2 Corinthians 7:12-13

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 against future tests to depart from his teaching. Paul rejoiced that this is what had happened and that they had not responded improperly.

"Many opinions have been expressed as to the identity of the wrongdoer and the nature of his act of injustice toward Paul. Most likely, in our view, is the suggestion that this event should be linked with a public disturbance during the second visit (2 Corinthians 12:20) when Paul confronted those who had not relinquished their former sexual practices (2 Corinthians 12:21 to 2 Corinthians 13:2), connected as these probably were with ongoing temple attendance (2 Corinthians 6:14 to 2 Corinthians 7:1). The most consistent reconstruction of Paul’s scattered remarks on the subject throughout 2 Corinthians is that this man publicly opposed, and to some degree thwarted, Paul’s attempt at discipline during that fateful visit." [Note: Barnett, pp. 380-81.]