2 Corinthians 2:4-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

In these verses, 1. The apostle proceeds in giving an account of the reason why he did not come to Corinth, as was expected; namely, because he was unwilling to grieve them, or be grieved by them, 2 Cor. 2:1, 2. He had determined not to come to them in heaviness, which yet he would have done had he come and found scandal among them not duly animadverted upon: this would have been cause of grief both to him and them, for their sorrow or joy at meeting would have been mutual. If he had made them... read more

Matthew Henry

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 2:4

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart ,.... Being greatly pressed in his spirit, and grieved at his heart, for the abominable iniquities among them, which they seemed to take no notice of, and to be unconcerned about, yea, rather to be puffed up with: I wrote to you with many tears ; as signs and expressions of, and by which were vented, the inward anguish and distress of his soul; and the letter he sent to them in some measure bore witness to it: which was written, not that... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:4

For out of much affliction, etc. - It is very likely that the apostle's enemies had represented him as a harsh, austere, authoritative man; who was better pleased with inflicting wounds than in healing them. But he vindicates himself from this charge by solemnly asserting that this was the most painful part of his office; and that the writing of his first epistle to them cost him much affliction and anguish of heart, and many tears. 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:4

Verse 4 4.For out of much affliction Here he brings forward another reason with the view of softening the harshness which he had employed. For those who smilingly take delight in seeing others weep, inasmuch as they discover thereby their cruelty, cannot and ought not to be borne with. Paul, however, declares that his feeling was very different. “Intensity of grief,” says he, “has extorted from me every thing that I have written.” Who would not excuse, and take in good part what springs from... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:5

Verse 5 5.But if any one. Here is a third reason with the view of alleviating the offense — that he had grief in common with them, and that the occasion of it came from another quarter. “We have,” says he, “been alike grieved, and another is to blame for it.” At the same time he speaks of that person, too, somewhat mildly, when he says, if any one — not affirming the thing, but rather leaving it in suspense. This passage, however, is understood by some, as if Paul meant to say: “He that has... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

The sorrow of faithful love. The apostle has still in mind the unfaithful member who had brought so sad a disgrace upon the whole Church. His conduct in the matter, especially in changing his mind when he was fully expected at Corinth, had been misrepresented, and made the occasion of accusations against him as a fickle-minded, self-willed man. He therefore here explains why he did not visit Corinth while it remained uncertain how the offending member would be treated. He had no thought... read more

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