For some time Paul had been carrying a burden of soul for the churches--a burden so heavy that he could scarcely endure it. False teachers had sought to destroy his influence among the believers and to urge their own doctrines in the place of gospel truth. The perplexities and discouragements with which Paul was surrounded are revealed in the words, "We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life."

Paulus havde i nogen tid båret en sjælebyrde for menighederne, en byrde, der var så tung, at han knap kunne bære den. Falske lærere havde forsøgt at nedbryde hans indflydelse blandt de troende og hævde deres egne lærdomme i stedet for evangeliets sandheder. Hvilke bekymringer og skuffelser Paulus var omgivet af, viser sig i ordene: "En overvældende byrde, der oversteg vore kræfter, blev lagt på os, så vi endog opgav håbet om at redde livet."