2 Corinthians 7:15

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.

And {G2532} his {G846} inward affection {G4698} is {G2076} more abundant {G4056} toward {G1519} you {G5209}, whilst he remembereth {G363} the obedience {G5218} of you {G5216} all {G3956}, how {G5613} with {G3326} fear {G5401} and {G2532} trembling {G5156} ye received {G1209} him {G846}.

And his affection for you is all the greater as he remembers how ready you were to obey and how you received him with reverence and respect.

And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling.

And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.

2 Corinthians 7:15 reveals the deep affection Titus developed for the Corinthian believers, a result of their genuine repentance and humble reception of God's message. Paul recounts Titus's return from Corinth, filled with joy and admiration for the church's obedience, which had previously caused Paul much anxiety.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's joyful recounting of Titus's return from Corinth. Paul had sent Titus to the Corinthian church after writing a 'severe letter' (likely what is now part of 2 Corinthians, or a lost letter) which had caused them great sorrow. Paul was anxious about their response, fearing they might reject his correction. Titus's report, however, brought him immense relief and joy, confirming the Corinthians' repentance and renewed devotion, leading to reconciliation.

Key Themes

  • The Fruit of True Repentance: The Corinthians' "fear and trembling" in receiving Titus showed their genuine sorrow for their sins and readiness to obey. This highlights the transformative power of godly sorrow, which leads to salvation without regret, unlike worldly sorrow.
  • Deepening Pastoral Bonds: Titus's "inward affection" for the Corinthians grew because he witnessed their sincere change of heart and obedience to God's word. This illustrates how genuine repentance and humility strengthen relationships between spiritual leaders and their flock, fostering mutual love and respect.
  • Humility in Receiving God's Word: The phrase "fear and trembling" signifies not cowering fear, but a profound reverence, humility, and seriousness in acknowledging the authority of God's message delivered through His servants. It indicates a sincere and earnest effort to do what is right.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "inward affection" translates the Greek word splagchna (σπλάγχνα), which literally means 'bowels' or 'intestines'. In ancient thought, these were considered the seat of deep emotions, particularly compassion and tenderness. Thus, it conveys a profound, visceral love and heartfelt compassion that Titus felt for the Corinthians.
  • "Fear and trembling" (Greek: phobou kai tromou) is a common biblical idiom that does not always imply terror, but often refers to serious reverence, profound humility, and earnest care in carrying out a task or responding to spiritual truth. It's the same phrase Paul uses in Philippians 2:12 regarding working out one's salvation, emphasizing diligence and respect for God's will.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to receive correction and God's word with humility and earnestness, recognizing that spiritual guidance comes from God. It also shows how genuine repentance not only reconciles us with God but also strengthens our bonds with fellow believers and spiritual leaders. For those in leadership, it highlights the profound joy and increased affection that comes from witnessing true spiritual transformation and obedience in those they serve, fostering deeper trust and more fruitful relationships within the body of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 2:12

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:9

    For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

  • 1 John 3:17

    But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

  • Colossians 3:12

    ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

  • Psalms 119:120

    My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

  • Isaiah 66:2

    For all those [things] hath mine hand made, and all those [things] have been, saith the LORD: but to this [man] will I look, [even] to [him that is] poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

  • Hosea 13:1

    ¶ When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.

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