Paul's communication with the Corinthians continues to discuss how a life of faith is not always a life of ease or comfort. However, from Paul's perspective of faith, this does not mean it is a life without success or without a sense of joy. Indeed, by suffering in this life, even as Christ himself suffered, the Christian calls attention to the life of Christ within him and the ministry of Christ around him. Thus, Paul speaks powerfully of Christ's death "at work in us, but life [is at work] in you" (v.12).

In verse 13 Paul alludes to the Psalmist's faith when faced with suffering and laced with pain: "I kept my faith, even when I said, 'I am greatly afflicted'" (Psalm 116:10). When Paul praises the Psalmist's persevering spirit, he claims, "we have the same spirit of faith." Some translat…