Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

Greek, "BEING hard pressed, yet not inextricably straitened; reduced to inextricable straits" (nominative to "we have," Co2 4:7). on every side--Greek, "in every respect" (compare Co2 4:10, "always"; Co2 7:5). This verse expresses inward distresses; Co2 4:9, outward distresses (Co2 7:5). "Without were fightings; within were fears." The first clause in each member of the series of contrasted participles, implies the earthiness of the vessels; the second clause, the excellency of the power. perplexed, but not in despair--Greek, "not utterly perplexed." As perplexity refers to the future, so "troubled" or "hard pressed" refers to the present.