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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 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, Co2 2:1, Co2 2:2. 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 sorry, that would have been a sorrow to himself, for there would have been none to have made him glad. But his desire was to have a cheerful meeting with them, and not to have it embittered by any unhappy occasion of disagreeing. 2. He tells them it was to the same intent that he wrote his former epistle, Co2 2:3, Co2 2:4. (1) That he might not have sorrow from those of whom he ought to rejoice; and that he had written to them in confidence of their doing what was requisite, in order to their benefit and his comfort. The particular thing referred to, as appears by the following verses, was the case of the incestuous person about whom he had written in the first epistle, ch. 5. Nor was the apostle disappointed in his expectation. (2.) He assures them that he did not design to grieve them, but to testify his love to them, and that he wrote to them with much anguish and affliction in his own heart, and with great affection to them. He had written with tears, that they might know his abundant love to them. Note, [1.] Even in reproofs, admonitions, and acts of discipline, faithful ministers show their love. [2.] Needful censures, and the exercise of church-discipline towards offenders, are a grief to tender-spirited ministers, and are administered with regret.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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The purification of the people is the apostle’s joy.
"And I wrote this very thing unto you."
What? That for this cause I came not, to spare you. When wrote he? In the former Epistle when he said, "I do not wish to see you now by the way?" I think not; but in this Epistle when he said, "Lest when I come again, my God should humble me before you." I have written then towards the end this same, saith he, "lest when I come, my God will humble me, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore."
But why didst thou write? "Lest when I came I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all?" For whereas he said he was made glad by their sorrow, and this was too arrogant and harsh, again he gave it a different turn and softened it by what he subjoined. For, he saith, I therefore wrote unto you before, that I might not with anguish find you unreformed; and I said this, "lest I should have sorrow," out of regard not to my own interest but yours. For I know that if ye see me rejoicing ye rejoice, and if ye behold me sad ye are sad.
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Summary
The Apostle Paul explains the reasoning behind his previous, stern letter to the Corinthian church, stating that his primary motivation was to prevent sorrow upon his arrival. He desired that the Corinthians would address their issues and repent, ensuring that his visit would be a source of mutual joy, confident that their spiritual well-being was intrinsically linked to his own gladness.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a crucial part of Paul's defense and explanation of his apostolic conduct, particularly concerning his recent change of travel plans and the nature of his previous communication. In 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:2, Paul explains that he refrained from visiting Corinth earlier to spare them (and himself) a painful encounter, choosing instead to write a severe letter. 2 Corinthians 2:3 directly follows this explanation, clarifying that the purpose of that "same" (severe) letter was not to inflict pain but to facilitate repentance, thereby ensuring that when he did eventually come, their reunion would be characterized by joy, not sorrow. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion on forgiveness and restoration for the repentant offender in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11.
Historical & Cultural Context
Corinth was a prominent and wealthy Roman city, known for its strategic location, bustling trade, and diverse, often morally lax, culture. The church Paul founded there was a vibrant but deeply troubled community, grappling with internal divisions, moral compromises (such as the case of incest in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2), and challenges to Paul's apostolic authority. Paul, as their spiritual father, felt a profound responsibility for their spiritual health. In ancient Greco-Roman society, the relationship between a patron (like Paul) and his clients (the Corinthian church) involved mutual obligations, including emotional well-being. Paul's desire for "joy" from them reflects this deep relational bond, where the spiritual flourishing and obedience of his converts were a source of immense personal satisfaction and vindication for his ministry.
Key Themes
Paul's words in this verse underscore several significant themes. Firstly, it highlights his Pastoral Motivation: his actions, even the writing of a severe letter, were driven by a deep, sacrificial love for the Corinthian believers and a fervent desire for their spiritual health and well-being, rather than personal anger or retribution. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of Discipline and Restoration: the corrective communication was intended to lead to repentance, which would then pave the way for restored fellowship and mutual joy, demonstrating that divine discipline is ultimately redemptive. Lastly, the verse powerfully articulates the Interconnectedness of Believers and Shared Joy: Paul's joy was inextricably linked to the Corinthians' spiritual condition and obedience, illustrating the profound unity within the body of Christ where, as Paul himself teaches elsewhere, "if one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word denotes deep sadness, grief, or distress. Paul's use of "sorrow" here reveals his profound emotional investment in the Corinthian church. He wanted to avoid the pain that their continued sin or lack of repentance would inflict upon him, especially from those whom he expected to be a source of gladness. It underscores the personal cost of their spiritual struggles to their spiritual father.
Derived from a verb meaning "to convince" or "to persuade," this term, used here as a participle, signifies Paul's deep trust, assurance, or reliance. Despite the severe tone of his previous letter and the issues he addressed, Paul maintained a steadfast belief in the Corinthians' capacity for repentance and obedience. This was not naive optimism but a grounded conviction in the Holy Spirit's work within them and their potential for spiritual maturity.
This word signifies cheerfulness, gladness, or calm delight. It represents the desired outcome of Paul's pastoral efforts. For Paul, true joy was not merely an emotion but a state of spiritual flourishing and harmonious relationship, both between the Corinthians and God, and between the Corinthians and himself. This mutual joy was the ultimate goal of his difficult letter and his anticipated visit.
Verse Breakdown
"And I wrote this same unto you"
Paul refers to his previous letter, often understood as 1 Corinthians, or possibly an unpreserved "sorrowful letter" mentioned later in 2 Corinthians 7:8. This phrase emphasizes that his communication was deliberate and purposeful, a considered act of pastoral care rather than a spontaneous outburst.
"lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice"
This clause reveals the preventative purpose of Paul's letter. He aimed to address the issues remotely so that his personal visit would not be marred by grief or disappointment. The phrase "them of whom I ought to rejoice" highlights Paul's expectation of gladness from his spiritual children, underscoring the deep bond and mutual affection that should characterize their relationship. Their unrepentant state would have caused him profound sadness.
"having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all"
Despite the need for stern correction, Paul expresses a profound trust in the entire Corinthian community. His confidence was rooted in the belief that his own spiritual joy was inextricably linked to theirs. This means that their spiritual well-being, obedience, and flourishing would be the source of his gladness, and conversely, his joy in them would be a shared experience, reflecting a healthy, unified body of believers.
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs Antithesis by setting up a stark contrast between "sorrow" and "joy," thereby highlighting Paul's desired outcome for his relationship with the Corinthians versus the painful alternative he sought to avoid. The phrase "from them of whom I ought to rejoice" is a form of Irony, as the very people who should be a source of joy were, due to their actions, in danger of causing him sorrow. Furthermore, the repetition of "you all" (implied in the Greek and made explicit in the KJV) serves as a device of Emphasis, underscoring the collective nature of Paul's concern and his desire for the spiritual health and unity of the entire church, not just a select few.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Paul's pastoral approach in 2 Corinthians 2:3 deeply reflects the divine pattern of corrective love. Just as God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), Paul's stern letter was not punitive but redemptive, aimed at leading the Corinthians to repentance so that their relationship could be restored to one of mutual joy. This highlights a profound theological truth: true spiritual joy is often born out of confronting and overcoming sin, leading to reconciliation and deeper fellowship. It also underscores the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where the spiritual health and joy of one member or community directly impact the well-being and joy of others, particularly those in spiritual leadership.
Reflection and Application
Paul's heartfelt desire to avoid sorrow and instead experience joy with the Corinthians offers profound lessons for our own relationships, both within the church and beyond. It reminds us that true love sometimes necessitates difficult conversations or firm correction, not out of anger or a desire to inflict pain, but with the ultimate goal of restoration, healing, and deeper fellowship. We are called to address sin and dysfunction with grace and truth, always aiming for the spiritual well-being of others, knowing that their flourishing contributes to our collective joy in Christ. This verse challenges us to consider our motivations when engaging in conflict or correction, ensuring that our aim is always reconciliation and the promotion of shared joy within the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the "same" letter Paul wrote that he refers to in this verse?
Scholars generally agree that the "this same" letter refers to Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, which contains strong rebukes and instructions regarding various issues, including immorality, divisions, and challenges to Paul's authority. While some scholars propose an intermediate "sorrowful letter" (mentioned later in 2 Corinthians 7:8), the most widely accepted view is that 1 Corinthians served this purpose, as its severe tone on certain matters aligns with Paul's explanation here of writing to prevent sorrow upon his visit.
Why would Paul have "sorrow" from the Corinthians if he ought to rejoice in them?
Paul had a deep, parental love for the Corinthian church, whom he had founded and nurtured. He viewed them as his spiritual children. Their continued sin, disunity, or resistance to his apostolic authority and teaching would cause him profound grief, akin to a parent's sorrow over a child's waywardness. His expectation of joy from them was based on their potential for spiritual growth and obedience. Thus, their failure to live up to their calling would naturally lead to sorrow, as it would signify a breakdown in the very spiritual flourishing he longed to see in them. He desired their repentance so that their relationship could be marked by mutual joy, not by the pain of unresolved conflict and sin.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Paul's profound desire for mutual joy with the Corinthians, achieved through their repentance and restoration, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate joy found in Christ. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, consistently seeks the restoration of His flock, even through the uncomfortable truths of conviction and the painful process of repentance, so that His joy may be in them and their joy may be full (John 15:11). His sacrificial death on the cross was the ultimate act of love, taking upon Himself the "sorrow" of humanity's sin, to reconcile us to God and bring us into a joyful, eternal relationship (Colossians 1:19-20). The Church, as the very body of Christ, is called to embody this same redemptive love, pursuing unity, forgiveness, and restoration among its members, so that the joy of the Lord might be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10) and a compelling testimony to a watching world. The complete fulfillment of Paul's longing for shared joy is ultimately realized in the eschatological reality of the Church united with Christ, where all sorrow, pain, and tears are forever banished in the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:4).