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Thursday, November 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33

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Bible Commentaries
2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians2Co 6 2 Corinthians2Co 2 Corinthians2Co 8

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Verse 1

Verse 1 Because such adoption is promised, we should cleanse the inward man so we will be pure for God's entrance. We should fear his wrath at finding a dirty dwelling place.

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Verse 2 Paul now makes an appeal for them to make room in their hearts for him. They had no reason to be closed against him since he had not led any man into sin, or corrupted any man's morals or faith, or defrauded anyone out of their money.

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Verse 3

Verse 3 He did now say these things to condemn them as if they were ungrateful or falsely accusing him. As he had told them before, he would have like to live and die with them.

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Verse 4

Verse 4 Paul's love for them was so great that it allowed him to speak openly with them about problems. He also told others of their good deeds and was glad to suffer in their behalf.

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Verse 5

Verse 5 He was so concerned for them that he could not rest until he heard from them. This verse continues the thoughts of 2Co_2:12-13 . Paul faced outward trials while inwardly worrying about the Corinthian reaction to his earlier letter.

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Verse 6

Verse 6 Just as God comforts all who are downtrodden, he comforted Paul with Titus' appearance.

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Verse 7

Verse 7 Not only was Titus' report encouraging, but also the effect it had on him. Titus must have been visibly satisfied with the results. Titus told of the Corinthian sorrow at having grieved Paul. He also told of their desire (longing) to see Paul and enthusiasm at carrying out his instructions.

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Verse 8

Verse 8 Paul had been worried about the effect of his stern writing. Now, he was happy because it had moved them to sorrow.

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Verse 9

Verse 9 He was happy over their sorrow because it was Godly sorrow that moved them to repent. Paul was happy because the letter had caused no damage but, rather, good was done.

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Verse 10

Verse 10 Sorrow that comes out of faith in God and desire to please him will cause the sorrowful to desire to change. Such sorrow will bring happiness because salvation of the one made sorry is the end result. On the other hand, a sorrow based on worldly considerations (such as, sorrow for being caught or the bad effect on one's reputation) may bring a correction but eternal damnation because of the motive behind the correction.

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Verse 11

Verse 11 The very case of the Corinthians is a good example of the good effects of godly sorrow. It caused them to quit being indifferent about their state and start showing concern. They wanted to wipe the sin away and make restitution. It upset them that they had been so lax in their attitude toward discipline. It made them fear that Paul would come with a rod to punish them. yet, they longed for his coming that the matter might be taken care of. It caused them to get busy and punish the offenders so that the wrong might be righted. They showed their pure desire by completely caring for the matter as Paul, by inspiration, instructed.

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Verse 12

Verse 12 Paul's goal in writing was not to straighten out a problem between two individuals, though the incestuous man was wrong and he had wronged his father. The greater cause for the letter was to see that they followed an inspired apostle's instruction and did what was right in God's sight.

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Verse 13

Verse 13 Because they received Paul's message and turned back to God, Paul was comforted. Paul had further joy in that Titus had not been depressed but uplifted. It appears that Titus had misgivings about delivering the letter to Corinth.

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Verse 14

Verse 14 It further seems Paul had eased these misgivings by telling Titus that the gospel would be well received by the Corinthians. Paul was not made ashamed because their actions had verified the truthfulness of his statements concerning their loyalty.

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Verse 15

Verse 15 Titus' love for the Corinthians had grown because of their fearful response to the message of truth delivered.

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Verse 16

Verse 16 Paul's confidence in them had also been strengthened. He was assured that they would strive to do what was right in God's eyes.

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2 Corinthians2Co 6 2 Corinthians2Co 2 Corinthians2Co 8

Bibliographical Information
Hampton, Gary. "Commentary on 2 Corinthians 7". "Hampton's Commentary on Selected Books". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/ghc/2-corinthians-7.html. 2014.

Bible Commentaries2 Corinthians 7

Hampton's Commentary on Selected BooksHampton's Commentary

Bible Commentaries
2 Corinthians 7