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2 Corinthians Chapter Seven

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Minister Who is Comforted by Believers

A.  Who exhorts believers to seek sanctification ---- this is the greatest consolation of the minister (v.1);

B.  Who has great boasting on believers’ behalf and is filled with comfort (v.2-4);

C.  Who is comforted by his fellow worker’s consolation from believers (v.5-7);

D.  Who is comforted by believers’ sorrow in a godly manner (v.8-11);

E.  Who is comforted by the conditions of the fellow workers and believers (v.12-16);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

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

YLT: “Having then these promises beloved may we cleanse ourselves from every pollution of flesh and spirit perfecting sanctification in the fear of God;”

Literal Meaning: “therefore beloved it indicates that this verse is the conclusion of the exhortation from verse fourteen to eighteen in chapter six.

“Having these promises” here promise is the promise that is mentioned in the previous chapter that if we are separated God will be our Father and we will be His children (2Cor. 6:14-18).

“Let us cleanse ourselves” the active voice shows that believers are voluntarily willing to be so and practice what one preaches.

“From all filthiness of the flesh and spirit” “cleanse” means removing filthiness. Filthiness in body means sinning against one’s body e.g. (see 1Cor. 6:18). The filthiness of the spirit refers to touching unclean things in spirit e.g. idolatry (see Acts 15:20).

“In the fear of God” it means that one dares not touch things that may provoke the wrath of God especially the unclean things (see 6:17).

“Perfecting holiness”: be separated from everything that is outside of God so it is also called “separation”. When the whole men of we believers ---- the spirit the soul and the body ---- will be preserved blameless that is sanctification (see 1Thess. 5:23) ---- the highest situation of being reconciled to God.

When a believer has been saved he has been sanctified on the objective position through the redemption of Jesus Christ (see Heb. 10:10). Therefore though believers in Corinth are childish in spirit (see 1Cor. 3:1) Paul still calls them “the saints sanctified in Christ Jesus” (see 1Cor. 1:2). However believers should still bear the fruit of holiness in conducts by the Spirit after being saved (see Rom. 6:22). That is cleansing oneself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit ---- it is sanctification in one’s personal experience.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     God has promised in the previous chapter that as long as we have been separated from the world He will have the real father-son fellowship. What glorious promise! Therefore we shall get rid of the whole filthiness of us so as to be sanctified and be worthy of this promise.

2)     “Having these promises” it shows that God’s promises in the Old Testament to the people of Israel are also to believers in the New Testament. Therefore we should search and seek God’s words to us in all the Scriptures instead of regarding them as letters only.

3)     Believers should take the responsibility for their sanctification in life instead of shifting it totally to God. We shall answer God’s calling of sanctification and “cleanse ourselves” so that the holy life and power of God will work in us.

4)     However “cleansing oneself” is not monkish self-torture or “removal of the sin” nor keeping the outside customs or apparent godly fashion but the natural manifestation in life out of the cooperation with God.

5)     Believers who live in the flesh and in the world may easily be defiled tangibly or intangibly so we shall cleanse ourselves from all filthiness just like that the Lord Jesus washed the feet of his disciples (see John 13:4-10) ---- that is removing the filthiness of them when they walking in the world. We shall also draw the water of life to wash one another (see Eph. 5:26).

6)     The filthiness of one’s body is “unrighteousness”. The filthiness of one’s spirit is “ungodliness” (see Rom. 1:18).

7)     Whether we can be sanctified is depended on whether we fear God. “The fear of God” is the prerequisite condition of our sanctification. If we have no fear of God we cannot be sanctified.

8)     God is holy. The more we draw near Him the more we will feel our filthiness. The more we serve Him the more we will fear we serve God in ourselves. The fear of God is that one fears that we serve God in ourselves. The most precious heart of man before God is a fearing heart.

9)     Our deeds should be worthy our position as it becomes saints (see Eph. 5:2-3). Our “works” should be worthy of our “position” so as to be sanctified.

10)  “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God” believers should remove what is filthy and seek to be godly and thus be perfected in the fear of God and experience the sanctified life in daily life.

 

2Cor. 7:2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one we have corrupted no one we have cheated no one.

YLT: “receive us; no one did we wrong; no one did we waste; no one did we defraud;”

Meaning of Words: “open”: make room be room to have place; “wrong”: be unjust be an offender do wrong; “corrupt”: defile destroy;

Literal Meaning: “open your hearts to us. It just follows the verse eleven to thirteen in chapter six. Between both of them there is another paragraph (6:14-7:1) of exhorting of sanctification. The apostle Paul expresses his earnest concern for believers in Corinth from this verse to the end of this chapter so as to let them be comforted and encouraged and thus go ahead on the way of being entirely reconciled to God together.

We have wronged no one we have corrupted no one we have cheated no one.” “Wrong”: unjust treatment; own to someone morally; “corrupt”: induce or cause one corrupted morally and destroy his life. “Cheated”: harm others to benefit oneself especially covet for treasure of others (see 12:17-18);

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    If our hearts are often occupied by many things in the world we will have no room for the Lord or brothers or sisters. No wonder that there is much indifference in the church.

2)    The servant of God who labors in word and teaching is esteemed worthy of double honor (see 1Tim. 5:17). And we will leave room for them in our hearts.

3)    A preacher has three “no”s: wrong no one corrupt no one and cheat no one.

 

2Cor. 7:3 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.

YLT: “not to condemn you do I say for I have said before that in our hearts ye are to die with and to live with;”

Literal Meaning:I do not say this to condemn” “say this” it indicates that the three “no”s in the previous verse suggested that someone might slander Paul among believers in Corinth. “Not say this to condemn”: not say this to rebuke;

“For I have said before that you are in our hearts the true concern for them; 

“To die together and to live together” it means that Paul hopes all of them shall have the same “dying” and “life” together e.g. 1) always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body (see 4:10); 2) to die with Christ and to live with Christ (see Rom. 6:5 8); 3) to die to sin and to live to Christ (see Rom6:11); 4) die in sin and live in righteousness (1Pet. 2:24).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The secret of shepherding taking care of and perfecting the saints does not lie in knowledge or skills but in solicitude. The workers of the Lord may give many teachings in the church and fulfill many works. However how much have they loved on earth? How much have they been concerned about believers?

2)     The parents who have poor knowledge may cultivate successful children. And yet parents who are higher intellectuals may develop the black sheep of the society. The most possible reason is the lack of love.

 

2Cor. 7:4 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.

YLT: “great my freedom of speech unto you great my glory on your behalf; I have been filled with the comfort I overabound with the joy on all our tribulation ”

Meaning of Words: “great”: largely abundant; “boldness”: all out-spokenness frankness; “boast”: glory rejoice; “be filled with”: be abundant; “exceedingly”: super-abound abound much more;

Literal Meaning: “great is my boldness of speech toward you it indicates that Paul is confident that they will joyfully receive him “our heart is expanded” ---- be frank (see 6:11).

“Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. “Comfort”: it is “the comfort” in the original which refers to the comfort brought by Titus (see v.6) ---- believers accepted the exhortation of Paul in that epistle and then repented.

I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” “Exceedingly”: overflow as the flood; “joyful”: it is “the joy” in the original which refers to the joy brought by Titus (see v.7).

The meaning of the words “great” “be filled with” and “exceedingly” are quiet near showing that Paul was much exulted at that time.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Even though Paul at that time was faced with tribulations and conflicts outside and fears and weariness inside (see v.5) his spirit was still filled with “exceeding” joy. He is really a man that has transcended the environment and lives in the heavens.

2)    I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” The more serious troubles unbelievers meet the more grievous they will be. However Christians are different. The more they are in tribulations the more they will be joyful. Since the Lord abides in us He can make us full of joy in tribulations. What amazing grace!

3)    He who does not know heavenly comfort or joy but only pays attention to reward and coziness is unworthy of the minister of God.

4)    Though the minister of the Lord is often faced with tribulations the comfort and joy they experience are exceedingly abundant. Though they live on the earth they often enjoy the heavenly comfort and joy.

 

2Cor. 7:5 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.

YLT: “for also we having come to Macedonia no relaxation hath our flesh had but on every side we are in tribulation without fightings within -- fears;”

Meaning of Words: “rest”: relief easiness; “on every side”: in every way all;

Literal Meaning: “for indeed when we came to Macedonia when Paul arrived at Troas he had no rest in his spirit at not finding Titus his brother. Therefore he came away to Macedonia to see Titus. (see 2:12-13).

“Our bodies had no rest” “body” here refers to the physical and mental body namely the outward man (see 4:16). If one’s inside is disturbed his physical body will also be of no rest.

“But we were troubled on every side”. It is not declared in the Scriptures that what troubles they suffered in Macedonia.

“Outside were conflicts inside were fears.” “Conflicts”: spiritual conflicts especially towards the heathens or false teachers used by Satan. “Fear”: be worried about the safety of Titus in Corinth or the return trip.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     One’s mood often influences his physical condition. Therefore it is declared in the Scriptures: “A joyful heart promotes healing” (Pro. 17:22).

2)     The life of Christians on the earth is not all plain sailing. Troubles are unavoidable (see John 16:33). The real problem is how the trouble is caused and how we shall deal with the trouble. The example of Paul tells that his was troubled on account of serving God and building the church and he was also released by the comfort of God and the church (see v.6-7).

 

2Cor. 7:6 Nevertheless God who comforts the downcast comforted us by the coming of Titus

YLT: “but He who is comforting the cast-down -- God -- He did comfort us in the presence of Titus;”

Meaning of Words:downcast”: lowly depressed; “come”: presence; “comfort”: encourage;

Literal Meaning: “nevertheless God who comforts the downcast the downcast”: be depressed because of the burden in the environment; this verse indicates that even though Paul was so strong he might also be downcast sometimes.

“Comforted us by the coming of Titus” it shows that Titus has brought good news about believers in Corinth (see v.7).

 

2Cor. 7:7 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.

YLT: “and not only in his presence but also in the comfort with which he was comforted over you declaring to us your longing desire your lamentation your zeal for me so that the more I did rejoice ”

Meaning of Words:consolation”: comfort encouragement; “desire”: longing for; “zeal”: fervent mind;

Literal Meaning:and not only by his coming but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you it shows that Paul has got double consolation: 1) Titus returned in peace; 2) Titus brought good news from believers in Corinth;

“When he told us of your earnest desire your mourning your zeal for me so that I rejoiced even more” it declares the three aspects of the good news brought back by Titus: 1) earnest desire ---- believers in Corinth desired to restore the normal relationship with Paul and longed to see him; 2) your mourning ---- they were sorrowful and grievous for their offending Paul in the past; 3) your zeal ---- they had fervent mind in upholding the service of Paul;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The preachers have two sorts of consolation: 1) be comforted by showing solicitude for believers (see v.6); 2) be comforted by the solicitude of believers. Therefore believers should also show solicitude for the ministers of God instead of receiving comfort from them only.

2)     The repentance (see v.11) of believers in Corinth after Paul’s reproach makes him “comforted” and “joyful”. Likewise even though we may have mistakes as long as we are willing to receive the light of God and the correction of God’s ministers and then regret we will still please God and make Him comforted.

3)     How true and earnest of Paul’s fellowship with the church in Corinth is! The church is “in Paul’s heart to die together and to live together” (v.3). And the church also shows “earnest desire and mourning andzeal for Paul. This is the true love between God’s workers and the church. It is normal and is necessary.

 

2Cor. 7:8 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.

YLT: “because even if I made you sorry in the letter I do not repent -- if even I did repent -- for I perceive that the letter even if for an hour did make you sorry.”

Meaning of Words:sorry”: sorrow grief; “regret”: repent; “for a while”: an hour;

Literal Meaning: “for even if I made you sorry with my letter it means that Paul had written a letter with serious words and many tears to the church in Corinth (see the commentary of chapter two v.3-4). Possibly rebuke was more than encouragement in that epistle so Paul said he made them sorry with his letter. And the sorry here is not the generally anguish or worry but the grief for the sake of the sin that one has committed.

I do not regret it; though I did regret it. After that letter was sent Paul had no rest inside for he did not know the reaction of believers in Corinth so he was somewhat regretful for writing that letter. However now he knew from Titus that that letter had produced good effect and believers in Corinth had active response so he did not repent.

For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry though only for a while” “I perceive”: know from Titus’s message; “sorry for a while” it means that such grief shall produce good end.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The letter of Paul that makes believers in Corinth sorry was lost. Someone said “God will keep the letter that we need to read in His eyes. And if the letter is a letter that we do not need to read it is lost”. Let us be satisfied with the Bible in our hands.

2)     Sometimes the ministers of the Lord themselves can not judge the words that they have spoken or written. However if it is out of the inspiration and government of the Spirit instead of their own mind there will be unexpected effect.

3)     Good advice is harsh to the ear. Though man’s exhortation makes us unhappy if we humbly receive it the pain will pass away soon and will profit us.

 

2Cor. 7:9 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.

YLT: “I now do rejoice not that ye were made sorry but that ye were made sorry to reformation for ye were made sorry toward God that in nothing ye might receive damage from us;”

Meaning of Words:repentance”: change of one’s mind; “loss”: experience detriment;

Literal Meaning: “now I rejoice not that you were made sorry but that your sorrow led to repentance” if there is “sorry” only but no repentance out of “sorry” Paul will not rejoice.

For you were made sorry in a godly manner it indicates that there are two possibilities of sorrow at least: 1) be sorry in a godly manner; 2) be sorry in a fleshly manner; the former leads to salvation and the latter leads to death (see v.10).

“That you might suffer loss from us in nothing” the key words are “from us”. If there were no “from us” such loss would be a general one which meant that all the benefit God shall give to them in His will would not decrease. “Suffer loss from us” it indicates that such loss is relevant to the apostle Paul ---- believers in Corinth had not treated Paul well in the past and had failed to received his teachings humbly if they did not feel sorry in a godly manner they would suffer serious loss in spirit. 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     It is commanded in some scriptures that we Christians should not be troubled (e.g. John 14:1) but here sorrow can even benefit us. They are not contradicted for they are different. Christians should not be troubled in a fleshly or worldly manner but shall have the spiritual sorrow in the Lord (see v.10; Ps. 51:17).

2)     There is a kind of loss to Christians caused by our attitudes towards the ministers of the Lord. If we do not treat the ministers well perhaps the spiritual blessing that God will give to us through them will be diminished.

 

2Cor. 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

YLT: “for the sorrow toward God reformation to salvation not to be repented of doth work and the sorrow of the world doth work death ”

Meaning of Words:not to be regretted”: without repentance; “repentance”: the change of one’s mind; “the world”: the age; “produce”: yield work;

Literal Meaning: “for godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation not to be regretted” “repentance not to be regretted” it means that one has truly regretted and turned to God and thus has been more deeply reconciled to God. “Salvation” here it does not refer to the salvation of the spirit but the salvation of believers’ souls and bodies through the victory against the flesh sin the world and Satan after believing the Lord (see the commentary of 1:10).

“But the sorrow of the world produces death”. ---- Death includes the physical death and spiritual death. The worldly sorrow will make men mentally deteriorated and physically weak and be dead in the end. Moreover it may also render man discouraged in spirit and even dead before the Lord (see Rev. 3:1).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     If man’s rebuke only makes one “sorrowful” and yet not be saved it shows that the rebuke has not brought man to God. Such rebuke is not out of God but out of oneself.

2)     Peter denied the Lord Jesus and Judea sold the Lord Jesus. Both of them repented afterwards but their ends are different (see Matt. 26:74-75; 27:3-5; Acts 1:15-16) for the former is godly sorrow and the other is that of the world. 

3)     It is not that he who has enjoyed the divine grace has no sorrow but that he should sorrow in a godly manner. His sorrow is caused by his shortage and deficiency according to the perfect and full will of God and the standard of Christ. Such sorrow will produce active effect. However “the sorrow of the world” is for the earthly profit or for man himself and it only “produces death” and thus makes man fall into spiritual death. Therefore whether our sorrow is profitable can be seen from the result.

4)     “The sorrow of the world” is focused on one’s self and one’s own benefit. And one is sorrowful in vain for his failure and yet has not turned to God. Such self pitying sorrow has no profit to one’s spiritual life.

 

2Cor. 7:11 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.

YLT: “for lo this same thing -- your being made sorry toward God -- how much diligence it doth work in you! but defence but displeasure but fear but longing desire but zeal but revenge; in every thing ye did approve yourselves to be pure in the matter.”

Meaning of Words: “diligence”: earnestness forwardness eagerness; “clearing”: answer for self clearing of self defense; “indignation”: anger; “fear”: alarm terror; “vindication”: retribution vengeance; “clear”: clean pure and innocent;

Literal Meaning: “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! ---- The seven situations listed here are sorrowing in a godly manner: it is firstly repentance not to be regretted (see v.10) and then is the seven kinds of fruit.

  “Diligence” indicated that believers in Corinth had earnest remembrance of the apostle Paul. They were indifferent to Paul in the past and yet now were much concerned about and cordial about him.

“Clearing”: self defense; according to the last words of this verse it seemed that they showed that they had nothing to do with the attacks upon Paul and had not been concerned in the affair.

“Indignation”: be indignant about the affair itself and those who caused the affair and his own indifference; 

“Fear be afraid that one himself will be wrapped up in the affair and thus be chastened by the apostle (see 1Cor. 4:21).

“Vehement desire”: miss the apostles earnestly and long for their visitation;

“Zeal”: zeal for dealing with the affairs and taking disciplinary actions; 

“Vindication”: give punishment to the causer of the affairs;

Among the above-mentioned seven kinds of results produced by the sorrow in a godly manner ---- “diligence fear vehement desire” are relevant to the apostle Paul; “clearing of yourselves indignation” are in connection with their sense of shamefulness; zeal and vindication” have something to do with those who have made the mistakes;

There are also some Bible exegetes who explain the seven points as seven great elements of sorrow in a godly manner ---- “diligence”: the comprehensive expression of one’s mind emotion and will; “clearing of oneself”: it refers to one’s repentance in mind; “indignation fear vehement desire zeal”: the repentance in one’s emotion; “vindication”: the repentance in one’s will. When all of them are complete it can be counted as the sorrow that God accepts.

In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” they proved themselves to be innocent and pure in any aspect.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Sorrow in a godly manner must lead to positive effect: one is purified inside and has obtained the active attitude of diligence and zeal not discouragement or despair or abandonment of oneself. We can judge whether our sorrows are right by the situations after the sorrows.

2)     If we sorrow in a godly manner and deal with our wrong doings and clear up the unholy things we will be accepted by God for He does not despise the broken and contrite heart (Ps. 51:17). Therefore the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 4:19). 

 

2Cor. 7:12 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.

YLT: “If then I also wrote to you -- not for his cause who did wrong nor for his cause who did suffer wrong but for our diligence in your behalf being manifested unto you before God --”

Literal Meaning:I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong him who had done the wrong” there are two explanations for it: 1) it refers to the one who has committed the sexual immorality (see 1Cor. 5:1); 2) it refers to the brother who opposed and attacked Paul (see the commentary of 2:5) before all when Paul visited the church in Corinth for the second time. It is difficult to give a final conclusion that who it was on earth for opinions of Bible exegetes differ.

“Nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong him who suffered wrong” according to the previous explanations it refers to the father of the one who has committed the sexual immorality; 2) Paul himself;

“But that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you” that Paul wrote the letter was not for the sake of any individual but for the profit of the whole church. Through that letter their hearts unto God would be manifested. Besides it also manifested whether they honored or were concerned about the apostle or his teachings.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     When the Lord’s workers are faced with the abnormal condition in the church they shall not only deal with it ---- for the sake of him who has done the wrong or him who suffers wrong but also stimulate the love o believers in the positive aspect ---- our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you”. The main reason for the abnormal condition of the church is that all have failed in love.

2)     The more the church cares for the servant of the Lord the more normal the condition of the church will be. The more the church is indifferent to the Lord’s servant the more troubles and difficulties the church will encounter.

 

2Cor. 7:13 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.

YLT: “because of this we have been comforted in your comfort and more abundantly the more did we rejoice in the joy of Titus that his spirit hath been refreshed from you all;”

Meaning of Words:refresh”: repose take ease; “exceedingly more” (they are double adverbs in the original): the first adverb means abundant or exceedingly; the second one means more or rather;

Literal Meaning: “therefore we have been comforted. “Therefore”: it is based on the above-mentioned right response of believers in Corinth to that letter (see v.11). 

And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus because his spirit has been refreshed by you all” “and”: it indicates that they have not only been comforted but also have got other profits.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Today many fellow workers in the church have attacked and depreciated one another so as to life up oneself and be welcomed and praised by all. Such heart is truly unworthy of the Lord’s worker.

2)     The elder fellow worker (Paul) shall learn to rejoice for the joy of the young fellow worker (Titus) and create a peaceful working environment and lead the eyes of all the saints from themselves to the young fellow workers so as to pave the way for the coming succession.

 

2Cor. 7:14 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 even so our boasting to Titus was found true.

YLT: “because if anything to him in your behalf I have boasted I was not put to shame; but as all things in truth we did speak to you so also our boasting before Titus became truth ”

Meaning of Words:boast”: make boast glory rejoice; “ashamed”: dishonor disgrace shame down;

Literal Meaning: “for if in anything I have boasted to him about you I am not ashamed. He is not ashamed to boast of believers in Corinth to Titus.

“Even so our boasting to Titus was found true.” “Be found true” it does not mean the boasting was not true and yet became true later but that the boasting was proved to be true afterwards.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     It is inappropriate for the servants of God to boast more than rebuke in the church and encourage more than criticize. Positive words are more efficacious that passive words in the building of the church.

2)     Someone says “If we see others in the church we shall see Christ in them. And if we see ourselves we shall see the old Adam in ourselves”. Thus we can more praise others.

 

2Cor. 7:15 And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all how with fear and trembling you received him.

YLT: “and his tender affection is more abundantly toward you remembering the obedience of you all how with fear and trembling ye did receive him;”

Meaning of Words:obedience”: attentive hearkening compliance or submission; “fear”: be afraid alarm terror; “trembling”: quaking with fear; “for”: into toward;

Literal Meaning:as he remembers the obedience of you all obedience”: hearken to the exhortation; Titus went to Corinth to send Paul’s letter according to Paul’s command and exhorted them to repent to their faces.

“How with fear and trembling you received him.” “Fear”: their inner condition; “trembling”: their attitude;

  And his affections are greater for you” it means that his affections are more abundant.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     In the normal condition the Lord’s workers have the spiritual authority which should be obeyed by all the saints. The abuse of authority and obstinate disobedience are both marks of abnormal spiritual conditions.

2)     Between the Lord’s workers and believers and even among believers they may also be affected by the attitude of others ---- if one treats us well we will treat him better. If one treats rudely we will be indifferent to him. We shall deal with such condition by treating others well. We’d better not wait for the change of the attitude of others.

3)     If you find the affections of the minister or the elder brothers in the church have not been for us great possibly it is because our attitude toward them is not good enough. It is better to adjust ourselves first than change others.

4)     The preachers of the Lord often ask believers to obey them and yet seldom care about them or love them.

 

2Cor. 7:16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

YLT: “I rejoice therefore that in everything I have courage in you.”

Meaning of Words:confidence”: exercise courage;

Literal Meaning:I have confidence in you in everything” it does not say Paul believes believers in Corinth can not make mistake again but believers that they have grasped the spiritual principles. Therefore though they may fail again they will turn back and get out of the failure.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     In the First Epistle to the Corinthians Paul provided them with Christ and him crucified to resolve their problems and change their corrupted conditions. When he wrote the second book they had repented well so that the apostle Paul could say “his boasting on their behalf is great. And he is filled with comfort (v.4). And he can have confidence in them in everything”. Oh what wonderful end! And what bright testimony which proves the crucified Christ is indeed the answer to all the difficulties of the church!

2)     “Trust” is mostly indispensible to the relation of the workers with believers in the church. And such trust is being confident of the Lord in everyone ---- He will keep us to the end (see 2Tim. 1:12).

3)     Confidence does not equal to indulgence. He who has confidence has firstly been confident of the Lord and believes that He will be responsible to His work to the end. And then the workers teach and guide the church according to the confidence of the Lord. And the children of God trust the guidance of the Lord’s workers whom the Lord uses on account of confidence.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Revival of the Spirit of the Church

A.   The foundation of the revival (v.1-6);

1.    All the saints shall fear God and seek sanctification (v.1);

2.    There should be a faithful minister (v.2-6);

B.   The way of the revival ---- stimulate the sorrow and repentance according to the will of God (v.7-11);

C.   The end of the revival (v.);

1.    Stir up the affection (v.12).

2.    Bring comfort and joy (v.13 15);

 

The Heart that Believers Are Supposed to Have towards One Another

A.   One shall open his heart to others (v.2).

B.   One shall keep others in his hearts (v.3).

C.   One shall care for others earnestly (v.7 11-12).

D.   One shall have confidence in others in everything (v.16).

 

The Key Words of This Chapter

A.   Comfort/ consolation (v.4 6 6 7 7 13 13);

B.   Rejoice (v.7 16); joy (v.13); joyful (v.4);

C.   Sorry (v.8 8 9 9 ) sorrow (v. 9 10 11);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou