2 Corinthians 7

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 2 2 8 0 0 7:1. Having, therefore, these promises, my dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and perfect [our] holiness in the fear of God.) a. & Therefore, & my dear friends. The content of this verse matches that of the entire preceding passage (vv. 14 18) and is its fitting conclusion, as is evident from the term therefore. The verse relates well to verses 11 through 13, where Paul speaks of his love for the Corinthians and is asking for their love in return. For this reason he addresses his readers with the endearing term my dear children, which in older translations is given as beloved, meaning they are loved by him (see 12:19).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.4|AUTODETECT|” b. Having & these promises. Paul states that he and his readers are the recipients of God s promises 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.4|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the Greek text, he emphasizes these promises by placing the word these first in the sentence. That is, the assurances that he has mentioned in the previous verses are from God. And God s word is absolutely sure and true. He will perform what he has promised.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. Let us cleanse ourselves. If the promises are real, and they are, then it stands to reason that their recipients strive to please the Giver of these promises as much as possible. Consequently, Paul issues an exhortation in which he includes himself and his colleagues to show that they are not above the readers: Let us cleanse ourselves. These words are Paul s free admission of having been contaminated by the surrounding environment of sin.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.11|AUTODETECT|” The exhortation means not that one cleansing keeps us clean forever, but that we constantly must purify ourselves. The Reformers spoke of daily repentance as a way of making progress in our sanctification. Elsewhere Paul writes that the Corinthians were washed, sanctified, and justified 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.11|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but the process of sanctification is continuous because human nature is prone to sin.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.20-2.30.21|AUTODETECT|” Jewish people who were ceremonially unclean had to wash themselves every time they touched something that was impure, and no priest or Levite was permitted to enter the tabernacle or temple unless he washed himself 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.20-2.30.21|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 30:20 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ). The same principle is true for God s people when they enter his sacred presence: they must purify themselves by confessing their sins. Paul admits that he is no better than the Corinthians; he also needs to cleanse himself and be pure 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.7|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.3|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.7|AUTODETECT|” d. From every defilement of flesh and spirit. Paul wishes to include the entire range of defilement and thus writes the adjective every. Although the noun defilement occurs only here in the New Testament, the verb to defile appears three times 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.8.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 8:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.4|AUTODETECT|” 14:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul stresses that pollution affects both flesh and spirit, that is, the entire person. If defilement refers to idol worship,��69�� then worshipers at pagan temples risked being unclean in body and spirit, for some rites involved cult prostitutes. The one who cleaves to a prostitute is one body with her 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.6.16|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 6:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.3-2.20.5|AUTODETECT|” What does this have to do with the church in Corinth? Much, because Paul wrote earlier in this segment, What agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God (6:16). The Corinthian believers are God s temple; God dwells with them and makes his presence real by walking among them. Thus, the word choice in verse 1 (let us cleanse ourselves, defilement, holiness) derives directly from the temple imagery. ��70�� God is a jealous God who tolerates no other gods before him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.3-2.20.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.7-5.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.7-5.5.9|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.34|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul s reference to flesh and spirit must be interpreted to signify a complete person in God s service 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.7.34|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 7:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��71�� The words convey the meaning that a person who is cleansed outwardly with respect to flesh and inwardly in regard to spirit walks with God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.2|AUTODETECT|” e. And perfect [our] holiness in the fear of God. This clause echoes Paul s exhortation, Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement. He uses the Greek present participle epitelountes (perfecting) as an exhortation to his readers: Let us strive for perfect holiness. Paul described the Corinthian believers as sanctified in Christ Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.2|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.13|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ) and indicates that God made them holy through the work of his Son. But sanctification remains a continuous process in which believers must assiduously apply themselves to fostering complete holiness. Paul even delineates how this must be done: in the fear of God. Fear and reverence for God provide the motivation for perfecting one s holiness. In the presence of God the Father, his children should live on this earth as aliens in reverent fear 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Our relationship to God should be one of genuine respect and profound reverence. As the Father is holy, so we as his children should reflect his holiness in our lives.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) Concluding Comments on 6:14 7:1) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.5.9-46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Admittedly, the transition between 6:13 and 14 and between 7:1 and 2 is abrupt. But there are indications that Paul consistently pursues his own trend of thought throughout the larger passage. He begins in the second half of chapter 5 with an exhortation to the readers to live for Christ, who died and rose again (v. 15). He commands them to be reconciled to God (v. 20) and continues to urge the Corinthians not to receive God s grace in vain (6:1). After supplying a list of his own hardships (6:3 10), he pleads with them to open their hearts for him (6:13). Paul realizes that their hearts are indifferent and influenced by unbelievers.

He tells them to separate themselves from those who do not love the Lord. A corresponding injunction occurs in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=46.5.9-46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Corinthians 5:9 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , where Paul instructs the Christians to detach themselves from sexually immoral people even though they called themselves believers. There Paul calls for complete separation by forbidding table fellowship.��72�� And here he commands them to cleanse themselves, not to touch anything unclean, and to strive for perfect holiness.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 The train of thought Paul develops in this segment is consistent, although we frankly admit that the transition between 6:13 and 14 and 7:1 and 2 is not smooth. Still, the view that Paul himself composed 6:14 7:1 is a distinct possibility that cannot be ruled out.) ) Practical Considerations in 6:14 18) Christians are in this world to be salt, to influence a decadent, anti-Christian society with Christ s gospel, and to work and pray for the coming of God s kingdom. They are not to yield to the surrounding culture and permit it to govern their lives, for then worldly influences will govern them.) In many parts of the world, however, Christians display an apathy that results in and contributes to a decline of Christianity. Countries that for centuries were influential in promoting the cause of Christ now count the percentage of Christians who attend church on a given Sunday in the low single digits. No longer do they regard the Christian faith as a force; in this post-Christian era they relegate it to history.) Yet true Christians believe in the sovereignty of God and see the Christian faith circling the globe. God is at work in many parts of the world where people by droves turn to Christ in faith.

If parts of the Middle East are virtually devoid of Christians, and if the West is in a spiritual recession, the growth of the Christian church is evident in Africa, in Latin America, and in Asia. In these parts of the world, Christians influence their surrounding society with the message of salvation. Believers who separate themselves from a society of unbelief are its salt; they prove to be lights that shine ever brightly in a world of gloom and darkness.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.12-40.24.13|AUTODETECT|” Jesus told his followers, Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.12-40.24.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:12 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 10 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 6:14 18) Verse 14) �t ������� the negative command with the present imperative reveals that some Corinthians in fact were unequally yoked with unbelievers. Paul tells the Corinthians to avoid these associations.) ���������� ��v ����� the dative of possession stresses more the object that is possessed than the possessor.��73�� The private of the noun ����� indicates either the absence of the ����� (law) or its nonobservance.) ���� the preposition denotes an intimate relationship between light and darkness, which is not the case.) Verses 15 16) ������� the Western readings and the Majority Text have the dative, which appears to be an accommodation to the datives in the preceding and the following verses.) ���� the root meaning of this preposition signifies in the midst of, thus indicating that the believer occupies a central position in the life of the unbeliever.) ��� the word refers to the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, not the entire temple complex.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.16|AUTODETECT|” !���� manuscript evidence for this reading is strong, while the variant Q���� & ��� (KJV, NKJV, NAB, Vulgate) possibly conforms to the text in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.16|AUTODETECT|” I Corinthians 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��74��) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Verse 17) ������� the aorist active imperative signifies that the Corinthians must come out of the world of idolatry once for all. Similarly, the aorist passive imperative of ��������� conveys the same message: be separate [once for all]. But the negative command �t ������ is in the present tense and indicates that the people were indeed being defiled by touching unclean things.) Verse 18) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.8|AUTODETECT|” �0� as. This preposition, here used twice, expresses equivalence 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.8|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.53|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.53|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.22|AUTODETECT|” 13:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 26 2 8 0 0 Summary of Chapter 6) The apostle with his fellow helpers exhorts the Corinthians not to squander God s grace. He desires that they be reconciled to God, who extended his grace to them. The present time for them, Paul teaches, is their day of salvation.) As a minister of Christ s gospel, Paul must exert himself to be blameless in conduct so that no one will be able to discredit his lifestyle. For this reason he lists a catalogue of hardships he has endured for the sake of preaching and teaching Christ s gospel. He has proven to be a true servant of God as he selflessly endured physical, mental, and verbal abuse. Yet he always experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit and the power of God in his life.) The Corinthians had to admit that Paul showed them tender love, which he never withheld from them.

They now are urged to open wide their hearts to him as a fair, reciprocal demonstration of their love for him.) Next, Paul feels obliged to instruct the readers that their allegiance to God must be unconditional, for they cannot be yoked unequally to the world of unbelievers. They can no longer have anything to do with idolatry in their pagan environment. Christians are God s temple, says Paul, for God lives in them and walks among them. The apostle strengthens his admonition by quoting from a number of Old Testament passages that teach complete separation of faith and unbelief. God has given his people the promise that he is their Father and they are his sons and daughters. Belonging to God s family means pursuing moral purity and striving for perfect holiness.) 7.

Apostolic Ministry, part 7) (7:2 16)) ) Outline (continued)) 7:2 4 5. Loving Deeply ) 7:5 7 6. Rejoicing Greatly ) 7:8 13a 7. Expressing Sorrow ) 7:13b 16 8. Meeting with Titus ) ) ) ) 5. Loving Deeply) 7:2 4) 7 2 Make room for us in your hearts.

We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one.) 3 I do not say this to condemn you, because, as I have said earlier, you are in our hearts that we would die together and live together with you. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am filled with comfort; in all our affliction I am overflowing with joy.) 5 For indeed when we came into Macedonia, our body had no rest, but we were distressed in every respect. Fights on the outside, fears on the inside. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us with the coming of Titus. 7 And not only with his coming, but also with the comfort that you imparted to him. He reported to us your longing [for me], your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.) 8 For even if my letter grieved you, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it for I see that my letter hurt you but for a little while 9 I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved that led to repentance. For your grief was according to God s will, so that you suffered no loss because of us. 10 For sorrow that is according to God s will produces repentance that effects salvation, which cannot be regretted.

But worldly sorrow produces death. 11 For look, what earnestness this very thing has produced in you, namely, that you were grieved according to God s will, also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment. At every point you have shown that you were innocent is this matter. 12 So, although I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the offender nor on account offended, but so that your good will concerning us might be revealed to you before God. 13 Through this we are encouraged.) And in addition to our comfort, we rejoiced exceedingly at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 For if indeed I boasted somewhat to him about you, you did not embarrass me. However, as we have spoken to you the truth in all things, so also our boasting about you to Titus has come true. 15 His affection toward you is all the more significant when he remembers the obedience of all of you, for you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice that I can depend completely on you.) ) After admonishing the Corinthians to pursue righteousness, purity, and holiness, Paul now resumes his expression of deep love and care for them. In 6:11 13, he told his readers that he had not withheld affection from them and expected that they would indeed reciprocate. He concluded by asking them to open their hearts for him. With this saying in mind, he now continues his discourse.) 2.

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.15|AUTODETECT|” a. Make room for us in your hearts. Earlier Paul wrote, Widen your hearts (6:13), inviting the Corinthians to show him the same love he had shown them. The charge is now repeated in the light of the immediately preceding discussion on their separation from unbelief, idolatry, and pollution (6:14 7:1). When God lives with them and walks among them, Satan ought to have no place in their hearts. They should warmly welcome God s appointed messengers, Paul and his associates, as ambassadors for Christ and as bearers of the gospel. More than that, belonging to God s family as sons and daughters, they should make room in their hearts for Paul (6:13), who was their spiritual father 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And they must oust Paul s opponents who proclaim an entirely different gospel (11:4).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one. These three short statements repudiate accusations that his opponents might have hurled at Paul and his colleagues. In a sense, the three verbs in these statements are synonymous; they are not presented in either a descending or an ascending order but were written as they came to the author s mind. Paul defends his ministry among the Corinthians by using phrases his adversaries might have employed. We venture to say that the readers were fully familiar with these words.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.13|AUTODETECT|” The verb to do wrong occurs a number of times in the New Testament: it refers to an injustice, as in a financial agreement 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.13|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.19|AUTODETECT|” ) or a physical harm inflicted upon someone by creatures or fellow human beings 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.11|AUTODETECT|” ). From Paul s point of view, he had not wronged anyone while he was in Corinth during both his eighteen-month stay 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.18|AUTODETECT|” ) and his painful visit (2:1). While he served the Corinthians as their pastor, he had refused to receive monetary payments 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.18|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In fact, no one was able to accuse him of preaching for financial gain. His record in Corinth was above reproach.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The second accusation against Paul was that he and his companions had corrupted the Corinthians. If we understand the verb to corrupt in this verse as a synonym of the preceding verb to do wrong, then it can mean either financial ruin or moral and religious ruin. Whatever the interpretation may be, such an accusation was preposterous. Paul had done everything he could to build up the believers in Corinth.) Thirdly, Paul had never been guilty of defrauding anyone. His adversaries might have spread this rumor, but his life as Christ s faithful representative in Corinth and elsewhere had been exemplary. Paul candidly asks the Corinthians whether he or Titus ever exploited them (12:17 18).

The answer was a resounding no, for the apostle and his helpers never sought to enrich themselves financially. The concept defraud always points to material increase (except 2:11) that has been unjustly obtained at the expense of someone else.��1�� The one who defrauds is breaking the tenth commandment of the Decalogue: You shall not covet. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1-46.16.3|AUTODETECT|” The people in Corinth may have misunderstood Paul s instruction about his gathering money for the saints in Jerusalem 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.1-46.16.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Even though Paul himself purposely distanced himself from the collecting and the eventual delivery of the money, the seeds of suspicion germinated and took root. Misinterpretation of Paul s motives provided the basis for an attack on his integrity.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” In addition, the discipline of the man who had committed incest 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) still rankled some people in Corinth. Among them, Paul s painful visit and sorrowful letter (2:1 3) had been the cause of deep bitterness against Paul.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 With the repetitious use of the pronoun no one in the three statements (wronged no one, corrupted no one, defrauded no one), Paul sought to clear himself of all allegations. These negative statements, then, must be understood in the light of his request to the Corinthians to make room for him in their hearts.��2��) 3. I do not say this to condemn you, because, as I have said earlier, you are in our hearts that we would die together and live together with you.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.13|AUTODETECT|” a. Sensitivity. Whenever Paul admonishes his readers or touches a painful subject in their mutual relations, he takes measures to demonstrate his deep love for them. He frequently resorts to calling them dear friends, brothers, or children. In this case, attempting to put behind him the false accusations that have been leveled against him, he says that the Corinthians have a special place in his heart. That is, his life and that of his colleagues are so intimately interwoven with those of the Corinthians that they are together in life and death. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.13|AUTODETECT|” John 15:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Notice that Paul switches from writing the first person plural we (v. 2) to the first person singular I (vv. 3 4). He speaks openly, directly, and personally to the Corinthians to strengthen the bond he has with them. The interplay of pronouns in this verse is striking. The verse begins with the first person singular I, is followed by the pronouns you and our, and concludes with we. Paul wishes to say that his personal love for the Corinthians is so great that he overlooks insults from some of them. He broadens his scope by reminding the readers of his earlier remark (6:11) and ends by assuring them that he and his colleagues love them so much that they will die and live with them.) b.

Message. I do not say this to condemn you. The readers could easily interpret Paul s three short statements (v. 2) as a rebuke for having uttered these remarks behind his back. This impression could lead to alienation, which Paul seeks to avoid at all costs. Paul knows how to change his tone in an astonishing way and uses a subsequent correction of a previous impression when he feels that he has offended, still maintaining the most sensitive contact with his readers. ��3�� He skillfully applies pastoral tact and states that he is not denouncing the Corinthians for negative comments made in his absence. He wants them to realize that they are indeed his dear brothers and sisters in Christ.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Having assured his readers that he is not rebuking them, Paul now elaborates by recalling an earlier statement. This statement he introduces with the words, as I have said earlier. The question is, where did he make the comment, you are in our hearts ? The perfect tense of the Greek verb legein (to say) compels us not to look for it in the immediate context, but two other places come to mind: You yourselves are our epistle, written on our hearts (3:2), and We have & opened wide our hearts [to you] (6:11). The second reference is preferred because of its context (6:11 13), in which the apostle tells the Corinthians that he does not withhold his affection from them. Paul is seeking to convince his readers that he has no intention of rebuking them but that he and his associates treasure them. The phrase you are in our hearts means that to paraphrase Paul s words these people are not only at the center of our lives but we also honor them and seek their physical and spiritual well-being 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ). ��4�� Here indeed is an example of fulfilling God s royal law, Love your neighbor as yourself 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.8|AUTODETECT|” James 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), and of the highest friendship one can show.��5��) 1 2 2 8 0 0 That we would die together and live together with you. How deep is Paul s love for the Corinthians? For them, he had risked his life over and over. The catalogues of hardships (4:8 9; 6:4 10; 11:23 29) eloquently testify to his love for the church. Paul would rather die with the Corinthians than renounce his love for them. John Calvin observes, Notice that this is how all pastors ought to feel. ��6��) Jerome Murphy-O Connor asserts that Paul inverts the word order as a subtle invitation to die to Sin and to live for Christ, making verse 3 a reference to 5:15: And [Christ] died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised. ��7�� But this parallel hardly fits the present context, in which Paul seeks to prove his love for the believers in Corinth. It is better to say that the apostle spoke of death before life instead of life followed by death because he constantly faced death and God miraculously delivered him (1:8 9).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.21|AUTODETECT|” Of such loyalty and devotion the Old Testament provides a vivid illustration. Ittai swore an oath to King David, who was fleeing before Absalom: As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.15.21|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 15:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Similarly, Paul tells the Corinthians that in case they die, he will die with them and as they live, he will live with them. He does not ask them to die with him when his life comes to an end. In short, Paul expresses his love for them, not they for him.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 4. I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am filled with comfort; in all our affliction I am overflowing with joy.) After Titus returned from Corinth, Paul received detailed information from him about the attitude of the Corinthians toward Paul (vv. 6 7). He now demonstrates that he loves them by praising their change of attitude. Their loyalty and love for him lie back of his words that speak of assurance, pride, and comfort. They receive the apostle s tribute and commendation.) a.

I have great confidence in you. Some translations have a different reading: I am speaking to you with great frankness (REB), or Great is my boldness of speech toward you (NKJV). The difference stems from the Greek noun parrhsia, which signifies frankness or boldness. Of its occurrences in the New Testament, half denote frankness of speech and the other half show confidence demonstrated in a trusting relationship.��8�� Openness in speech reveals a basic trust that one has with another, so that in actuality frankness and confidence are two complementary virtues. Paul was able to speak openly to the Corinthians because he had complete faith and trust in them. In other words, frankness of speech assumes confidence to exercise it.��9�� The apostle even intensifies the sense of the noun with the adjective great.) In this verse we hear the language of a spiritual father who expresses his deep affection toward his children.

Paul does so in full assurance that their mutual relationship is free from suspicion or strain. His words are characterized by unrestricted open-mindedness as he assures his children of a large place in his heart (compare 6:11).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.4|AUTODETECT|” b. I take great pride in you. As their spiritual father, Paul is justifiably proud of the Corinthian believers. He is able to boast about them to anyone who wishes to listen to him. For him, the believers in Corinth are an immense source of thankfulness, because they responded to his appeal for reciprocal love (6:13). Father and children are united in mutual love, and the father is taking honest pride in his offspring 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.4|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 10 2 8 0 0 c. I am filled with comfort. The Corinthians have given the apostle cause to be thankful. They have supplied the necessary encouragement so that his heart is continually filled with comfort. The clause is brief, but in the next paragraph Paul fully explains its context (vv. 6 7).) d. In all our affliction I am overflowing with joy.

The news Paul received from Titus makes him leap with joy; his heart cannot contain the happiness he is experiencing in spite of all the difficulties he is facing. Certainly, Paul is not unaware of the pressure he must endure as an apostle of Jesus Christ. In an earlier chapter he had revealed a tremendous strain he had to bear, and he spoke of comfort that he had received to strengthen him (1:6 11).) The phrase in all our affliction is identical to the one in 1:4. What the exact nature of the affliction has been is not known. Whether it was physical or mental agony, the point is that God s comfort was sufficient for every hardship Paul suffered. He received more than comfort, for joy was filling his heart to overflowing.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 7:2 4) Verses 2 3) �������� the aorist imperative implies that this is a single action that has lasting significance.

Although the broader context (6:12 13) uses different verbs in Greek, nevertheless the meaning of ������ is to make room and to understand. ��10��) �0� �x ������������ ��v ����� the preposition and the definite article preceding two infinitives denote result. Note that the first infinitive has to be aorist and the second present tense.) Verse 4) This verse provides an example of alliteration with the Greek letter � in adjectives, nouns, verbs, and prepositions.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.12|AUTODETECT|” �������� Paul writes this noun eight times in his epistles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.3.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.4|AUTODETECT|” 7:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.19|AUTODETECT|” 6:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.3.13|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Here only the noun is followed by the preposition ���� (toward), which indicates direction.��11��) 1 5 2 8 0 0 ���� �� ������ the singular affliction instead of the plural, preceded by the adjective ���� and the definite article, indicates that Paul refers to a specific hardship, namely, his anxiety over Titus s mission to Corinth and his return.) ) ) 6. Rejoicing Greatly) 7:5 7) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” This letter appears to have been written in several stages. Paul moved from Ephesus to Troas, then to Macedonia, and on to Illyricum (modern Albania and Yugoslavia [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]). During his travels he intermittently penned his second epistle to the church in Corinth. Whenever he heard news from or about the Corinthians, Paul responded to it. At other times, lack of news is reflected in the epistle. For example, if Paul had known about the arrival of Titus earlier, he would not have mentioned his anxiety (2:13). Nor would he have pleaded with the Corinthians for reciprocal affection (6:11 13).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 We should also understand that Paul s writing material was not a collection of individual pages but a scroll, and writing on a scroll makes major revisions difficult. And last, the style of this epistle is choppy, as if the writer is in a hurry. Here and there are awkward transitions (6:14) and breaks in Greek grammar (e.g., 5:12; 6:3; 7:5, 7; 9:11), but all this confirms that Paul is genuinely human in expressing his emotions. As he writes, so he is.) 5. For indeed when we came into Macedonia, our body had no rest, but we were distressed in every respect. Fights on the outside, fears on the inside.) a.

For indeed when we came into Macedonia, our body had no rest. Paul had left Ephesus and traveled to Troas in northwest Asia Minor. There he had agreed to meet Titus, whom he had sent to Corinth to deliver Paul s letter addressed to the Corinthian church (2:3 4) and to organize the ingathering of the monetary gifts for the saints in Jerusalem (8:6, 19 21).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.18|AUTODETECT|” After an absence of about four years (52 56), Paul probably visited the Macedonian churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, which he had founded during his second missionary journey (Acts 16 17). He had longed to do so earlier but was hindered by Satan 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.18|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 9 2 8 0 0 The apostle constantly worried that he and Titus had missed each other on their journeys, for by traveling to Macedonia he had taken the risk of having Titus voyaging from Macedonia to Troas at that same time. Self-accusation must have worn Paul down. He states that his flesh (in the Greek our flesh ; see also 7:1) had no respite.) Without doubt, this text (v. 5) is a continuation of an earlier verse in which Paul speaks of his concern for Titus: When I came to Troas, & I had no relief in my soul because I did not find Titus, my brother. However, when I had said good-by to them, I went to Macedonia (2:12 13). The parallel wording is obvious even in translation.��12��) I came we came ) to Troas into Macedonia ) I had no rest no rest ) in my spirit had our body ) ) ) The intervening segment, 2:14 7:4, is a lengthy interlude in which Paul teaches a number of theological truths: the ministry of the new covenant (3); the glorious light of Christ s gospel (4); the meaning of our earthly and heavenly dwellings and Paul s ministry of reconciliation (5); his sufferings for Christ and his call to separation (6). He wrote on all these topics while traveling and waiting for the arrival of Titus.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.23|AUTODETECT|” b. But we were distressed in every respect. Fights on the outside, fears on the inside. Restlessness had taken hold of Paul and drained his energy. He encountered adversaries in Macedonia, as is evident from his remark about fights on the outside. He fails to elaborate what his difficulties were, but in the New Testament the Greek word machai refers to arguments and quarrels that disturb the peace of the church 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.23|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.4.1|AUTODETECT|” James 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We surmise that the developing Macedonian churches suffered numerous conflicts from both within and without.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.6|AUTODETECT|” We know that Paul s internal fears were his worries about the absence of Titus and the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church. From his emissary, Titus, he wished to learn how the congregation had responded to his painful letter (2:3 4). The apostle, who later from his prison cell joyfully encouraged his readers, Do not be anxious about anything 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), is himself torn apart by intense worry.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The saying, Fights on the outside, fears on the inside, may have originated with Paul but could also have been an epigram that was current in Corinth and elsewhere. Two considerations lend support to this latter suggestion: first, the saying stands grammatically disconnected at the end of the verse; next, the assonance in the Greek text, carried over even into translations, is striking. Nonetheless, Paul fittingly applies these words to his own life as he must defend the cause of Christ in the face of controversy. In this saying we hear the echo of the lists of hardships Paul has to endure for Christ and the church (4:7 8; 6:3 10).) 6. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us with the coming of Titus.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.9-44.18.10|AUTODETECT|” God never forsakes his own people, but at the right time sends them deliverance. His eye is on his children as they undergo physical and mental hardships for the sake of his kingdom. He hears their prayers and responds to their need when they are discouraged and humiliated. God comes to them in their time of need with words of encouragement and comfort. Paul, for instance, had experienced discouragement when he founded the church in Corinth. But in a vision, the Lord spoke to him and said: Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack you, because I have many people in this city 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.18.9-44.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Acts 18:9 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��13��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.13|AUTODETECT|” Writing his epistles, Paul always has in mind passages from the Old Testament Scriptures. Here he is thinking of the words God spoke to Israel: For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.49.13|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 49:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul follows not the Hebrew but the Greek text and loosely cites its wording from memory.��14��) 1 15 2 8 0 0 The coming of Titus as the bearer of good news is God s way to comfort Paul. We have no knowledge of why Titus was delayed, but his arrival and the news about Corinth lifted Paul s spirit and gave him unspeakable joy.) 7. And not only with his coming, but also with the comfort that you imparted to him. He reported to us your longing [for me], your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.) a. And not only with his coming, but also with the comfort that you imparted to him. This verse is closely linked to the preceding verse (v. 6) with its emphasis on the concept comfort.

Indeed, the Greek text features words for comfort four times in these two verses. Comfort derived first from God to Paul through the arrival of Titus. Thereupon Titus reported to Paul that the church in Corinth had comforted, encouraged, and strengthened him in his ministry to it. Indeed, Titus came to Paul to comfort him with an encouraging report.) The words and actions of the Corinthians displayed their love for God, the Word, and the servants of that Word. We would expect Titus to say that he had encouraged and strengthened the Corinthians. He certainly exhorted them, but in his report Titus mentioned not his work but the fact that the church in Corinth had comforted him.

The uncertainties that Paul had concerning the Corinthians were also those of Titus, who served as his emissary.) Titus had been sent to Corinth, probably to deliver Paul s sorrowful letter and certainly to interpret it (2:3 4). He also faced the responsibility of settling a disciplinary matter (2:5 11). And he had to arrange the task of collecting the monetary gift for the church in Jerusalem (8:6).) Prior to the arrival of Titus, the tension in the Corinthian church had risen. Paul had paid a painful visit and had quickly departed (2:1). Titus had shared Paul s trepidation concerning the people in Corinth. His objective was to have them change their attitude toward Paul, to bring them to repentance, and to make them work harmoniously for the benefit of the Christian community.

And this task Titus fulfilled.) b. He reported to us your longing [for me], your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. We can understand Paul s anxiety concerning Titus in Corinth, for Titus was there as his representative. One of Titus s responsibilities, the spiritual development of the Corinthian community, was part of the work of extending Christ s church on earth. A breakdown of relations in this community would negate the church s effectiveness and would have disastrous repercussions for the missionary labors of Paul and his associates. But this was not the case.

Titus s report was bright and cheerful and gave a point-by-point description of what happened in Corinth.) Titus s report shows that the Corinthians had a complete change of heart, as the emphasis and the repetition of the plural personal pronoun your shows. In three short phrases Paul says, Corinthians, your longing to see me, your shedding tears of remorse, and your enthusiasm for our ministry all this has made me very happy. ) The response to Paul s desire to receive reciprocal love from the Corinthians was overwhelming; they were indeed opening their hearts to him and were not withholding their affection from him (6:11 13). The verb to long has a positive connotation and needs the prepositional phrase for me to complete the sentence. Also, the mourning of the Corinthians can possibly be described as violent expressions of bitter remorse. ��15�� The people repented of the grief they had caused Paul during his brief and painful visit (2:1 2).) That the Corinthians had a genuine change of heart was proved by their zeal for the cause of Christ. Paul praises the Corinthians for their interest in him; he intimates that they were expending their zeal on his behalf to be precise, in place of himself but for the benefit of Christ. In a succeeding verse he again commends their zeal: Look what earnestness this [godly sorrow] has produced in you, & what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment (v. 11).) The result of Titus s report is evident in the overwhelming joy Paul experienced.

God provided encouragement by having Titus return to the apostle with a good report, and that encouragement was translated into immense joy. The comfort Paul received turned into joy that was shared with one another. He says, And in addition to our comfort, we rejoiced exceedingly at the joy of Titus (v. 13).) ) Practical Considerations in 7:5 7) Absence makes the heart grow fonder is a proverbial saying that fails to include patience as a necessary ingredient. Being separated geographically from another without adequate and frequent communication indeed tests one s patience. When we pass this test, however, our hearts are filled with happiness that enlivens our true personality.) Sometimes God puts us to the test when he creates distances and withholds the means of communication. He places us before uncertainties, gives us periods of waiting, tests our patience, and makes us cope with discouragement.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.13-44.27.26|AUTODETECT|” But at the very moment when everyone seems to have lost hope, God intervenes by removing the walls of separation and by providing the necessary information. An apt illustration is found in Luke s report on the voyage to and shipwreck at Malta. The crew and passengers aboard ship had lost all hope of survival, but an angel of God spoke to Paul and brought good news to them by saying that all would survive and the ship would run aground on an island 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.13-44.27.26|AUTODETECT|” Acts 27:13 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” God suddenly ends our periods of desperation and changes them into seasons of joy. He then fills our hearts with contentment and thankfulness toward him. God teaches us to be patient in afflictions and thankful for accomplishments, but above all he wants us to put our trust in him. Spiritual growth is his objective for us as he continues to work out his plan of salvation in our lives. Moreover, he gives us his assurance that absolutely nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.39|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 19 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 7:5, 7) Verse 5) ������ Greek New Testaments feature the perfect tense, even though a number of leading manuscripts have the aorist ���� of the verb �� (I have, hold). The aorist may be an unintentional error of a scribe who dropped two letters (� and �) from the verb in the perfect. It could also be an intentional error at the hand of a scribe who thought that the perfect tense had to be replaced by the aorist.��16�� But the more difficult reading is probably the correct text.) ���������� being distressed. This present passive participle is an anacoluthon. It has no grammatical antecedent, for the participle ������ (v. 1) is part of the genitive absolute construction.) Verse 7) ��������� reporting. Loosely connected to the subject of the verb ��������� (he was comforted), this participle is almost another anacoluthon.) Q��� for emphasis, Paul places this pronoun three times as a subjective genitive between the definite articles and the nouns.) Q�r� ��� e��� �� the sequence of two personal pronouns is significant.

The prepositional phrase discloses personal benefit for Paul with the result that he is the one who greatly rejoices.) ) ) 7. Expressing Sorrow) 7:8 13a) Overcome by emotion, Paul is unable to write his letter smoothly. He writes in the first person singular throughout this section to indicate that the matter at hand touches him deeply and disturbs his equilibrium. The next two verses (8 9) reveal his emotional frame of mind as he refers to the intermediate letter he has sent to the church in Corinth. The grammatical break in verse 8 can be ameliorated with punctuation that helps to make the transition to verse 9.) 8. For even if my letter grieved you, I do not regret it.

Although I did regret it for I see that my letter hurt you but for a little while 9. I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved that led to repentance. For your grief was according to God s will, so that you suffered no loss because of us.) a. For even if my letter grieved you, I do not regret it. We presume that one of the first questions Paul asked Titus concerned the reaction the Corinthians had to the painful letter he had written them (2:3 4).��17�� The letter is no longer extant, so we are unable to say anything about its content. But we expect that Paul dealt with a sensitive issue that involved one of the members of the Corinthian congregation.

The possibility is not remote that the letter dealt with a disciplinary problem (see the commentary on 2:5 11). And we surmise that Titus had to provide leadership in this delicate matter.) The vocabulary in 2:1 7 is similar to that of 7:8 11. In both passages, grief or grieve occurs in the form of a verb, a participle, or a noun.��18�� In addition, the concept joy appears in the context of these passages (2:3; 7:4, 7, 9, 13). Last, Paul uses the word comfort or encourage in both contexts.��19�� The conclusion we draw is that Paul returns to the same subject he had discussed in the second chapter of this epistle.) What is new in this text is Paul s emphasis on regret. He writes that the letter caused sorrow for the Corinthians, but he does not regret their sorrow. Then, seeming to contradict himself, he says that he does regret it.

To explain this anomaly I make a few observations. First, Paul is in an emotional state of mind that prevents him from writing a smooth sentence. Next, verses 8 and 9 must be read in the light of 2:1 4, where Paul stresses the fact that he wants to make the Corinthians happy even if he has to grieve them with a stern letter. He desires that they come to repentance after they see their error, and that then they will rejoice. Third, as their spiritual father he corrects them with painful words, but he writes to them in love (2:4). Last, for a while he regretted having written this letter,��20�� but he hoped that it would result in joy.

This is exactly what happened, as Titus confirmed.) b. Although I did regret it for I see that my letter hurt you but for a little while. The first clause is concessive and has its complement in verse 9, I now rejoice. Why did Paul rue the fact that he composed the sorrowful letter? He knew full well that its content would grieve the Corinthians. When a parent has to correct an erring child, the correction hurts the parent much more than it hurts the offspring.

A father who takes his role of parenting seriously will discipline his child in love. Thereby he promotes health and happiness in his family, even though the procedure itself is painful.��21�� The same thing is true of Paul, who served the Corinthians as a spiritual father. His regret for having to discipline them would last only until the people in Corinth came to their senses, repented, and admitted their wrong.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.29|AUTODETECT|” By using the word regret a number of times, the writers of the New Testament shed light on its meaning. It can mean a change of mind, as in the parable of the two sons who were asked to work in the vineyard. Jesus relates that one son refused to go but then was sorry and went to work after all 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” ). Conversely, the writer of Hebrews quotes ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.4|AUTODETECT|” Psalms 110:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.21|AUTODETECT|” and writes that God swore an oath and did not change his mind 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.7.21|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 7:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3-40.27.5|AUTODETECT|” ). The word can also mean repent. Judas was filled with remorse after he betrayed Jesus; his remorse, however, resulted not in repentance but in suicide 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3-40.27.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.32|AUTODETECT|” ). Similarly, the Jewish clergy and the elders who heard and saw John the Baptist refused to repent 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��22��) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Paul writes the word regret twice in this passage. He clearly points out that his regret was positive, for it effected repentance in the recipients of his letter. Notice that Paul transfers to himself the regret that belonged to the readers; he hurts with them and speaks of his regret, not theirs. Yet their regret resulted in repentance (v. 9).) The hurt that Paul s letter caused lasted for only a little while. The literal translation of the Greek is for an hour, which in common parlance means a brief period that is not measured in hours or days.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.23|AUTODETECT|” The pleasures of sin are momentary, but its wages are grief and destruction that lead to death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 6:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Conversely, even though correction is painful, it results in repentance and forgiveness. Then the pain that is caused by not only discipline but also repentance is replaced by joy that lasts forever. The psalmist states that God does not despise a broken and contrite heart 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.51.17|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 51:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 c. I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved that led to repentance. The clause I do not regret it (v. 8a) must be seen as parallel to the clause I now rejoice. Both clauses are both in the present tense, but one is negative and the other is positive.��23�� They follow each other in conveying the message that Paul has no regrets and is filled with joy.) With the words I now rejoice, Paul fills in the second part of the concessive statement that began with the words, Although I did regret it. Why is Paul rejoicing? Now that Titus has arrived with the good news that the Corinthians have reacted positively to Paul s letter, regret has vanished and joy has taken its place.) At first glance, Paul seems to be repetitive and contradictory when he writes, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved.

Note, however, that Paul seeks to eliminate possible misunderstanding. He writes in the passive voice: you [the Corinthians] were grieved by his letter. This is a fact that Paul wishes to make known. But he clarifies the statement by repeating the verb and then adds that their grief led to repentance. The ultimate objective of Paul s severe letter was to have the Corinthians repent. This could be done only by hurting them through his corrective words.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.17-42.15.19|AUTODETECT|” The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the deprivation and rejection a Jewish young man had to suffer while tending the pigs of his Gentile employer. But these very hardships brought the young man to his senses and made him say: How many of my father s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.17-42.15.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:17 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).Here we have a picture of true repentance that turned into abundant joy for both father and son. Grief that originates from awareness of sin leads to genuine repentance, and repentance alters one s will, intellect, and emotions. Repentance turns one away from evil and toward God; it involves asking God for remission of sin.��24��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.27|AUTODETECT|” d. For your grief was according to God s will. A literal translation of the Greek is confusing because of its compact construction: you were grieved according to God. The grieving of the Corinthians was a process that began when they read the sorrowful letter. That process led them to God, for they realized that they had offended him by their conduct 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Through his Word, God made known his law to the people in Corinth, and through his Spirit he led them to repentance. As a result of their repentance, the Corinthians desired to do God s will in obedience to his Word. Note that Paul telescopes this entire process of repentance in the phrase according to God s will.��25��) 1 4 2 8 0 0 f. So that you suffered no loss because of us. The result of God s leading the Corinthians to repentance was that they would not suffer any spiritual damage. It was Paul s duty to write a painful letter, to admonish its recipients, and to express his love to them (2:4). If the apostle had neglected this duty, he would have been responsible for their spiritual degradation. He trusted God to use the letter to effect contrition in the hearts of the Corinthians.

Nonetheless, Paul had to endure an anxious period of waiting before he would know the impact of and reaction to his writing. He fully realized that should the readers react negatively, they would suffer untold harm. When Titus came with his encouraging report, Paul s anxiety turned into boundless joy. Then he knew that the Corinthians because of their repentance suffered no loss in any respect. Everything happened as he had expected. His letter served the spiritual well-being of the believers in Corinth.) 10.

For sorrow that is according to God s will produces repentance that effects salvation, which cannot be regretted. But worldly sorrow produces death.) The contrast in this text is plain: true repentance versus remorse, and salvation versus death. The one side of the proverbial coin is positive and elaborate; the other side is negative and brief. The dissimilarity is so striking that no one can fail to see it.) a. Godly sorrow. For sorrow that is according to God s will produces repentance that effects salvation, which cannot be regretted.

Once again, Paul condenses his teaching on God s law, will, and guidance in the expression according to God (see the comments on verse 9). He means to say that sorrow for sin must be seen in the context of our God who gives us his commandments, makes known his will, and guides his people to obedience.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.74-40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” The sorrow that Paul mentions refers to sadness for sin that has been committed; such sorrow can cause the repentant sinner to shed tears of bitterness. For instance, when Peter disowned Jesus by swearing that he did not know him, he heard the rooster crow. Thereupon he remembered Jesus words, went outside, and wept bitterly 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.74-40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:74 75) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Paul writes that godly sorrow produces repentance, but in all his epistles he uses the Greek noun metanoia (repentance) only four times 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.9|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.25|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” ). And the related verb to repent occurs only once in his letters 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 12:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Although the Synoptic Gospels repeatedly record the noun and the verb, John s Gospel and Epistles lack both of them. But Paul and John express this concept with two substitutes, the noun faith and the verb to believe. These two words occur numerous times in the writings of both John and Paul and indicate the action of a sinner turning to God in full dependence on him. The Old Testament teaches that God wants his people to turn away from sin and toward God. This teaching appears graphically in the prophecy of Ezekiel: But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and does what is just and right, he will surely live (18:21, 27).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Repentance leads to salvation, says Paul, that cannot be regretted. No one can ever say that he or she has made a mistake by having repented and thus receiving salvation. Salvation means restoration to the fullness of life. It means to be whole again, to live in harmony with God and his people. Perhaps Paul s statement, Repentance that effects salvation cannot be regretted, was a well-known axiom In the early church.��26�� Whether the clause which cannot be regretted is connected with repentance or salvation is inconsequential. It is a fact that genuine repentance results in salvation, which then can be described as something that is not to be regretted.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” b. Worldly sorrow. But worldly sorrow produces death. What a contrast! Now we see the opposite of the preceding pronouncement. Genuine contrition is a turning away from sin and a going toward God, but worldly sorrow is remorse that expresses itself in self-accusation. Peter repented and returned to the apostles and afterward met Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.75|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:75) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33-42.24.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.33-42.24.34|AUTODETECT|” Luke 24:33 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3-40.27.5|AUTODETECT|” ). Judas was filled with remorse, but returned to the chief priests who rejected him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.3-40.27.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:3 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.19|AUTODETECT|” ). Peter was restored and became the head of the apostles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.21.15-43.21.19|AUTODETECT|” John 21:15 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.18-44.1.19|AUTODETECT|” ). Judas committed suicide and was doomed to destruction 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.18-44.1.19|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:18 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.7|AUTODETECT|” The Corinthians had chosen life by repenting and turning to God. They received salvation full and free and were completely restored in their relationship to God and Paul. When a sinner repents, says Jesus, the angels in heaven rejoice 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 15:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Paul also exulted at the news that the people in Corinth had a change of heart. His letter and Titus s visit had not been in vain. The people in Corinth had abandoned their evil ways and had turned to the living God, the author of salvation. Hence, Paul s joy knew no bounds when Titus brought him the news concerning the Corinthian church.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 11. For look, what earnestness this very thing has produced in you, namely, that you were grieved according to God s will, also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment. At every point you have shown that you were innocent in this matter.) a. For look, what earnestness this very thing has produced in you, namely, that you were grieved according to God s will. Filled with deep emotion, Paul has difficulty writing a smooth and balanced sentence. He wants the people to know that their sorrow for sin, which turned them to do God s will, is of utmost importance to him.) Utterly amazed by the diligence of the Corinthians, Paul calls attention to it by exclaiming, Look, what earnestness, a synonym for eagerness. ��27�� Their sorrow for sin, which Paul here describes as this very thing, has brought about a comprehensive reversal.

The dedication of the Corinthians is so overwhelming that Paul places it first in a series of seven characteristics listed in this verse. This very thing is nothing other than their conversion experience that led them from genuine repentance to salvation, and from sorrow to an obedience to do God s will.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9-46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Conversion leads to a diligence to keep God s law, and this diligence is attributed to human effort. Conversely, praise and thanks must be attributed to God, who calls sinners away from the road that leads to death and into a life of joyful service (see v. 10). Although the apostle fails to say so, the opposite of diligence is lethargy, a behavior that had characterized the church in Corinth. Instead of listening to Paul s instructions, they had succumbed to idleness and had failed to obey him (see the implicit reference in 2:9). They should have removed sin from their midst 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.9-46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:9 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 How did the Corinthians exhibit their diligence? Paul writes six short phrases that are added to the repetitive also. As if the apostle repeatedly says, Look at this one, he introduces each phrase separately. Every individual phrase demonstrates the Corinthians diligence.) b. Also what eagerness to clear yourselves. Eagerness to clear yourselves is a translation of the Greek word apologia, from which we have the derivative apology.

Are the Corinthians apologizing to Paul for their disregard of his instructions? If this were so, we would have expected more detailed information. Rather, Paul means to say that the readers sought to mend their ways and clear themselves before God, Indeed, their sorrow led them to seek correction in the sight of God. ��28��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.22-49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” c. What indignation. This phrase describes a human attitude that reveals righteous anger about sin that affronts our sense of decency. Elsewhere Paul speaks of putting aside the old self and putting on the new self 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.22-49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:22 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.9-51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.9-51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:9 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A sixteenth-century catechism asks, What is the dying-away of the old self? The answer is:) 1 6 2 8 0 0 It is to be genuinely sorry for sin,) to hate it more and more,) and to run away from it.��29��) The Corinthians abhorred themselves because of sin, but at the same time they were indignant with the false teachers who had led them astray.) d. What fear, what longing. Does fear signify reverence or fright? Does the word refer to a person or a thing? We do well to look at the context and see that Paul uses the word fear five times in this epistle, of which four are in this chapter (vv. 1, 5, 11, 15; 5:11). He uses fear in the sense of reverence and respect for God and man, so that we may conclude that the word signifies reverence for God and respect for Paul.

That is, the Corinthians respect Paul as God s representative and bringer of divine revelation. This interpretation agrees with the intent of the next word, longing, which Paul mentioned earlier (7:7). The Christians in Corinth desire to see the apostle and to receive personal instruction from him.) e. What zeal. In his letters Paul writes the Greek term zlos (zeal) ten times, and five uses are in this epistle.��30�� The word conveys either a bad sense (jealousy, 12:20) or a good sense (as the other instances in this epistle impart). In verse 7, it alludes to expending one s energy for the cause of Christ.

Thus, it is synonymous with the word earnestness at the beginning of verse 11.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” f. What punishment. This noun is best understood as God s justice applied and evidenced when the Corinthians were morally aroused to see that sin ought to be punished. ��31�� The reference is to the sexually immoral man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1-46.5.5|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And this interpretation harmonizes with the wording of the following clause.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” g. At every point you have shown that you were innocent in this matter. The matter Paul alludes to is a particular sin committed by one of the Corinthians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The church members had been remiss in administering discipline, but after Paul s visit and painful letter they punished the evildoer (2:1 6). Except for the Corinthians initial laxity and lack of support for Paul, they themselves were without guilt in this offense.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 12. So, although I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the offender nor on account of the offended, but so that your good will concerning us might be revealed to you before God. 13a. Through this we are encouraged.) Once again Paul pens a lengthy sentence in which he reveals that his emotions affect his writing (see v. 11). The issue he discusses has been a sensitive one for him and for the Corinthian church (see the Additional Comments on 2:5 11).) The paragraph division at verse 13 is infelicitous, for the first sentence of the verse belongs to the preceding text (v. 12) and the rest is part of the remarks about Titus (vv. 14 15). Most translations, therefore, divide the text accordingly.��32��) a. So, although I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the offender nor on account of the offended.

The first item we notice is that Paul employs legal language with the terms offender and offended.��33�� In the previous passage, he also used legal terminology: eagerness to clear yourselves and punishment. All these expressions are commonplace in a court of law, presumably in this case a church court.) Next, the letter Paul addressed to the Christians in Corinth is most likely not our canonical I Corinthians but the sorrowful letter (see the commentary on 2:2 3 and 7:8). He wrote it after he had paid the Corinthians a brief visit that proved to be for him a distressing experience.) Third, with the words so, although Paul is not writing a conclusion based on the previous text (v. 11). This could be true on the basis of the first word, so. But the ensuing clause that begins with although is not a conclusion but a recollection of earlier remarks about the sorrowful letter.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Fourth, who are the offender and the offended? Paul purposely omits personal references now that the entire issue has been resolved. Both he and his readers are fully familiar with the details. In a strict sense, the offended party is the one who has been unjustly treated.��34�� The legal term offended (plaintiff) is in the singular to denote the party, not necessarily an individual, who has endured the offense. This interpretation thwarts the suggestion that the offended party is the father of the man who committed incest 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��35�� Not only Paul but all the faithful believers in Corinth were offended by what the offender had done (see the commentary on 2:5).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” The interpretation that the offender was the man who committed incest 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” ) should not be dismissed. It is possible that the man whom Paul wanted expelled from the Christian community also insulted the apostle during his painful visit (2:1).��36�� The offender had a following in the congregation and affronted both Paul and those in the church who supported the apostle. This person was expelled at Paul s request 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Subsequently he repented, sought remission, and was reaffirmed in love by the Corinthians (2:6 8).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Last, Paul is indicating neither vindictiveness toward the offender nor defensiveness for the offended. He wants to lift the members of the Corinthian church to a higher level and tries to do so by stressing the positive instead of the negative. Hence, the two negatives, it was neither on account of the offender nor on account of the offended, should not be taken literally, because he did write the letter. Paul contrasts the negative and positive without canceling the negative. The positive is more important than its converse, and thus he stresses the one but not the other. The reference to the offender and the offended must be interpreted in the light of the positive part of this verse.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12|AUTODETECT|” b. But so that your good will concerning us might be revealed to you before God. The positive in this part of the text is Paul s aim to advance the unity of the church 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He desires harmony between himself and the people in Corinth, and his sorrowful letter was written to make the readers repent and turn to him again. This purpose is exactly what the letter achieved. But now he wants the readers to see that the effect of their good will toward him strengthens the oneness of the body of Christ.) 1 26 2 8 0 0 The Greek word spoud, which I have translated good will, ��37�� is rendered earnestness in verse 11. The diligent care of the Corinthians is important, especially when the church must see its unity with Paul and with the forgiven sinner (2:7 11). The believers actions toward Paul and his associates must be genuine and sound. Such actions must also become visible to the Corinthians themselves, for Paul writes that their good will might be revealed to them. The agent who does the revealing is not identified. It stands to reason that if Paul had written the active instead of the passive voice, he would have named as agent the Corinthian church.

The Christians in Corinth should be cognizant of their own zeal for the cause of Christ and see themselves always in God s presence. In other words, they must ever see their actions from a divine perspective. When believers perform their works and are aware of God s sacred presence, then their zeal is genuine, their attitude praiseworthy, and their unity secure.) c. Through this we are encouraged. With this sentence Paul concludes a lengthy segment (vv. 8 13a) of his epistle. The apostle is greatly encouraged by the genuine zeal the Corinthians have demonstrated on behalf of him and his co-workers.

The phrase through this points to the zeal of the Christians in Corinth.) Paul alludes to a thought he expressed earlier in verses 6 and 7. There he mentioned that God had comforted him with the arrival and good news of Titus. But now he summarizes his feelings by saying that the favorable response of the church in Corinth to his admonitions has been a lasting source of comfort to him. He has been and continues to be greatly encouraged.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 7:8 12) Verses 8 9) ����� ��� here are two textual problems. First, the indicative verb ����� has solid manuscript support, but so does the present participle ������. Although Greek New Testaments feature the former, the choice is difficult indeed.��38�� Next, the particle ��� is omitted in many manuscripts; it may have been added to relieve the syntax of the anacoluthon.��39�� Again, there is no easy decision, yet most texts leave it in.) �������� the aorist passive construction is inceptive; that is, the grieving began as a result of Paul s letter.) ���p ���� this phrase, which occurs three times (vv. 9, 10, 11), means in a godly way ��40�� or according to God s will, pleasure, or manner. ��41��) � !��� the preposition conveys the notion of cause or occasion.) Verses 10 11) ����������� this is a verbal adjective with the privative , to negate the adjective, and with a passive connotation, to suggest that the Corinthians are the agents: they are unable to regret it. ) 0��� see the note on 6:2.) �� with the aorist passive infinitive ��������� (to be grieved) is in apposition to the pronoun �����.��42��) ��� used five times in succession, this conjunction is not adversative but rather ascensive.��43�� It means, yes, and in addition. ) Verse 12) �� �0 although. ) ����� the aorist is not epistolary but refers to a previous letter (2:3 4).) ����� ��� this combination introduces purpose, as is the case when it precedes the infinitive ����� ��� ����������� (in order to be revealed).

But the first two instances with participles are causal.��44��) Q��� & !��� these two pronouns should not be interchanged as in some manuscripts. The reading Q��� & Q��� or !��� & !��� distorts Paul s intent in the text. He is not stressing the care he and his fellow workers are expending on the Corinthians but the opposite. Of importance is the care that the Christians show toward him and toward each other.) ) ) 8. Meeting with Titus) 7:13b 16) The conclusion to this chapter consists of further details concerning the mission and the reception of Titus in Corinth. Earlier Paul mentioned his anxiety about Titus s delay (2:13; 7:5), then he reported his associate s arrival in Macedonia and the comfort and joy this had given him (vv. 6 7), and now he provides additional information about his co-worker.) 13b.

And in addition to our comfort, we rejoiced exceedingly at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” a. Abundant joy. The tone of this verse shows explicitly Paul s great joy and implicitly his earlier anxiety. What made the apostle so concerned about the church in Corinth? We answer that Satan infiltrated this fledgling congregation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.1|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.1-44.5.11|AUTODETECT|” ) and sought to destroy its witness in the community. Just as the devil used Ananias and Sapphira to discredit the church in Jerusalem 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.1-44.5.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:1 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), so he sought to wreck the congregation in Corinth.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Paul s letters and visit were designed to expel the immoral man from the midst of God s people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 5:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but he had not seen any results. He sent Titus to solve the problem, yet in the meantime he himself was filled with uncertainty whether the people in Corinth would heed the words of Titus.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 When Paul s emissary returned from Corinth with good news, Paul was not only comforted but also filled with exceedingly great joy. The pendulum swung from despair to delight, so to speak. It is not difficult to picture Paul and Titus talking together about the spiritual climate in Corinth, the offender and his supporters, and the people s repentance. We can imagine Paul s exuberance when, in addition to the initial encouragement he had received, he heard in detail how the Corinthians had come to repentance.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.1|AUTODETECT|” b. Buoyant spirit. Titus demonstrated his happiness about the church in Corinth by telling Paul that the people there had been a blessing to him. We know very little of Titus, for in Acts his name never appears. Apart from frequent references to him in II Corinthians, Paul mentions his name in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Galatians 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.4|AUTODETECT|” and 3, where he notes that Titus accompanied him and Barnabas to Jerusalem but that he did not have to be circumcised. He addresses Titus as his true son in their common faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” ), and at the end of his life he notes that Titus has gone to Dalmatia 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.10|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Perhaps the first major task Titus faced was to settle the problems in Corinth. Because Paul himself had been unsuccessful in Corinth, the achievement of Titus takes on impressive proportions. By God s grace he had done more than Paul and Timothy combined.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.18|AUTODETECT|” All the people in Corinth had refreshed Titus s spirit, Paul writes. The verb to refresh means that conflicts have ceased and peace has returned. The Corinthian community, now at rest, restored the good relations Paul enjoyed when he first founded the church. The members did everything in their power to help Titus in his work and thus refreshed his spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.18|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 14. For if indeed I boasted somewhat to him about you, you did not embarrass me. However, as we have spoken to you the truth in all things, so also our boasting about you to Titus has come true.) a. For if indeed I boasted somewhat to him about you, you did not embarrass me. In a simple-fact conditional sentence, Paul reveals his genuine love for the Corinthian believers. Apart from the difficulties he had encountered, he nevertheless had praised them somewhat in the presence of Titus (v. 4).

This is not so much a favorable reflection on the Corinthians as it as on the attitude of Paul. Commenting on this verse and the next, James Denney describes Paul s demeanor toward the members of the church in Corinth: [Paul] not only tells the truth about them (as Titus has seen), but he always told the truth to them. These verses present the character of Paul in an admirable light: not only his sympathy with Titus, but his attitude to the Corinthians, is beautifully Christian. ��45��) What an embarrassment it would have been for Paul if the people in Corinth had not followed his apostolic counsel! What a letdown it would have been for Titus if he, too, would have failed. But this was not the case, for the Corinthians indeed had listened to Titus and obeyed Paul s instructions. Therefore, Titus was able to compliment the Corinthians and thank Paul for commending them.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” b. However, as we have spoken to you the truth in all things, so also our boasting about you to Titus has come true. We notice two features in this last part of the text. First, Paul states that he, a servant of Jesus Christ, who is truth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” John 14:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), speaks the truth, and that he does so always and in every respect. Next, the Corinthians themselves have proven to be true. As their pastor, Paul knew the spiritual condition of his people. He trusted that they would be true to form: as in the past, so in the present and future. Hence, Paul could boast of them in the presence of Titus before he sent Titus to Corinth. What a joy these words must have been to Titus when he realized that Paul s evaluation of the people in Corinth proved to be accurate. The Corinthians demonstrated their love and faithfulness to Paul and Titus, who were able to praise them in the presence of other churches (8:24).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 15. His affection toward you is all the more significant when he remembers the obedience of all of you, for you received him with fear and trembling.) I have translated the Greek word splanchna (entrails) affection, because the Greek-speaking population of Paul s day considered human internal organs to be the seat and source of love. ��46�� The word denotes the deepest love that one can express for a fellow human being. Paul puts the degree of Titus s affection to the level that equals the superlative: all the more significant. He is not making a comparison of a supposedly earlier visit of Titus and the one just completed.��47�� There is no evidence of such an earlier visit. Instead we consider Paul s penchant for using superlatives in his epistles and look at a few examples:) All the more gladly (12:9)) I will very gladly (12:15)) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” For I am the least 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” I am less than the least 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 )) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Paul frequently enhances his statements by expanding them. Here he thinks about Titus s ministry to the Corinthians that resulted in a bond of mutual love and care. Speaking with him about the church in Corinth, Paul notes that Titus, remembering the people s obedience, speaks all the more fondly of his affection for them.) Titus reports that all the members of the Corinthian church showed their obedience to the teaching of the Scriptures and Paul s apostolic authority. This means that everyone was included in the turnabout of the church. The members had accepted Titus as Paul s representative and had listened attentively to the message of the Scriptures.) The clause for you received him with fear and trembling seems out of place in this text. Why would Paul s opponents be afraid of Titus? They had forced Paul to leave Corinth after his painful visit and they could do the same with his representative.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.3|AUTODETECT|” The words fear and trembling occur four times in the New Testament and all are in Paul s epistles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ). They convey not the fear and trembling of alarm but rather the apprehension of attempting to do the best one is able to accomplish. When Paul entered Corinth the first time, he was filled with anxiety about whether he would be able to establish a church 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.2.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ). He instructed the Philippians to exert themselves exceedingly with respect to their salvation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). And he told slaves to obey their masters as they would obey Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In every case, the phrase fear and trembling describes the believer s attitude in God s sacred presence. The Christians in Corinth received Titus as God s ambassador who spoke the words God had given him. Their repentance, then, exhibited fear and trembling in the presence of the Almighty and a desire to do his will.) 1 25 2 8 0 0 16. I rejoice that I can depend completely on you.) At last, Paul concludes the lengthy discourse that he began at 6:11. He pleaded with the Corinthians to open their hearts to him just as he had shown his love to them (6:13; 7:2). And now at the end of this section, the apostle rejoices with Titus about the news that the members of the Corinthian church have done what he asked them to do.) Notice the many times that Paul writes the words joy or rejoice in this chapter (vv. 4 and 13 for the noun and vv. 7, 9, 13, 16 for the verb). He expresses his exuberance in joyful tones that without doubt were uplifting to his readers in Corinth. His letter brought them joy and happiness to strengthen their unity in Christ.) The Corinthians demonstrated to Titus their readiness to live obediently in harmony with God s Word proclaimed to them by the apostle and his helpers.

For this reason, Paul has confidence in them (v. 4), not in the sense of blind trust in people��48�� but in their relation to Christ. As expressed in this concluding verse, Paul s confidence extends through the following two chapters, in which he pleads for monetary gifts for the saints in Jerusalem. He is confident that the Corinthians, who already have begun to give for this purpose, will bring this work to completion (8:6).��49��) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 7:13b 15) Verses 7:13b 14) �v �� with the dative of ���������� (comfort), the preposition signifies in addition to. ) �v �� ���� the preposition with the object joy means on or about. ) ���������� note the passive form in the perfect tense . The Corinthians are the agents, and the action of giving Titus peace of mind continues into the present.) �� agency in Greek grammar is usually expressed with the preposition Q��. Writers often interchange these two prepositions.��50��) ���������� the perfect tense denotes that Paul has boasted of the Corinthians and continues to boast.) Verse 15) ������������ the comparative as the elative superlative can be expressed as far greater or very great. ) ��������������� this present tense participle in the passive voice depends on the genitive case of �P���.) ���� the preposition conveys the idea of accompaniment. That is, the reception Titus received in Corinth was accompanied by fear and trembling.) Summary of Chapter 7) After a brief interlude in which Paul warned the readers not to be yoked to unbelievers, the apostle continues the thought he had expressed in the preceding chapter.

There he challenged the Corinthians to a mutual opening of hearts and to demonstrations of love (6:13). Now he repeats this sentiment and tells his readers that he is willing to live or die with them. His confidence in them is so great that there are no limits to his joy.) In the second chapter Paul had mentioned Macedonia and his eagerness to see Titus (v. 13). Here he informs his readers that Titus indeed arrived in Macedonia. This meeting was a source of encouragement to Paul, who heard about the Corinthians desire to see him, their change of heart, and their concern for him. From the depths of anxiety he reached the heights of joy when he heard Titus s report.) Paul reflects on the letter that caused the Corinthians grief.

But he knew that he had to write it, so that they might turn from the error of their way. He was not sorry for writing the letter, for its effect became evident when they repented with godly sorrow. The result of their turnabout was that they were eager to mend their ways and prove themselves in God s sight. Their attitude and actions greatly encouraged Paul.) Titus reported that the Corinthians gave him peace of mind. His report filled Paul with joy. The apostle openly admitted that he had boasted about the Corinthians in the presence of Titus.

Indeed, his boasts had proven to be true. Their affection for Titus was genuine, as the Christians in Corinth confirmed with their obedience. Paul concludes this chapter by saying that he has great confidence in the Corinthians.) ) ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.15|AUTODETECT|” 69 See the context in the Septuagint of I Esd. 8:80; II Macc. 5:27; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.15|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (Martin, II Corinthians, p. 209).) 1 21 2 8 0 0 70 Fee, II Corinthians, p. 160.) 71 Barrett remarks that Paul uses the terms flesh and spirit without giving them their full theological meaning. Both are used in a loose popular way in this epistle (Second Corinthians, p. 202).) 72 Consult B. C. Lategan, Moenie met ongelowiges in dieselfde juk trek nie , Scriptura 12 (1984): 22 23.) 73 Blass and Debrunner, Greek Grammar, #345.) KJV King James Version (= Authorized Version)) NKJV New King James Version) NAB New American Bible) 74 Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, 2d ed. (Stuttgart and New York: United Bible Societies, 1994), p. 512.) 1 Refer to G�nter Finkenrath, NIDNTT, 1:138.) 2 Compare Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, Paul s Second Epistle to the Corinthians: The English Text with Introduction, Exposition and Notes, New International Commentary on the New Testament series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962), p. 260; Ralph P. Martin, II Corinthians, Word Biblical Commentary 40 (Waco: Word, 1986), p. 218.) 3 Friedrich Blass and Albert Debrunner, A Greek Grammar of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, trans. and rev.

Robert Funk (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1961), #495.3.) 4 Consult F. W. Grosheide, De Tweede Brief van den Apostel Paulus aan de Kerk te Korinthe, Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament series (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1939), p. 248.) 5 John Albert Bengel, Bengel s New Testament Commentary, trans. Charlton T. Lewis and Marvin R. Vincent, 2 vols. (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1981), vol. 2, p. 307.) 6 John Calvin, The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians and the Epistles to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, Calvin s Commentaries series, trans.

T. A. Small (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), p. 95. Compare Jan Lambrecht, Om samen te sterven en samen te leven. Uitleg van II Kor. 7, 3, Bijdragen 37 (1976): 234 51.) 7 Jerome Murphy-O Connor, The Theology of the Second Letter to the Corinthians, New Testament Theology series (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991), p. 70.) REB Revised English Bible) 8 Horst Balz, EDNT, 3:45 47.) 9 Stanley N. Olson ( Pauline Expressions of Confidence in His Addresses, CBQ 47 [1985]: 295) suggests that we interpret the word confidence as a persuasive technique. ) 10 Contra Jean H�ring, The Second Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians, trans.

A. W. Heathcote and P. J. Allcock (London: Epworth, 1967), p. 53.) 11 Refer to W. C. van Unnik, The Christian s Freedom of Speech in the New Testament, BJRUL 44 (1961 62): 473 n. 1.) 12 C.

K. Barrett, Titus, in Neotestamentica et Semitica: Studies in Honour of Matthew Black, ed. E. Earle Ellis and Max Wilcox (Edinburgh: Clark, 1969), p. 9; also in Essays on Paul (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1982).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.18|AUTODETECT|” 13 In perilous situations, the Lord invariably counseled and encouraged Paul. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 22:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.11|AUTODETECT|” 23:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.23-44.27.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.27.23-44.27.26|AUTODETECT|” 27:23 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 7 2 8 0 0 14 Consult Hans Windisch, Der Zweite Korintherbrief, ed. Georg Strecker (1924; reprint ed., G�ttingen: Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht, 1970), p. 227.) 15 Consult Friedrich Hauck, TDNT, 5:116.) 16 Alfred Plummer, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, International Critical Commentary (1915; Edinburgh: Clark, 1975), p. 218.) 17 The letter to which Paul refers can hardly be I Corinthians, because that epistle in general is not sorrowful but practical and instructive. For a discussion of this point see the Introduction and the commentary on 2:1 2.) 18 The verb and participle occur four times in chapter 2 (vv. 2 [twice], 4, 5) and six times in chapter 7 (vv. 8 [twice], 9 [three times], 11). The noun appears three times in chapter 2 (vv. 1, 3, 7) and twice in chapter 7 (v. 10).) 19 As a verb (2:7, 8; 7:6, 7, 13) and as a noun (7:4, 7, 13).) 20 The tense of the Greek verb metemelMn (regretted) is imperfect and indicates continued action for a period in the past.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.13.24|AUTODETECT|” 21 Compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.13.24|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 13:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.19.18|AUTODETECT|” 19:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.22.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.22.15|AUTODETECT|” 22:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.23.13-20.23.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.23.13-20.23.14|AUTODETECT|” 23:13 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.29.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.29.17|AUTODETECT|” 29:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 22 Otto Michel, TDNT, 4:629; Fritz Laubach, NIDNTT, 1:356 57.) 23 R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul s First and Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Columbus: Wartburg, 1946), p. 1107.) 24 Consult Johannes Behm, TDNT, 4:1004; Byron H. DeMent and Edgar W. Smith, ISBE, 4:136. Consult also Robert N. Wilkin, Repentance and Salvation. Part 5: New Testament Repentance: Repentance in the Epistles and Revelation, JournGrace EvangSoc 3 (1990): 24 26.) 25 Compare Hans Lietzmann, An die Korinther I/II, augmented by Werner G. K�mmel, Handbuch zum Neuen Testament 9 (T�bingen: Mohr, 1969), pp. 131 32.) 26 Compare Grosheide, De Tweede Brief aan Korinthe, p. 260.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.8|AUTODETECT|” 27 The Greek word spoud (diligence, eagerness, earnestness) occurs five times in this epistle (7:11, 12; 8:7, 8, 16) and only twice more in his epistolary literature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ). See also the two adjectives spoudaioteros and spoudaion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and 22 respectively).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 28 Martin, II Corinthians, p. 234. Calvin (II Corinthians, p. 100) interprets the phrase as a kind of defence that has more to do with seeking for pardon than with rebutting charges. ) 29 Heidelberg Catechism, question and answer 89.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.7|AUTODETECT|” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.2|AUTODETECT|” 9:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.2|AUTODETECT|” 11:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.20|AUTODETECT|” 12:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.2|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.2|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|” 13:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 31 Charles Hodge, An Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (1891; Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1959), p. 186. See also Hughes, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 275.) 32 Exceptions are KJV, NKJV, TNT, Cassirer; see also the commentaries of Hughes, p. 278; H�ring, p. 57; and Alford, p. 678.) 33 Rudolf Bultmann states that the verb adikein means to do someone an injustice, to injure someone (The Second Letter to the Corinthians, trans. Roy A. Harrisville [Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1985]), p. 58. Compare Windisch, Der Zweite Korintherbrief, p. 238.) 34 Bauer, p. 17.) 35 Contra Bengel, New Testament Commentary, vol. 2, p. 310.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.12|AUTODETECT|” 36 C. K. Barrett suggests that the offender was an outsider, but this need not be so. If the offending person was a member, he had insider support. I ������� 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.12|AUTODETECT|” II Cor 7, 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in Verborum Veritas, ed. Otto B�cher and Klaus Haacker (Wuppertal: Brockhaus, 1970); also in Essays on Paul (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1982), pp. 108 17.) 1 14 2 8 0 0 37 Bauer, p. 763.) 38 Hughes (Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 269 n. 6) pleads for the reading of the present participle by appealing to the Westcott-Hort edition of the Greek New Testament. Except for the Vulgate and a marginal note in Moffatt, translators have not adopted this reading.) 39 Consult Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, 2d ed. (Stuttgart and New York: United Bible Societies, 1994), p. 512.) 40 C. F. D. Moule, An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek, 2d ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 59.) 41 Bauer, p. 407.) 42 Blass and Debrunner, Greek Grammar, 399.1.) 43 Bauer, p. 38.) 44 Compare A.

T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 1037; Richard A. Young, Intermediate New Testament Greek: A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach (Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 1994), p. 167; and Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 140.) 45 James Denney, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, 2d ed., The Expositor s Bible series (New York: Armstrong, 1900), p. 259.) 46 Bauer, p. 763; Helmut K�ster, TDNT, 7:555; Hans-Helmut Esser, NIDNTT, 2:600.) 47 Contra Hughes, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 294.) 48 H�ring, Second Epistle of Paul, p. 57.) 49 Consult Victor Paul Furnish, II Corinthians: Translated with Introduction, Notes and Commentary, Anchor Bible 32A (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1984), p. 398.) 50 Robertson, Grammar, p. 579.)