2 Corinthians 7

This chapter discusses the reactions and effects of Paul's previous letter to the Corinthians (likely referencing 1 Corinthians). He elaborates on the virtues of godly sorrow leading to repentance and contrasts it with worldly sorrow, highlighting the positive outcomes that result from true repentance. The chapter also emphasizes Paul's affection and concern for the church in Corinth, detailing his joy over their positive response to his admonitions and the comfort he found in their obedience and readiness to make amends.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Paul starts by encouraging the Corinthians to live lives of holiness, leveraging the promises of God as motivation. This call to cleanse themselves from both physical and spiritual corruption is a continual process, fueled by a reverent fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:2-3 (NKJV)
Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.

Paul appeals for openness and trust between himself and the Corinthians. He reassures them of his integrity and his deep affection for them, emphasizing a strong relational bond that is as profound as life and death.

2 Corinthians 7:4 (NKJV)
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

Paul expresses great pride and confidence in the Corinthians, which comforts him even in times of trouble. His joy is not diminished by his own hardships because he is buoyed by their positive response to his teachings and guidance.

2 Corinthians 7:5-6 (NKJV)
For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

Paul describes his physical and emotional struggles during his travels in Macedonia, facing external conflicts and internal fears. Yet, he highlights the divine comfort received through the arrival of Titus, underscoring God's provision in times of distress.

2 Corinthians 7:7 (NKJV)
And not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

Titus's presence was comforting, but even more so was the news he brought of the Corinthians' positive spiritual response— their desire, their sorrow over past failures, and their enthusiasm for Paul. This news brought Paul even greater joy.

2 Corinthians 7:8-10 (NKJV)
For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Paul reflects on the impact of his previous letter, which caused temporary sorrow but led to genuine repentance. He distinguishes between godly sorrow, which leads to life-changing repentance and salvation, and worldly sorrow, which results in spiritual death.

2 Corinthians 7:11 (NKJV)
For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The Corinthians' godly sorrow spurred them into action: it made them diligent, motivated them to clear their names, and filled them with a righteous anger, fear, desire, and zeal. They effectively demonstrated their innocence in the issues addressed by Paul.

2 Corinthians 7:12-13 (NKJV)
Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.

Paul clarifies that his motive for writing was not to focus on the offender or the offended party but to show his deep care for the Corinthians' spiritual welfare. The comforting news of their repentance has uplifted him and Titus, reflecting a mutual rejuvenation of spirit among them.

2 Corinthians 7:14-16 (NKJV)
For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our boasting to Titus was found true. And his affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in everything.

Paul expresses pride in the Corinthians, vindicated by their actions which matched his praise of them to Titus. The Corinthians’ respectful and earnest reception of Titus has deepened his affection for them, and Paul is filled with joy and confidence in their ongoing spiritual growth.