2 Corinthians7

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to cleanse themselves and perfect holiness, affirming his blameless conduct among them. He recounts his distress in Macedonia, which was relieved by the arrival of Titus and the news of their godly sorrow. This sorrow led to repentance and salvation, bringing Paul great comfort and renewed confidence in their obedience.
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Call to Purity and Holiness

1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. ​

Paul's Integrity and Affection

2
Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. ​
3
I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. ​
4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. ​

Comfort in Macedonia

5
For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. ​
6
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; ​
7
And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. ​

Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance

8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. ​
9
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. ​
10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. ​
11
For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. ​
12
Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. ​

Confirmation of Reconciliation

13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. ​
14
For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. ​
15
And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. ​
16
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. ​

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 7

Verse 1

This verse concludes the exhortation begun in 6:14–18, where Paul established the incompatibility of God’s people with idols. The promise of God dwelling with them demands a response of holiness, cleansing the self in both external behavior (flesh) and internal motive (spirit).

Verse 2

Paul appeals for the Corinthians to 'receive' him, defending himself against accusations that he had manipulated or defrauded them—charges often levied by his opponents. He insists on his innocence and integrity.

Verse 3

Paul reassures them that his defense is not a condemnation, but a reaffirmation of the deep, enduring bond he shares with them. The phrase 'to die and live with you' expresses complete commitment and loyalty, regardless of their current tensions.

Verse 4

Paul contrasts his outward suffering (v. 5) with his internal joy, showing that his confidence in the Corinthians overrides his current tribulation. This 'boldness of speech' (or frankness) indicates his high regard for them.

Verse 5

Paul resumes the narrative thread broken off at 2:13, describing the profound anxiety he experienced while waiting for news from Corinth. The troubles were both external (opposition from without) and internal (fears for the church’s loyalty).

Verse 6

God is characterized here as the one who provides comfort specifically for those who are 'cast down' (humiliated or depressed). The arrival of Titus thus functions as a divine act of comfort, confirming God’s care.

Verse 7

The true source of Paul’s relief was not just Titus’s presence, but the good news of the Corinthians' positive and zealous response to Paul's previous severe letter. Their 'earnest desire' showed their loyalty to Paul.

Verse 8

The 'letter' refers to the painful epistle Paul had sent previously (often considered a lost letter between 1 and 2 Corinthians). Paul initially regretted the pain he caused, but the resulting repentance justified his difficult decision to write.

Verse 9

Paul clarifies that his joy is not rooted in their suffering, but in the fact that their sorrow resulted in genuine, life-altering repentance. They 'sorrowed after a godly manner,' meaning their grief was directed toward sin against God, not merely the consequences of their actions.

Verse 10

This verse provides a crucial theological distinction. *Godly sorrow* (grief over sin) leads to genuine repentance and salvation. *The sorrow of the world* (grief over loss or consequences, often without changing behavior) leads only to despair and spiritual death.

Verse 11

Paul lists seven concrete manifestations that demonstrate the authenticity of their godly sorrow. These acts, including 'clearing of yourselves' (defending themselves against false accusations) and 'revenge' (punishing the offender), prove their obedience and resolution of the crisis.

Verse 12

Paul clarifies the primary motivation for the severe letter. It was not merely to settle the specific dispute between the offender and the victim, but to reveal Paul’s sincere pastoral care for the entire community in the sight of God.

Verse 13

Paul emphasizes the communal nature of their relief. His comfort was based on their comfort, and their joy was reflected in Titus's refreshed spirit, demonstrating the restoration of harmony.

Verse 14

Paul confirms that his previous boasting to Titus about the Corinthians’ eventual loyalty and obedience was found to be true. This validated Paul’s credibility before his coworker and strengthened their ministry partnership.

Verse 15

Titus’s deep compassion ('inward affection') for the Corinthians grew because he witnessed firsthand their humility and obedience. Receiving him 'with fear and trembling' shows their seriousness in following Paul’s instructions and restoring the relationship.

Verse 16

This verse serves as a powerful conclusion to the section dealing with the painful crisis. Paul affirms his renewed and complete trust in the Corinthian church, setting the stage for the next topic (the collection for the Jerusalem poor).

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