2 Corinthians 7:5 - Exposition

For, when we were come into Macedonia. "For even when we came." The word "affliction" reminds St. Paul to resume the thread of the narrative which makes this letter almost like an itinerary . He has spoken of his trials in Ephesus ( 2 Corinthians 1:8 ) and in the Troad ( 2 Corinthians 2:12 , 2 Corinthians 2:13 ), and now he tells them that even in Macedonia he was no less troubled and agitated. Our flesh had no rest. External troubles assailed him as well as inward anxiety. "Had" seems here to be the best reading (B, F, G, K); not "has had," which may be borrowed from 2 Corinthians 2:13 . Rest; rather, remission, respite . But we were troubled on every side; literally, but in everything being afflicted . The style, in its picturesque irregularity, almost seems as though it were broken by sobs. Without were fightings, within were fears. "From without battles, from within fears." No light is thrown on these "battles." The Acts of the Apostles has no details to give us of this brief stay in Macedonia. The "fears" were doubtless still connected with anxiety as to the reception of Titus, and of his First Epistle ( 1 Corinthians 12:20 ).