2 Corinthians 7:14

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} if I have boasted {G2744} any thing {G1536} to him {G846} of {G5228} you {G5216}, I am {G2617} not {G3756} ashamed {G2617}; but {G235} as {G5613} we spake {G2980} all things {G3956} to you {G5213} in {G1722} truth {G225}, even {G2532} so {G3779} our {G2257} boasting {G2746}, which {G3588} I made before {G1909} Titus {G5103}, is found {G1096} a truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I had boasted somewhat about you to him, and now I have not been made to look foolish. On the contrary, just as everything we have said to you is true, so too our boasting in front of Titus has proved true.

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well.

American Standard Version

For if in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf, I was not put to shame; but as we spake all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound relief and affirmation in 2 Corinthians 7:14, declaring that his confidence and positive reports about the Corinthian believers, which he had shared with Titus, were unequivocally proven true. This verse marks a joyful culmination of a period of anxiety, as the Corinthians' genuine repentance and obedience validated Paul's apostolic integrity and the transformative power of the gospel message he preached among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's deeply personal and emotionally charged defense of his apostleship and ministry to the Corinthian church. Following a period of intense conflict and a "sorrowful letter" (likely an earlier, severe letter, not 1 Corinthians, that is now lost), Paul had sent Titus to Corinth to gauge their response. Paul's anxiety over their reaction was immense, leading to restlessness until he met Titus in Macedonia. The preceding verses, particularly [2 Corinthians 7:6-7](/2_corinthians/7-6-7 "God's Comfort Through Titus"), describe Paul's immense comfort and joy upon Titus's return with news of the Corinthians' "godly sorrow" and repentance. Therefore, [2 Corinthians 7:14](/2_corinthians/7-14 "Paul's Boasting Vindicated") serves as a triumphant declaration, a final vindication of Paul's trust in them and the truthfulness of his ministry, confirming that his earlier boasting about their character to Titus was not in vain but was found to be a reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was notoriously problematic, plagued by divisions, immorality, and challenges to Paul's authority. Paul, as an apostle, faced constant scrutiny and accusations, including charges of being unreliable or manipulative. In the Greco-Roman world, the integrity and consistency of a speaker were paramount for credibility. Paul's sending of Titus, a trusted co-worker, was a common practice for apostles to maintain communication and oversight. The Corinthians' response to Paul's severe letter, demonstrating genuine repentance rather than defiance, was crucial not only for their spiritual health but also for Paul's vindication in the eyes of his critics and for reinforcing his legitimate apostolic authority. Their actions proved that Paul's assessment of their potential for repentance, and his subsequent boasting about them, was grounded in reality, upholding his honor and the truthfulness of his message.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 7:14](/2_corinthians/7-14 "Paul's Boasting Vindicated") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Apostolic Vindication and Integrity**. Paul's ministry was often questioned, and this verse affirms that his words, whether spoken directly to the Corinthians or about them, were consistently truthful and reliable. Secondly, it highlights the **Transformative Power of Godly Sorrow and Repentance**. The Corinthians' positive response to Paul's painful admonition, leading to the "godly sorrow that produces a repentance that leads to salvation" as described in [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "God's Sorrow Leads to Repentance"), is the direct cause for Paul's boasting being found true. This demonstrates that true spiritual change is observable and validates the efforts of those who minister. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Joy and Comfort in Ministry**. Paul's anxiety turned to profound joy, illustrating the deep emotional investment of a true shepherd in the spiritual well-being of his flock, and the immense satisfaction that comes from seeing believers walk in truth and obedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boasted (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** This term (G2744) means "to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense):--(make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice." In this context, Paul's "boasting" (G2746, _kaúchēsis_) is not arrogant self-promotion but a justifiable confidence and expression of hope in the spiritual progress and character of the Corinthian believers. It reflects his genuine affection and pastoral pride in their responsiveness to correction, which he had shared with Titus.
* **Truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** Derived from G225, meaning "truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity." The repeated use of "truth" in this verse emphasizes sincerity, reality, and reliability. Paul's communication, whether his direct words to the Corinthians or his positive reports about them to Titus, was not based on flattery or wishful thinking but on genuine spiritual reality, which was subsequently confirmed by their actions.
* **Is found (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, meaning "to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):--arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, X soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought." Here, it signifies that Paul's boasting was not merely an assertion but was *demonstrated* or *proven* to be true by the Corinthians' actions. It became a reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed":** Paul begins by recalling his earlier expressions of confidence concerning the Corinthians, which he had shared with Titus. The phrase "I am not ashamed" signifies that his confidence was not misplaced, nor were his words proven false. This directly contrasts with the potential for embarrassment or humiliation if the Corinthians had failed to respond positively.
* **"but as we spake all things to you in truth":** This clause emphasizes the consistent integrity of Paul's communication with the Corinthians. His previous words, whether admonitions or teachings, were always grounded in sincerity and reality, not deception or manipulation. This establishes a baseline of truthfulness for his entire ministry among them.
* **"even so our boasting, which [I made] before Titus, is found a truth":** This is the triumphant conclusion. Just as his direct communication to them was true, so too was his positive report about them to Titus. Their repentance and obedience served as the irrefutable evidence, validating Paul's confidence and proving his words to be genuine and reliable. The "boasting" was not empty rhetoric but a prophetic declaration that was fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [2 Corinthians 7:14](/2_corinthians/7-14 "Paul's Boasting Vindicated") to underscore his message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the double emphasis on "truth" (Greek: _alētheia_). This repetition serves to highlight the unwavering integrity of Paul's ministry and the genuine reality of the Corinthians' spiritual transformation. It acts as a powerful affirmation, contrasting with any accusations of deceit or inconsistency. There is also an element of **Vindication**, as Paul's words and confidence are explicitly "found a truth," demonstrating his authenticity and the effectiveness of his apostolic labor. This vindication brings a sense of **Relief and Triumph**, marking the end of a period of intense anxiety for the apostle. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Apostolic Apologia** (defense), where Paul implicitly defends his character and ministry by showing that his words, even those spoken in confidence to a third party like Titus, were consistently reliable and grounded in reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the divine principle that God honors truth and genuine repentance, and He vindicates His faithful servants. Paul's relief and joy are not merely personal but reflect the joy of God over a repentant people. It underscores that true spiritual growth and obedience are tangible and bring glory to God, validating the ministry that leads people to such transformation. The integrity of the messenger, rooted in truthfulness, is paramount for effective ministry, mirroring God's own unchangeable truthfulness.

* [1 Corinthians 1:4-9](/1_corinthians/1-4-9 "Paul's Thanksgiving for the Corinthians")
* [Philippians 1:3-6](/philippians/1-3-6 "Paul's Confidence in the Philippians")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:19-20](/1_thessalonians/2-19-20 "Paul's Joy and Crown")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Corinthians 7:14](/2_corinthians/7-14 "Paul's Boasting Vindicated") serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the profound importance of integrity in our words and actions, particularly within the community of faith. Just as Paul's boasting was "found a truth" because of the Corinthians' genuine repentance, our lives should consistently reflect the truth of the Gospel we profess. This means living authentically, allowing our walk to align with our talk, so that our witness to others, both believers and unbelievers, is credible and compelling. Furthermore, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of genuine repentance when we err, understanding that such humility not only restores our relationship with God but also brings joy and validation to those who have invested in our spiritual growth. It encourages us to find deep satisfaction and encouragement in witnessing the transformative power of God at work in the lives of others, celebrating their spiritual victories as our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do my words and actions consistently align, demonstrating integrity and truthfulness?**
* **How do I respond when I am corrected or admonished? Do I exhibit a "godly sorrow" that leads to genuine repentance and change?**
* **What joy do I experience when I witness true spiritual growth or repentance in others, and how can I better encourage such transformation?**
* **How can my life be a "truth" that validates the Gospel to those around me, just as the Corinthians' actions validated Paul's boasting?**

### FAQ

**What was Paul "boasting" about concerning the Corinthians?**

Answer: Paul's "boasting" was not arrogant self-praise but an expression of confidence and hope in the Corinthians' spiritual character and their potential for a positive response to his earlier, severe letter. He had likely spoken to Titus about their capacity for repentance, their underlying love for him, and their commitment to the truth of the gospel, even amidst their struggles. When Titus returned with news of their genuine godly sorrow and obedience, Paul's confidence was vindicated; his positive assessment of them was "found a truth." This reflects a pastoral pride and joy in the spiritual fruit borne by those he ministered to.

**What is the significance of "truth" being mentioned twice in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "truth" (Greek: _alētheia_) emphasizes the unwavering integrity and reliability of Paul's communication and ministry. Firstly, it highlights that Paul's direct words to the Corinthians were always spoken "in truth," meaning with sincerity, honesty, and alignment with reality. Secondly, it affirms that his boasting about them to Titus was also "found a truth," meaning it was substantiated by their actions. This double emphasis serves to counter any accusations of deception or inconsistency against Paul, firmly establishing his credibility and the genuine nature of the spiritual transformation in Corinth.

**How does this verse relate to Paul's overall relationship with the Corinthian church?**

Answer: This verse marks a significant turning point and a moment of reconciliation in Paul's often tumultuous relationship with the Corinthian church. The earlier parts of 2 Corinthians reveal deep tension, pain, and a challenge to Paul's apostolic authority. [2 Corinthians 7:14](/2_corinthians/7-14 "Paul's Boasting Vindicated") signals that the difficult period has passed, and a measure of trust and mutual respect has been restored. Their repentance brought immense comfort to Paul, validating his pastoral efforts and reaffirming their spiritual bond. It shows that despite conflict, genuine love and truth can prevail, leading to renewed fellowship and shared joy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Corinthians 7:14](/2_corinthians/7-14 "Paul's Boasting Vindicated") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ, who is the embodiment of all truth and the perfect example of God's unwavering integrity. Paul's vindication, where his words were "found a truth," powerfully echoes the divine validation of Jesus's own ministry and claims. Christ consistently spoke the truth, and His life, death, and resurrection were the ultimate demonstration that all of God's promises and His very character are "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Just as the Corinthians' repentance validated Paul's boasting, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial work on the cross validated God's plan of salvation, proving His love and justice to be utterly true. The "truth" found in the Corinthian church's transformation is a reflection of the transformative power of the Spirit of Christ, who enables believers to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ")). Ultimately, our own lives, when lived in obedience to the Gospel, become a testament to the truth of Christ, allowing God's glory to be seen and His faithfulness to be affirmed through us, just as Paul's joy was complete when his confidence in the Corinthians was proven true in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:24

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

2 Corinthians 7:4

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.

2 Thessalonians 1:4

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2 Corinthians 7:6

Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

2 Corinthians 1:18

But [as] God [is] true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: