BIG IDEA:
SPIRITUAL LEADERS REJOICE WITH COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE OVER GENUINE REPENTANCE
INTRODUCTION:
R. Kent Hughes: Depression actually has apostolic precedent — in the experience of the Apostle Paul. Paul’s self-description says that he was “downcast” (cf. v. 6), or as the NASB has it, “depressed” — a sense commended both by the context and the psychological import of Paul’s description. Paul is perfectly clear as to why he was down: “For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn — fighting with-out and fear within” (note: “fighting” and “fear” are plural in the Greek) (v. 5).
This Macedonian misery was the culmination of Paul’s excruciating anxiety over the Corinthian church to which he had written a harsh letter after suffering rejection in Corinth. So concerned was Paul with how the Corinthians would respond, he sent Titus to Corinth to find out and then report to him at an agreed-upon rendezvous in Troas. This plan only served to increase his stress because Titus didn’t show. So Paul left Troas and traveled to Macedonia, fearing that something had happened to Titus (cf. 2:12, 13). But at first all he found there was the Macedonian mess. There in Macedonia Paul suffered exhaustion due to constant affliction as he was pressured externally and internally. . .
Along with this, he experienced “fear[s] within.” These were not fears for his own life. We have too much evidence to the contrary to think that (cf. Philippians 1:21-24). His inner fears were about what might happen to his work, for he often spoke of this. For example, he told the Galatians, “I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain” (Galatians 4:11); and he wrote to the Thessalonians, “For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:5); and then, to the Corinthians, he will say, “There is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?” (2 Corinthians 11:28, 29).
These ministerial fears weighed heavily on Paul. He was always fearful for some troubled soul in one of the churches who was falling away. There was never a time when someone was not unhappy with him and maligning him. Ecclesiastic conflicts were his daily fare, and he was constantly writing to calm the waters and set things straight. Such depressing fears were recurrent for Paul, and the aggregate sometimes got him down. . .
Depression sometimes visits the most godly believers, and often it is because they have willingly followed God into the fray so that their bodies have had no rest, and pressures have squeezed them as they are surrounded by fightings without and fears within. They need a loving touch.
John MacArthur: There are few things in life more painful than broken relationships. Shattered marriages, wayward children, and disrupted friendships produce intense suffering and deep sorrow. When those broken relationships involve fellow believers, the pain is even more severe. Watching believers suffer the consequences of their sinful conduct compounds the grief from the breaking of the relationship. . .
The most painful aspect of ministry involves difficult relationships between the sheep and the shepherds. All pastors know the hurt that comes when those in whom they have invested the most return the least.
As he penned this epistle, Paul nursed a broken heart over the church he loved and served. He was under severe external pressure, experiencing afflictions (1:4, 6, 8) and suffering (1:5, 7) to the point that he “despaired even of life” (1:8), “had the sentence of death within [himself]” (1:9), and needed to be “delivered … from so great a peril of death” (1:10). . .
But what really broke Paul’s heart was not what the world did to him but what the church did to him. In 11:28, after listing the trials he had endured, Paul wrote, “Apart from [of a completely different nature] such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.” And none caused him more trouble than the church in Corinth. The church in which he had invested nearly two years of his life had repaid him with disloyalty. They had allowed false teachers to come into their assembly and attack Paul’s character and ministry. Even worse, some of the Corinthians believed their lies and joined in a mutiny against him. One of them had apparently verbally assaulted and abused Paul (cf. 2:5–8, 10) during the apostle’s painful, sorrowful visit to Corinth. That the majority in the church had not defended him from those attacks wounded Paul deeply. The visit was so discouraging that he did not want to return to Corinth and expose himself to more pain (2:1). As a result of the visit, he had written a sternly worded letter, rebuking the Corinthians for their disaffection, disloyalty, and lack of love toward him. Writing that letter was extremely painful for Paul, as he noted in 2:4: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears.”
Paul sent the letter to Corinth with Titus, his beloved son in the faith (Titus 1:4), who was also to bring the Corinthians’ response back to him. The apostle left Ephesus (where he had written the severe letter) and went to Troas (a seaport on the west coast of Asia Minor), where he hoped to rendezvous with Titus. But Paul was so anxious about the situation in Corinth that he could not minister in Troas (2 Cor. 2:13), even though the Lord opened a door for him there (2:12). Restless, unable to wait any longer, the apostle set off for Macedonia, anxious to meet Titus sooner and find out the Corinthians’ response to the severe letter (2:13).
At that point (2:13) the narrative broke off, and Paul entered into a prolonged digression about his ministry (2:14 – 7:4). Here, in 7:5, the apostle returned to the events that followed the sending of the severe letter. When he came into Macedonia from Troas in search of Titus, his flesh had no rest (cf. 2:13). Nothing changed; he had no relief from his concern over the situation at Corinth. In fact, he had new concerns. What if the severe letter had made things worse? Was the breach with the Corinthians now irreparable? How would they treat Titus? Corinth, as Paul well knew, could be a hostile environment for a lonely preacher; would the church leave Titus to fend for himself? Lack of relief from the heavy burden of grief and concern Paul bore sapped the joy of his ministry. His experience reflected the truth of Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” . . .
The narrative does not end with Paul being depressed. God, who comforts the depressed, comforted him by the coming of Titus. This is, therefore, a passage about joy, not depression. In fact, comfort is mentioned six times in these verses and joy or rejoicing five times. In this section God comforts the anxious, grieving pastor and restores his joy.
The coming of Titus brought the joy to Paul’s heart. The apostle rejoiced that he was safe and in the renewal of their fellowship. However, it was not only Titus’s presence that comforted Paul but also the report that he brought about the situation at Corinth. There were still unresolved problems (which Paul addressed in chapters 10–13). But the majority of the Corinthian believers had repented and reaffirmed their loyalty to the apostle and the truth he taught, which brought him immense relief.
This very personal section offers profound insights into restoring broken relationships. It lists seven indicators of a genuine desire for real restoration: loyalty, repentance, purity, spirituality, unity, obedience, and trust. And though the context is the relationship between a pastor and his people, these principles are vital for restoring any broken relationship.
Eric Mason: (:2-13) — Main Idea: God empowers you with all you need to deal with your church hurt.
- Dealing with Church Hurt Involves Joyful Optimism (7:2-4).
- Dealing with Church Hurt Involves Coming alongside One Another (7:5-7).
- Dealing with Church Hurt Involves Authentic Repentance (7:8-13).
How do you handle church hurt? Do you run? Do you avoid confrontation? Do you just vote with your feet? Or do you commit yourself to a gospel that put God on the cross, where God shows through Jesus the most effective way to deal with hurt is through his hurt.
PERSPECTIVE:
We need some perspective on the overall process of Reconciliation before beginning this study. There was a serious problem between Paul and some of the believers in Corinth. Remember some of the specific charges that had been leveled against him by his opponents:
- – You are Ambiguous (1:13) – you are difficult to understand; Paul’s opponents would twist his words and misrepresent his teachings
- – You are Fickle (1:15-20) – You can’t be depended upon; you change your travel plans and back out of previous commitments; we can not depend on your commitment to us
- – You Brag about Yourself (3:1-3) – You are always commending yourself; exalting yourself; boasting in your accomplishments
- – You are an Imposter (6:8) – Your apostolic call is questionable; Christ does not really speak through you (13:3)
- – You have no real Authority (10:1-2) – In fact you are timid in person and only bold when you are writing from a safe distance away
- – You are Crafty and Deceitful (12:16) – You take advantage of others
These are all very serious charges that have the potential to undermine the effectiveness of Paul’s ministry. Divine grace was needed not to lash back defensively and vindictively. What type of interaction would Paul choose:
- Loving Communication (with goal of restoration) or
- Angry Confrontation (with goal of revenge)
The Apostle Paul took the initiative by writing a severe letter and then waiting for Titus to report back with the response of the Corinthians.
- Loving Communication produces Godly Sorrow which leads to Genuine Repentance and Reconciliation.
- Angry Confrontation produces Worldly Sorrow which leads to Superficial Regret and further Separation.
(:2-4) INTRODUCTION: THE ANTICIPATION OF GENUINE REPENTANCE (LEADING TO FULL RECONCILIATION) EVOKES DEEP EMOTIONS OF CONFIDENCE, COMFORT AND JOY
Richard Pratt: With these verses, Paul makes an appeal that echoes that of 6:11–13, once more appealing to the Corinthians to let him into their hearts. In addition to making this appeal, he defends himself with three specific statements that reveal something of the situation at Corinth: Paul has injured no one, corrupted no one, taken advantage of no one. But lest the Corinthians misunderstand his rebuke, he assures them that he is not condemning them. To support this, he reminds them of his readiness to die and live with them, as well as his frankness, confidence, encouragement, and joy in regard to them. The material brings to a close Paul’s defense and exposition of his apostolic ministry, begun at 2:14, and serves as a transition to the next section (7:5–16), in which he will describe the joy he experienced at finding Titus at Macedonia and learning of the community’s concern for him.
A. (:2) Ministry Integrity Removes Any Barriers to Full Reconciliation
- Plea for Full Reconciliation
“Make room for us in your hearts”
Charles Swindoll: When we respect someone, we make room for them in our hearts (7:2). Real respect is necessary to lay the groundwork to become kindred spirits “to die together and to live together” (7:3). Sometimes this kind of relationship in which two hearts beat as one can come quite naturally. The world calls it “love at first sight.” Most of the time, however, making room for others in our hearts takes a great amount of effort. We need to rearrange some of the furniture in our hearts to create a place for them. This kind of respect for others can be inconvenient, but if we are going to have a thriving ministry with others, we need to “make room.”
Richard Pratt: He did not want them to resent or reject him; he desired close fellowship with them like that between loving parents and children.
- Personal Testimony of Ministry Integrity – A Clear Conscience
a. “we wronged no one”
b. “we corrupted no one”
c. “we took advantage of no one”
B. (:3) Tone of Loving Acceptance – Not Judgmental Spirit
- Not out to Condemn
“I do not speak to condemn you”
- Embracing Them in Loving Acceptance
“for I have said before that you are in our hearts
to die together and to live together.”
C. (:4) Outpouring of Deep Emotions
Frank Matera: In verse 4 Paul concludes with four statements that complete his appeal in such a way that there can be no doubt about his affections for the community. First, he has spoken “frankly” or “openly” (parrēsia), a claim that echoes what he said earlier when comparing his ministry with the ministry of Moses (3:12). Thus his gospel conceals nothing from the community. Second, despite the present rift between Paul and the Corinthians, he has great “confidence” (kauchēsis) in them, for they will be his boast on the day of the Lord (1:14). Third, he is filled with “encouragement” (paraklēsis), the very “comfort” of which he spoke so eloquently at the beginning of this letter (1:3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and which he will experience upon hearing Titus’s report (7:6–7). Finally, Paul expresses his “joy” in “our affliction.” If “our” includes the community, then Paul is saying that despite their common troubles his joy abounds because not even affliction can separate a father from his beloved children.
- Confidence
a. “Great is my confidence in you”
Scott Hafemann: In verse 4 Paul begins his extended argument in support of 7:3 by recounting his own disposition in response to the repentant in Corinth. He does so in a chain of inferences taken from his opening arguments that together form a topic sentence for what follows. Paul is not afraid to call the Corinthians to action because he is convinced of their genuine standing as Christians. Hence, as a mediator of the Spirit under the new covenant, he has “great confidence” (parresia, better, “boldness of speech”) toward them. As the parallel in 3:12 indicates, he is speaking boldly in 7:2–3 because he is convinced that those in whom the Spirit is at work will respond to the commands of the gospel (cf. 3:3–18; 5:17). In the end, nobody can do anything against the truth (cf. 13:8). This conviction is confirmed in regard to the Corinthians by Titus’s report (see 7:7–12).
b. “great is my boasting on your behalf”
Charles Swindoll: Paul, however, treated his spiritual children with respect not for what they had done, but for what they could do; not for what they were, but for what they could become. Paul, being the greathearted man he was, believed in them, even when they failed. He stuck with them, encouraging them and spurring them toward greatness. He poured his life into them even when he saw no return on his investment, knowing that they were worth every moment of time and every ounce of energy he spent on them. Thankfully, by the time he wrote 2 Corinthians, he had begun to see signs of renewal and repentance. His confidence had begun to pay off; he could even boast on their behalf (7:4).
- Comfort
“I am filled with comfort.”
- Joy
“I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.”
Charles Swindoll: The closing words of 2 Corinthians 7:4 mention two benefits that flow from Paul’s prescription for relationships. When we respect others by making room for them in our hearts, refusing to condemn them, and holding out confident expectations for their growth and maturity, we can experience great comfort and joy in the midst of our affliction. Paul continues to develop the effects of the vertical reverence we have for God (7:1) and the horizontal respect we have for others (7:2-4) as he describes the relief from distress we can experience in the midst of our circumstances (7:5-7).
Paul Barnett: Evidently, despite the problems, Paul remains both optimistic and confident of his relationships with them. He writes of his great confidence (rsv) and pride in the Corinthians and says that, in spite of afflictions incurred through the ministry, he is greatly encouraged (4). Here we have an insight into the remarkable resilience and perseverance of the apostle Paul, which doubtless he would quickly attribute, as we also should, to the grace of God and the power of the Spirit.
I. (:5-7) DIVINE COMFORT RELIEVES INTENSE MINISTRY PRESSURE
A. (:5) Inescapable Battleground Pressure – Squeezed on all fronts
“For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest,
but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.”
B. (:6) Divine Strategic Reinforcement – Divine Comfort in the person of Titus
“But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus”
Paul Barnett: God brought his comfort to Paul in a twofold manner. There was, first, the eventual arrival of Titus, thus removing fears that thieves had struck him down. (Possibly Paul had expected Titus to bring the collection with him, thus making him an attractive target for attack.) Further, to his immense relief, Titus brought an enthusiastic report of the positive Corinthian response to the ‘sorrowful’ letter. Titus was comforted by the Corinthians’ longing, sorrow and ardent concern for Paul (7). Thus Paul was ‘happy’ (9) at their reassurance to Titus of their loyalty towards Paul and of their deep regret at having caused him pain.
C. (:7) Encouraging Scouting Report – First Fruits of Genuine Repentance
“and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was
comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal
for me; so that I rejoiced even more.”
George Shillington: The Corinthians’ loyalty and concern for Paul showed their acceptance of his apostolic correction as well as their loyalty to Christ. Paul delighted in the grace of God at work in the Corinthian church.
Frank Matera: Having spoken of how God comforted him by Titus’s arrival, Paul now points to Titus’s report about the community’s response as yet another way in which God comforted him. Thus it was not only by the arrival of Titus that God comforted Paul but by the news that Titus brought about the community’s “longing,” “grieving,” and “zeal” on Paul’s behalf. These three reactions suggest an ascending order of response on the part of the community. First, having received the harsh letter, the community, which has been at odds with Paul, now desires to see him, fearful that he might not return to Corinth. Next, fearful that he might not return, the community is already lamenting its role in the affair. Finally, mourning what it has done, it is now zealous in its efforts to rectify the situation, perhaps by punishing the offending party (see 2:5–11).
John MacArthur: Specifically, Titus reported three characteristics of the Corinthians’ response that revealed their loyalty to Paul: longing, mourning, and zeal. Together they define loyalty—a word that is fast disappearing from the contemporary vocabulary. In a postmodern society where self-centered narcissism reigns supreme, loyalty is seen not as an asset but as a liability. But loyalty is the most desirable virtue in any human relationship. On the other hand, disloyalty devastates a relationship.
II. (:8-10) GODLY SORROW PRODUCES GENUINE REPENTANCE
A. (:8-9) Godly Sorrow is a Means to an End, not an End in Itself
“For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did
regret it – for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while –
I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made
sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to
the will of God, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us.”
George Shillington: Paul wrote a letter some time back that grieved the Corinthians; in light of Titus’s report, he does not regret writing as he did. After he had written the letter, though, he was regretting (imperfect tense) having done so. In the present situation, however, he sees (present tense) that the grief was short-lived (lit.: for an hour), so he no longer regrets having sent the letter. Instead, he is rejoicing now (7:9). With this understanding of the syntax of 7:8-9c, the following translation is possible: For even though I grieved you with the letter, I am not regretting it. Even if I was regretting it, even if I see that that letter brought you pain for an hour, I am now rejoicing, not because you were hurt, but because you were hurt unto repentance.
Anthony Thiselton: In v. 8, Paul admits that his letter made the Corinthians “sorry,” but he only briefly had regrets. In retrospect, he is glad that he wrote it. His hesitation has given way to joy because of the effects that his letter finally achieved. He is sorry for the grief that the letter caused, but ultimately it succeeded in its purpose. Their grief led to their repentance (v. 9).
B. (:10) Godly Sorrow is Different than Worldly Sorrow
“For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance
without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Charles Swindoll: The difference between sorrow inflicted by God and sorrow inflicted by the world is that one is purposeful while the other is pointless. Sorrow “according to God” produces repentance; worldly sorrow produces death (7:9-10). From a spiritual perspective, the feelings of guilt, shame, and sadness that accompany a stern rebuke are not meant as a punishment, but as a call to repentance. By receiving the reproof, one opens the inner door of the soul to wisdom. By contrast, an angry reaction of resentment will bolt the door against an opportunity to learn from the experience.
- It is directed by God – “according to the will of God”
- It is the believer’s insurance policy:
The premium hurts, but the benefits pay off in the long run – “without regret”
If you had to do it all over again, you would pay the insurance premiums just like you did the first time.
- It results in salvation (or reconciliation)
(worldly sorrow results in death, separation)
- Examples of worldly sorrow
a. King Herod — Matt. 14:9
b. Rich young man — Matt. 19:22
c. Judas — Matt. 27:3-5
John MacArthur: his passage is incompatible with the teaching that repentance is not necessary for salvation. The progression it reveals is obvious: confrontation of sin leads to sorrow, which leads to repentance, which leads to salvation. Nor will this passage allow repentance to be defined as merely changing one’s mind about who Jesus is. The text inextricably connects repentance with sorrow over sin. Repentance is not, of course, a meritorious human work that earns salvation. Like every aspect of salvation, repentance is a gracious work of God in the human heart (Acts 5:31; 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25).
III. (:11-12) GENUINE REPENTANCE CAN BE RECOGNIZED BY OTHERS
A. Recognized According to its Nature, its Orientation
Definition of Repentance: “a change of mind leading to a change of action” —
It results in a complete reorientation of thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It involves a turning from sin and a turning towards God. It is either used in a broad sense as synonymous with conversion or in a more narrow sense as one of the two conditions for salvation: Repentance and Faith – these two always go hand in hand – like the two sides of the same coin. Just as Repentance is essential for initial conversion, it is also essential for continued spiritual growth (this is not emphasized enough). Cf. Col. 2:6 – “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”
B. (:11) Recognized According to its Fruit –
The 7 Fruits of Genuine Repentance
- Speedy Resolution (diligence, earnestness, eagerness)
“For behold what earnestness this very thing,
this godly sorrow, has produced in you”
(our English word “speed”) – same word used in Rom. 12:11 – “not slothful in business” – I am afraid we are more diligent in doing a good job solving problems at work than we are in addressing reconciliation problems. A genuinely repentant person will quickly seek out reconciliation on his own initiative. He will not treat the situation with careless indifference or ignore the problem (hoping it will go away). There is a need to get busy and be in earnest.
Anthony Thiselton: Earnestness translates the Greek spoudē, which means quick action, diligence, or eager commitment. He uses the word again in v. 12 and 8:7.
- Reasonable Dialogue (controlled by reason, not by emotion) — “what vindication of yourselves”
(controlled by reason, not emotion – cf. English word “apology”) – Not compounding the sin or seeking to justify your participation in that sin, but explaining your repentance so that now you stand in a state of innocence – not participating in any of these false charges; not giving them any more of a hearing.
- Indignation (shame and distress) – “what indignation”
Not calm and unruffled evidencing no sorrow for sin; not arrogant and stubborn; but recognizing the shame associated with such failure and being distressed by the whole situation and yet not despairing because of the forgiveness for sins provided by the blood of Christ.
Anthony Thiselton: Indignation translates aganaktēsis, and presumably refers to displeasure about how Paul had been treated.
- Fear – “what fear”
The Corinthians recognized they had sinned against a holy God and against His apostolic representative. They realized how serious such an offense was and what judgment could have been theirs; no complacency or false security.
- Longing (to see the offended party) – “what longing”
They wanted to meet personally to set things right and to make sure that the problem is behind them; not avoiding or despising the offended party.
- Zeal (upholding the honor and reputation of the offended party) — “what zeal”
Encouraging others to express their loyalty towards this person; upholding his honor; not undermining loyalty to such a person and attacking him at every turn
- Avenging of wrong – “what avenging of wrong”
The church is the proper forum for judging one another and exercising any necessary discipline. We should hold to a high standard of justice. We should not take matters into our own hands or seek revenge.
John MacArthur: Truly repentant people have a strong desire to see justice done and to make restitution for the wrongs they have committed (cf. 2 Cor. 2:6–7). Instead of protecting themselves, they accept the consequences of their sins.
Summary: “In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter.”
George Shillington: As if this list were not enough to demonstrate Paul’s confidence in the Corinthians, he concludes it with a sweeping affirmation of their innocence: at every point you have proved yourselves guiltless in the matter, the case of the member injuring another. In what sense is the congregation innocent in the matter? Paul had to write them a hurtful letter of censure because they were anything but innocent in the matter. Furthermore, Paul has just admitted that they have worked at clearing themselves of his charge against them. The most plausible explanation of the inconsistency in 7:11 is that Paul is willing to declare the Corinthians innocent now that they have taken action in accordance with his directive in the letter.
C. (:12) Recognized For What it Is
“So although I wrote to you it was not for the sake of the offender, nor for the
sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made
known to you in the sight of God.”
Essential for their ongoing spiritual growth and fruitfulness in ministry
Ray Stedman: they begin to recover a sense of their own identity
Homer Kent: Our knowledge of the details prompting this letter is admittedly meager, and thus we can only suggest possibilities. The view espoused in this commentary sees the offender as the ringleader of opposition against Paul (and perhaps Titus). The one offended was probably Paul, or perhaps Titus, but this is less likely. With this understanding, Paul is regarded as saying that his primary concern was not to secure punishment for the offender or vindication for himself. What he really wanted was for the Corinthians to prove to themselves that their response to spiritual truth and to God’s messengers was right. To accede to the directives of the apostle would rectify the situation, true repentance and an altered course of action would bring God’s approval, and this in turn would remind the Corinthians of the importance of heeding the instruction of Christ’s duly chosen apostles.
Tasker: quoting Menzie: The painful letter was written to make the Corinthians clearly conscious of the sentiment with which they did all the time regard him. That was to be done before God, in a marked and solemn manner, so that there could be no going back on it afterwards.
(:13-16) CONCLUSION: GENUINE REPENTANCE EVOKES DEEP EMOTIONS OF CONFIDENCE, COMFORT AND JOY
Paul finishes this section just as he began it in verses 2-4
A. (:13) Genuine Repentance Brings Great Comfort and Refreshing Joy
- Personal Comfort – experienced by the Apostle Paul
“For this reason we have been comforted”
Frank Matera: It is now clear why Paul concludes this unit by writing, “This is why we are comforted” (v. 13). The harsh letter about which Paul had second thoughts resulted in the community’s repentance. And in a way that the community did not anticipate, the letter also resulted in God’s work of comforting the afflicted apostle.
- Vicarious Comfort Evoking Even Greater Joy – based on encouragement to Titus
“And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more
for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.”
Anthony Thiselton: The third and final movement of this section speaks of the joy of Titus after his encounter with the Corinthians. He actually found that his meeting with them had “set his mind at rest” or was refreshing (Greek, anapepautai, perfect passive, i.e., past with effects remaining). The NIV translates, “We are especially delighted to see how happy Titus was.” This does good justice to the Greek peissoterōs mallon echarēmen, which uses a double comparative and redundant use of mallon with perissoterōs, i.e., more abundantly. The implication is that Titus, acting on behalf of Paul, was relieved and proud of the outcome of his labors in Corinth. Titus’ joy is contagious.
B. (:14) Genuine Repentance Brings Vindication of Boasting
(Renewed Confidence)
“For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame;
but as we spoke all things to you in truth,
so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth.”
George Shillington: Because Paul had bragged to Titus about the church at Corinth, he had risked embarrassment by sending Titus to deal with troubles there. He feared that perhaps they would not respond properly to his letter and that Titus would not be impressed with the church. But the Corinthians had been filled with godly sorrow and had repented, so they had not embarrassed him. Thus, Paul was vindicated in his boasting … to Titus.
C. (:15) Genuine Repentance Brings An Outpouring of Affection
“And his affection abounds all the more toward you,
as he remembers the obedience of you all,
how you received him with fear and trembling.”
John MacArthur: Their willing obedience to the Word of God proved the genuineness of the Corinthians’ repentance. When people are truly repentant, they submit to the commands of Scripture without reluctance, caveat, or qualification. To have a congregation of such obedient people brings great joy to their leaders.
Paul Barnett: Unspoken but implied is Paul’s renewed confidence in the power of God which had so clearly worked through the letter Paul had written. His new confidence arose out of the Corinthians’ response to the ‘sorrowful’ letter. It is a serious mistake to underestimate the impact of the Word of God on those who hear and read it. To all appearances Paul was checkmated by the Corinthians’ repudiation of his painful visit. His ministry there seemed to be at an end. And yet it was not finished. The living God is quite capable of changing apparently intractable attitudes (including ours!) by his Word and Spirit. Ministers of God’s Word can find encouragement and renewal in their ministries by this example of the changed attitudes of the Corinthians.
D. (:16) Genuine Repentance Brings Joy in the Confident Expectation of Future Obedience
“I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.”
Quite the blanket statement!
Scott Hafemann: The focus throughout this passage has been on Paul’s comfort and joy because of the Corinthians, especially as this resulted in Titus’s own comfort, happiness, and renewed affection toward the repentant. By way of summary, Paul’s declaration of joy in 7:16 as a result of his renewed confidence in the Corinthians marks a key turning point in the letter.
Frank Matera: Looking back, it is now apparent that the material of this section has had a twofold result.
- First, it has brought Paul’s narrative of his altered travel plans, the painful visit, and the harsh letter to a successful conclusion by showing how God has once more triumphed in the ministry of the afflicted apostle.
- Second, it has assured the Corinthians of Paul’s abiding confidence in them, allowing him to raise the delicate question of the collection for Jerusalem, to which he now turns in chapters 8–9.
* * * * * * * * * *
PREACHING CHRIST:
1) Note the compassionate heart of Christ who is able to comfort the distressed and depressed in every circumstance.
2) Note how Christ responded to those who attacked Him and His ministry? “Father, forgive them” was His prayer as He actively pleaded with them to be reconciled to God before impending wrath would strike. Note his example in 1 Peter of suffering unjustly for the sake of doing good according to the will of God.
3) Reconciliation is only possible because Christ has paid the price for our sins and become our Mediator.
4) Christ offers life and union with God the Father rather than death and separation. He alone can bring wholeness to any broken relationship.