Key-word, “Comfort;” Key-verse, 7:6, 7.-Here abound the contrasts of sorrow and joy, of humiliation and exaltation. Paul had been sick nigh unto death and been healed; assailed as to his apostleship and favored with the signs of an apostle and even a rapture to the third heaven; judged of man, vindicated of God; harassed by the thorn in the flesh, sustained by all-sufficient grace. The keynote of the closing message, as of the opening salutation, is “comfort.” Love, grieved by their sins, was comforted by their repentance. (Cf. 1:3, 4; 2:4; 7:6, 7.) [p. 111] HBS 43.4