2 Corinthians 7:16

KJV

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all [things].

KJV (with Strong's)

I rejoice {G5463} therefore that {G3754} I have confidence {G2292} in {G1722} you {G5213} in {G1722} all {G3956} things.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am glad that I can have such complete confidence in you.

Berean Standard Bible

I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.

American Standard Version

I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul concludes a deeply personal and emotionally charged section of his letter by expressing profound joy and renewed confidence in the Corinthian believers. Having previously sent a severe letter that caused him great anguish, and then anxiously awaited news of their response, Paul now receives a comforting report from Titus. This verse encapsulates his relief and assurance, affirming that the Corinthians have responded with genuine repentance and obedience, thereby restoring the trust and strengthening the bond between the apostle and the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the triumphant conclusion to a significant emotional arc within [2 Corinthians chapter 7](/2_corinthians/7 "2 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Comfort in Affliction and Joy in Repentance"). Paul has just recounted his intense anxiety in Macedonia, awaiting Titus's return with news from Corinth. He describes his deep distress, even to the point of having "no rest in my spirit" ([2 Corinthians 2:13](/2_corinthians/2-13 "2 Corinthians 2:13 - Paul's Anxiety in Troas")). The arrival of Titus brought immense comfort because he reported the Corinthians' sorrowful repentance and their earnest desire to set things right ([2 Corinthians 7:6-7](/2_corinthians/7-6-7 "2 Corinthians 7:6-7 - Titus's Arrival and Good News")). Paul elaborates on the nature of "godly sorrow" leading to repentance, contrasting it with worldly sorrow ([2 Corinthians 7:9-10](/2_corinthians/7-9-10 "2 Corinthians 7:9-10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")). Thus, [2 Corinthians 7:16](/2_corinthians/7-16 "2 Corinthians 7:16 - Paul's Confidence in the Corinthians") is the culmination of this narrative, signifying Paul's settled peace and restored relationship with the Corinthian church, built upon their demonstrated obedience and renewed affection for him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex and often challenging community. Located in a major Roman port city, it was a melting pot of cultures and philosophies, reflected in the various issues Paul addressed in his letters: divisions, immorality, legal disputes, and questioning of apostolic authority. Paul's relationship with them was strained; his previous letter (often referred to as the "severe letter," possibly [2 Corinthians 2:1-4](/2_corinthians/2-1-4 "2 Corinthians 2:1-4 - Paul's Painful Visit") or a lost letter) was written with "many tears" ([2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Tears and Anguish")) to address serious matters, including the discipline of an individual ([2 Corinthians 2:5-11](/2_corinthians/2-5-11 "2 Corinthians 2:5-11 - Forgiving the Offender")) and challenges to his own apostleship. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and personal honor were significant, and Paul's direct approach, though painful, was necessary to uphold the truth of the Gospel and the purity of the church. His relief in [2 Corinthians 7:16](/2_corinthians/7-16 "2 Corinthians 7:16 - Paul's Confidence in the Corinthians") underscores the immense personal and pastoral investment he had in this community, and the cultural expectation of loyalty and respect within a patron-client (or apostle-church) relationship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **reconciliation and restoration**, demonstrating that broken relationships, even within the church, can be mended through genuine repentance and forgiveness. Secondly, it underscores the **joy that accompanies godly sorrow and repentance**, showing that true sorrow for sin leads not to despair but to a joy born of salvation and renewed fellowship ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance")). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **nature of apostolic authority and trust**, as Paul's confidence in the Corinthians is not blind but is based on their observable obedience and changed hearts, validating his apostleship and their response to his instruction. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **comfort in affliction**, as Paul's previous distress is now transformed into profound joy and assurance, echoing the broader message of God's comfort in suffering found earlier in the epistle ([2 Corinthians 1:3-7](/2_corinthians/1-3-7 "2 Corinthians 1:3-7 - The God of All Comfort")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This primary verb signifies being "cheerful," calmly happy, or well-off. In this context, Paul's rejoicing is not a fleeting emotion but a settled state of gladness and contentment, directly resulting from the positive report concerning the Corinthians. It conveys a deep inner joy that contrasts sharply with his previous anxiety and distress, indicating a fundamental shift in his emotional state regarding the Corinthian church.
* **Confidence (Greek, _tharrhéō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "courage," this verb means "to exercise courage," "be bold," or "have confidence." Paul's use of this word indicates more than mere hope; it denotes a settled conviction and bold assurance in the Corinthians. This confidence is not abstract but is grounded in their demonstrated repentance and obedience, signifying a restored and firm trust in their spiritual integrity and faithfulness.
* **All (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word encompasses "all," "any," "every," or "the whole." Its inclusion here ("in all things") emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Paul's renewed confidence. It suggests that his trust extends to every aspect of their conduct, their response to his teachings, and their overall spiritual trajectory. This "all-encompassing" confidence signifies a complete restoration of their relationship, implying no lingering doubts or reservations on Paul's part.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I rejoice therefore":** Paul's joy is presented as a direct consequence of the preceding narrative. The "therefore" (Gk. *dio*) links his current state of rejoicing to the good news brought by Titus concerning the Corinthians' repentance and obedience. This joy is profound, replacing the deep anxiety and sorrow Paul had experienced. It highlights the spiritual and emotional relief that comes from seeing God's work of repentance in others.
* **"that I have confidence in you":** This clause reveals the specific reason for Paul's rejoicing: his restored and firm confidence in the Corinthian believers. The word for "confidence" (Gk. *tharrhéō*) implies a bold and settled assurance, not a tentative hope. It signifies that Paul no longer harbors doubts about their sincerity or their commitment to the Gospel and his apostolic authority. Their actions, reported by Titus, have validated their genuine faith and willingness to obey.
* **"in all [things]":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Paul's confidence. It suggests that his trust in them is not limited to one specific area but extends to their overall conduct, their spiritual state, and their future responsiveness to his guidance. This "all-encompassing" confidence indicates a complete healing and restoration of the relationship between the apostle and the church, signifying a deep and holistic trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Pathos** to convey Paul's profound emotional journey, moving from deep anxiety (as described in the preceding verses) to settled joy and confidence. This emotional transparency invites the reader to empathize with the apostle's pastoral heart. The phrase "in all things" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Amplification**, emphasizing the comprehensive and unqualified nature of Paul's restored confidence. While perhaps not literally "all" conceivable things, it powerfully conveys the idea of a complete and thorough trust, leaving no room for doubt. The verse also serves as a powerful **Affirmation**, a declarative statement of Paul's positive regard for the Corinthians, intended to reassure them and solidify their reconciled relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the transformative power of repentance and reconciliation within the body of Christ. Paul's joy is not merely personal relief, but a theological affirmation of God's work in bringing about genuine change in His people. It underscores that true Christian fellowship is built on mutual trust and accountability, where even painful correction, when met with humble hearts, can lead to deeper spiritual bonds and a renewed sense of unity. The confidence Paul expresses is ultimately confidence in the Holy Spirit's work among them, enabling them to respond faithfully.

* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Work in Believers")
* [Philemon 1:21](/philemon/1-21 "Philemon 1:21 - Confidence in Obedience")
* [1 John 3:18-19](/1_john/3-18-19 "1 John 3:18-19 - Love in Truth and Action")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's journey with the Corinthians offers a profound lesson for contemporary believers and churches. It reminds us that relationships, even within the most sacred contexts, are dynamic and require intentional effort, humility, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. The joy Paul experiences is a testament to the beauty of repentance and reconciliation, demonstrating that broken trust can be rebuilt through genuine change of heart and action. For us, this means valuing the process of correction, being open to receiving feedback, and, when we have erred, embracing godly sorrow that leads to true repentance. It also encourages us to extend grace and confidence to those who demonstrate genuine change, fostering an environment where trust can flourish and relationships can be restored, leading to profound joy for all involved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced the joy of reconciliation after a period of conflict or misunderstanding, either personally or within a community?**
* **What does Paul's "confidence in all things" suggest about the nature of trust in Christian relationships? How can we cultivate such comprehensive trust in our own communities?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to view difficult conversations or necessary correction within the church?**
* **In what ways can a "godly sorrow" (as mentioned in the broader context of [2 Corinthians 7](/2_corinthians/7 "2 Corinthians 7 - Paul's Comfort and Joy")) lead to renewed joy and confidence in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so worried about the Corinthians' response to his previous letter?**

Answer: Paul's anxiety stemmed from several factors. He had sent a "severe letter" ([2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Tears and Anguish")), likely addressing serious issues like immorality and challenges to his apostolic authority. He deeply loved the Corinthians and was concerned not only for their spiritual well-being but also for the integrity of the Gospel and the purity of the church. The possibility that they might reject his correction, or him, caused him immense distress, as it would signify a deeper spiritual problem and a breakdown in their relationship. His worry was a pastoral concern, reflecting his profound investment in their faith.

**What does Paul mean by "confidence in all things"?**

Answer: When Paul expresses "confidence in you in all things," he signifies a complete and comprehensive restoration of trust and assurance in the Corinthian believers. It means that their repentance and obedience, as reported by Titus, were so thorough and genuine that Paul no longer had any lingering doubts or reservations about their spiritual state or their willingness to follow his apostolic guidance. This "all-encompassing" confidence indicates that the issues that had previously strained their relationship had been fully addressed, and Paul now felt a deep and settled peace concerning their faithfulness across all aspects of their Christian walk.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's joy and confidence in the Corinthians, born out of their repentance and reconciliation, ultimately point to the transformative work of Christ. It is through Christ that true repentance is made possible, as He is the one who bears the sin that causes separation and offers the new life that enables genuine change ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The reconciliation Paul celebrates is a reflection of the ultimate reconciliation God has achieved with humanity through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")). Paul's confidence in the Corinthians' obedience is, in essence, confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ, to work within believers, enabling them to walk in newness of life and bear fruit worthy of repentance ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, this verse, while expressing Paul's personal relief, ultimately magnifies Christ as the source of all spiritual transformation, the foundation of restored relationships, and the one in whom all things are made new and held together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")).

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 2:3

And I wrote this same unto you, 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.

Philemon 1:8

¶ Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

Philemon 1:21

Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

2 Thessalonians 3:4

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.