For to this end also did I write. This is another reason which he gives for the severe tone of his First Epistle. It was written (1) to avoid the necessity for a painful visit ( 2 Corinthians 2:3 ); (2) to show his special love for them ( 2 Corinthians 2:4 ); and (3) to test their obedience. The proof of you . Your proved faithfulness ( 2 Corinthians 8:2 ; 2 Corinthians 9:13 ; 2 Corinthians 13:3 ; Romans 5:4 ); your capacity to stand a test. read more
For to this end also did I write - The apostle did not say that this was the only purpose of his writing, to induce them to excommunicate the offender. He does not say that he wished in an arbitrary manner to test their willingness to obey him, or to induce them to do a thing in itself wrong, in order to try their obedience. But the meaning is this: This was the main reason why he wrote to them, rather than to come personally among them. The thing ought to have been done; the offender ought to... read more
2 Corinthians 2:6-11. Sufficient to such a man With what remarkable tenderness does the apostle treat this offender! He never once mentions his name, nor does he here so much as mention his crime; but speaks of him in the most indefinite manner that was consistent with giving such directions in his case as love required; is this punishment, inflicted by many Not only by the rulers of the church, the whole congregation acquiesced in the sentence. So that contrariwise Instead of... read more
Forgiveness for the offender (2:5-11)In this section Paul speaks about an offender and his offence, and although we do not know to whom or what he was referring, the Corinthians did. The offence seems to have concerned Paul personally (perhaps a denial of his apostolic authority), and was one reason for Paul’s severe letter. The issue caused sorrow for the church and for Paul (5). The church finally dealt with the offender, probably by excluding him from the fellowship for a period (6).Paul now... read more
to this end for (Greek. eie) this. also did I write = did I write also. proof. Greek. dokime. See Romans 5:4 (experience). whether = if. App-118 . obedient. Greek hupikoos. See Acts 7:39 . in. Greek. eis, no above. read more
For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye are obedient in all things.The "painful visit" and "severe letter" theorists have misread this verse.To this end also did I write ... refers to the clauses following and not to the request of forgiveness, that is, the proof of obedience, which should be referred to his order of discipline for the incestuous man. Of course, if "to this end" is made to refer to a request for forgiveness for the offender, it would... read more
9. For—Additional reason why they should restore the offender, namely, as a "proof" of their obedience "in all things"; now in love, as previously in punishing ( :-), at the apostle's desire. Besides his other reasons for deferring his visit, he had the further view, though, perhaps, unperceived by them, of making an experiment of their fidelity. This accounts for his deferring to give, in his Epistle, the reason for his change of plan (resolved on before writing it). This full discovery of his... read more
The treatment of the offender 2:5-11"Particularly apparent here is Paul’s sensitivity as a pastor: He avoids naming the culprit (2 Corinthians 2:5-8); he recognizes that Christian discipline is not simply retributive but also remedial (2 Corinthians 2:6-7); he understands the feelings and psychological needs of the penitent wrongdoer (2 Corinthians 2:6-8); he appeals to his own conduct as an example for the Corinthians to follow (2 Corinthians 2:10); and he is aware of the divisive operation of... read more
2. The treatment of the offender and the result of the severe letter 2:5-17Paul in this pericope explained his perspective on the encouraging and discouraging experiences of his recent ministry. He did so to let the Corinthians know how he felt about them and to encourage his readers to adopt his attitude toward ministry. "Ministry" was a favorite term of Paul’s. He used it 51 times in its verb and noun forms, and 20 of these occur in 2 Corinthians. Its six appearances in chapters 8 and 9 refer... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
The Church's dealings with unworthy members. "The main defence of the apostle against the charge of fickleness in the nonfulfilment of his promise was that he had abstained from going to Corinth in order to spare them the sharp rebuke lag must have administered had he gone thither. A great crime had been committed; the Church had been compromised, more especially as some of the Corinthians had defended the iniquity on the ground of liberty, and St. Paul had stayed away after giving his... read more