2 Corinthians 2:5-8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

In these verses the apostle treats concerning the incestuous person who had been excommunicated, which seems to be one principal cause of his writing this epistle. Here observe, 1. He tells them that the crime of that person had grieved him in part; and that he was grieved also with a part of them, who, notwithstanding this scandal had been found among them, were puffed up and had not mourned, 1 Cor. 5:2. However, he was unwilling to lay too heavy a charge upon the whole church, especially... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

2:5-11 If anyone has caused grief, it is not I whom he has grieved, but to some extent--not to overstress the situation--all of you. To such a man the punishment that has been imposed by the majority is sufficient, so that, so far from inflicting severer punishment, you must forgive him and comfort him, lest such a one be engulfed by excess of grief. So then, I urge you, let your decision in regard to him be a decision of love. For when I wrote to you my purpose was to test you, to see if you... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:5

But if any have caused grief ,.... The incestuous person is here manifestly designed, though he is not named, who had been the cause and occasion of much grief and sorrow, both to himself and others; for the apostle is not to be understood, as though he doubted whether he had caused grief or not, but rather takes it for granted, as a certain point; "if", seeing, or although he has caused grief: he hath not grieved me but in part ; or in some measure; as it has reflected dishonour on God... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:6

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment ,.... By this punishment is meant, the excommunication of the incestuous person, or the censure that was laid upon him by the church: for this was inflicted by many ; not by the pastor only, or by the elders or more eminent persons in the church, but by the multitude, by the whole congregation, at least υπο των πλειονων , "by the more"; the greater, or major part; and not by one, or a few only: in inflicting this punishment, or laying on this... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:7

So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him ,.... On the other hand, so far the apostle suggests they should be from inflicting any other punishment on him, or by any means adding to, and increasing what was inflicted, that they ought to forgive him his offence, by taking off the censure from him, which had been sufficient for the purpose, and had continued on him a sufficient time: and comfort him ; by restoring him to the communion of the church, and to an enjoyment of all the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:8

Wherefore I beseech you ,.... Or exhort you: that ye would confirm your love towards him : express your love to him in the most kind and tender manner, show the same, and as strong love to him as you did before, and as if he had never offended; receive him as a brother in the most affectionate manner, and embrace him with the most endearing expressions of respect and friendship; and let your reception of him in this kind and friendly way be with the full consent, and by the joint vote... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:5

But, if any have caused grief - Here he seems to refer particularly to the cause of the incestuous person. Grieved me, but in part - I cannot help thinking that the εκ μερους and απο μερους , which we render in part, and which the apostle uses so frequently in these epistles, are to be referred to the people. A part of them had acknowledged the apostle, 2 Corinthians 1:14 ; and here, a part of them had given him cause of grief; and therefore he immediately adds, that I may not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:6

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment - That is, the man has already suffered sufficiently. Here he gives a proof of his parental tenderness towards this great transgressor. He had been disowned by the Church; he had deeply repented; and now the apostle pleads for him. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:7

Ye ought rather to forgive him - He had now suffered enough; for the punishment inflicted had answered the end for which it was inflicted; and there was some danger that, if this poor culprit were not restored to the bosom of the Church, his distress and anguish would destroy his life, or drive him to despair. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:8

That ye would confirm your love toward him - You do love him, notwithstanding the reproach he has brought on the Gospel; and notwithstanding your love to him, ye were obliged to cut him off for the credit of the Gospel. Now that he has repented, I beseech you to confirm, κυρωσαι , to ratify, by a public act of the Church, your love to him; give him the fullest proof that you do love him; by forgiving him and restoring him to his place in the Church. read more

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