for the abundant comfort with which all who mourn will be comforted, though perhaps it will not be alike for everyone. For if the comfort were alike for everyone, it would not be written, "As the sufferings of Christ abound for us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ." Those who share in sufferings will share also in the comfort in proportion to the suffering they share with Christ. And we learn this from the one who made such statements with unshaken conviction, for "we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort."

Put an altar of incense in your innermost heart. Be a sweet aroma of Christ.

For, as the apostle says, "We are a good aroma of Christ," but he adds, "To some a fragrance of life to life, but to others an odor of death to death." So also the prophetic word is "a sweet fragrance" to those who believe, but to the doubting and unbelieving and those who confess that they are Pharaoh's people, it becomes a detestable odor.

See also

• More works by Origen of Alexandria

Enable JavaScript to read the full text and search the library.