Therefore = Greek.account of (Greek. dia . App-104 . 2 Corinthians 7:2 ) this. exceedingly . See 2 Corinthians 1:12 . for = upon. Greek. epi, as in 2 Corinthians 7:4 . refreshed. See 1 Corinthians 16:18 . by = from. Greek. apo. App-104 . read more
Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.Paul's words here signal a total victory in Corinth. As Filson said:"By you all" (in this 2 Corinthians 7:13), combined with "everything" (2 Corinthians 7:14), "all" (2 Corinthians 7:15) and "in all things" (2 Corinthians 7:16), indicates that the entire church responded to Titus' appeal and is now loyal to Paul.[16]These expressions by Paul,... read more
13. The oldest manuscripts read thus, "Therefore (Greek, 'for this cause,' namely, because our aim has been attained) we have been (English Version, 'were,' is not so accurate) comforted; yea (Greek, 'but'), in OUR comfort we exceedingly the more joyed for the joy of Titus," &c. (compare 2 Corinthians 7:7). read more
Paul’s encouragement at their response 7:5-13aPaul returned to the subject of his meeting with Titus in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:13), which he had left to expound new covenant ministry (2 Corinthians 2:14 to 2 Corinthians 6:10) and to urge acceptance of his ministry (2 Corinthians 6:11 to 2 Corinthians 7:4). read more
2. The encouraging responses of the Corinthians so far 7:5-16Here Paul rejoiced that the Corinthians’ recent reception of Titus and their response to Paul’s previous letter evidenced a proper response to him. He said this to encourage his readers to follow through and become completely openhearted toward him. read more
C. Appeal for restoration of the Corinthians’ confidence in Paul 6:11-7:16The apostle now turned to a direct appeal for the Corinthians to reconcile with him in their hearts."The call for reconciliation with Paul, therefore, stands in parallel with the call for reconciliation with God [2 Corinthians 5:20]. While it would be too much to say that these two forms of reconciliation are equally important, for Paul they are directly linked with one another." [Note: Beverly R. Gaventa, "Apostle and... read more
The value of Paul’s letter turned out to be primarily the good effects it produced in the Corinthians as a whole. This outcome had been Paul’s hope when he had originally written the severe letter. It did not just produce a change in the offender (probably Paul’s critic) or even in the Corinthians’ response to the offended (Paul himself). Paul had wanted them to realize before God how devoted they were to him as their spiritual father (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:9). That loyalty would fortify them... read more
II. ANSWERS TO INSINUATIONS ABOUT THE SINCERITY OF PAUL’S COMMITMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS AND TO THE MINISTRY 1:12-7:16Second Corinthians is a rather difficult book to outline because it is a very personal letter that flowed from Paul’s heart."Traditionally, Paul’s two letters to Timothy and one to Titus are called ’the Pastorals.’ But 2 Corinthians has a strong claim to be recognized as the Pastoral Epistle par excellence, because it contains not ’pure’ but ’applied’ pastoralia." [Note: Harris,... read more
Titus, who had observed the Corinthians’ repentance, had increased Paul’s joy further by reporting that to him. Paul’s words of praise for his readers before he had sent Titus to them had proved worthy in view of their response to Paul’s messenger and his message."Paul’s relief stemmed from the fact that his generous assurances to Titus about the Corinthians had not proved unfounded and therefore embarrassing (2 Corinthians 7:14). On the contrary (alla), just as his own truthfulness had been... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
Joy at the Corinthians’ repentance (7:2-16)Again Paul appeals to the Corinthians to open their hearts to him, and not to feel hesitant because of the accusations his enemies have made. Nothing in life or death can separate him from them. He assures them that he is overjoyed at the news he has just heard concerning them (2-4).Paul recalls the restlessness he felt in Macedonia as he awaited Titus’ return with news from Corinth. He recalls also the joy he experienced when Titus recounted how he... read more