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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 7:1–4. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
These verses contain a double exhortation: -
I.To make a progress in holiness, or to perfect holiness in the fear of God, Co2 7:1.
This exhortation is given with most tender affection to those who were dearly beloved, and enforced by strong arguments, even the consideration of those exceedingly great and precious promises which were mentioned in the former chapter, and which the Corinthians had an interest in and a title to. The promises of God are strong inducements to sanctification, in both the branches thereof; namely,
1.The dying unto sin, or mortifying our lusts and corruptions: we must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. Sin is filthiness, and there are defilements of body and mind. There are sins of the flesh, that are committed with the body, and sins of the spirit, spiritual wickednesses; and we must cleanse ourselves from the filthiness of both, for God is to be glorified both with body and soul.
2.The living unto righteousness and holiness. If we hope God is our Father, we must endeavour to be partakers of his holiness, to be holy as he is holy, and perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect. We must be still perfecting holiness, and not be contented with sincerity (which is our gospel perfection), without aiming at sinless perfection, though we shall always come short of it while we are in this world; and this we must do in the fear of God, which is the root and principle of all religion, and there is no holiness without it. Note, Faith and hope in the promises of God must not destroy our fear of God, who taketh pleasure in those that fear him and hope in his mercy.
II.To show a due regard to the ministers of the gospel:
Receive us, Co2 7:2. Those who labour in the word and doctrine should be had in reputation, and be highly esteemed for their work's sake: and this would be a help to making progress in holiness. If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible because of their office, there is danger lest the gospel itself be contemned also. The apostle did not think it any disparagement to court the favour of the Corinthians; and, though we must flatter none, yet we must be gentle towards all. He tells them, 1. He had done nothing to forfeit their esteem and good-will, but was cautious not to do any thing to deserve their ill-will (Co2 7:2): "We have wronged no man: we have done you no harm, but always designed your good." I have coveted no man's silver, nor gold, nor apparel, said he to the elders of Ephesus, Act 20:33. "We have corrupted no man, by false doctrines or flattering speeches. We have defrauded no man; we have not sought ourselves, nor to promote our own secular interests by crafty and greedy measures, to the damage of any persons." This is an appeal like that of Samuel, 1 Sa. 12. Note, Then may ministers the more confidently expect esteem and favour from the people when they can safely appeal to them that they are guilty of nothing that deserves disesteem or displeasure. 2. He did not herein reflect upon them for want of affection to him, Co2 7:3, Co2 7:4. So tenderly and cautiously did the apostle deal with the Corinthians, among whom there were some who would be glad of any occasion to reproach him, and prejudice the minds of others against him. To prevent any insinuations against him on account of what he had said, as if he intended to charge them with wronging him, or unjust accusations of him for having wronged them, he assures them again of his great affection to them, insomuch that he could spend his last breath at Corinth, and live and die with them, if his business with other churches, and his work as an apostle (which was not to be confined to one place only), would permit him to do so. An he adds it was his great affection to them that made him use such boldness or freedom of speech towards them, and caused him to glory, or make his boast of them, in all places, and upon all occasions, being filled with comfort, and exceedingly joyful in all their tribulations.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"We have injured no man, corrupted no man, circumvented no man."
Paul wants the Corinthians to give thought to what he is saying, so that when they have taken it to heart they may conclude that what he is saying is true.
Again he raiseth the discourse about love, mitigating the harshness of his rebuke. For since he had convicted and reproached them as being beloved indeed, yet not loving in an equal degree, but breaking away from his love and mixing up with other pestilent fellows; again he softens the vehemence of his rebuke, saying, "Make room for us," that is, "love us;" and prays to receive a favor involving no burden, and advantaging them that confer above them that receive it. And he said not, 'love,' but with a stronger appeal to their pity, "make room for." 'Who expelled us?' saith he: 'Who cast us out of your hearts? How come we to be straitened in you?' for since he said above, "Ye are straitened in your affections;" here declaring it more clearly, he said, "make room for us:" in this way also again winning them to himself. For nothing doth so produce love as for the beloved to know that he that loveth him exceedingly desireth his love.
"We wronged no man." See how again he does not mention the benefits done by him, but frameth his speech in another way, so as to be both less offensive and more cutting. And at the same time he also alludes to the false apostles, saying, "We wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we defrauded no man."
What is "we corrupted?" That is, we beguiled no man; as he says elsewhere also. "Lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve, so your minds should be corrupted." (2 Corinthians 11:3)
"We defrauded no man;" we plundered, plotted against no man. And he for the present forbears to say, 'we benefited you in such and such ways;' but framing his language so as more to shame them, "We wronged no man," he says; as much as saying, 'Even had we in no wise benefited you, not even so ought ye to turn away from us; for ye have nothing to lay to our charge, either small or great.'
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Summary
Paul earnestly appeals to the Corinthian church to open their hearts to him and his fellow ministers, assuring them of his blameless conduct and integrity. He vehemently denies any accusations of having wronged, corrupted, or defrauded anyone, thereby emphasizing his pure motives, transparent dealings, and upright character in all his interactions with them as a minister of the Gospel.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows Paul's profound expression of affection and vulnerability to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, where he declares his heart is "open wide" to them and urges them to reciprocate. The plea "Receive us" in 2 Corinthians 7:2 serves as a direct continuation of this call for mutual affection and trust. The preceding chapter concludes with a strong exhortation against being "unequally yoked with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14), which, while seemingly a digression, undergirds the necessity of purity and integrity in the community, a standard Paul himself embodies. Chapter 7 then transitions into Paul's profound joy over Titus's report of the Corinthians' repentance and their renewed affection for him, demonstrating the positive outcome of this very reconciliation he seeks.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Corinthian church was a complex and often turbulent community, marked by internal divisions and external influences. Paul's apostolic authority had been challenged by rival teachers, often termed "super-apostles," who likely accused him of various shortcomings, including inconsistency, weakness, and financial impropriety (2 Corinthians 11:5). In the Greco-Roman world, itinerant philosophers and rhetoricians often sought personal gain or influence, and Paul's counter-cultural practice of not accepting financial support from the Corinthians was sometimes misunderstood or even used against him. His defense in 2 Corinthians is therefore not merely a personal vindication but a crucial defense of the integrity of the Gospel message he proclaimed, demonstrating that his ministry was free from the self-serving motives of his detractors.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in 2 Corinthians. First, it underscores Apostolic Integrity, as Paul vehemently defends his and his co-workers' conduct, emphasizing their blamelessness and freedom from any form of misconduct. This was crucial for maintaining his authority and the credibility of the Gospel message, which he saw as intrinsically linked to his character as a minister of the new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). Second, it highlights the theme of Trust and Reconciliation, as Paul's appeal is a direct step towards full restoration of fellowship, built on transparency and a clear conscience. He desires a relationship where hearts are open and trust is reciprocal, a theme running through 2 Corinthians 2:5-11. Third, the specific denials ("wronged," "corrupted," "defrauded") strongly emphasize Financial Purity in Ministry, a recurring concern for Paul, who often worked with his own hands to avoid being a burden or appearing covetous (1 Corinthians 9:18).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From χώρα (chōra), meaning "space." This word implies "to make room for," "to give space to," or "to admit." Paul is not just asking for a superficial welcome, but for the Corinthians to open their hearts and minds to him, to make space for him in their affections and trust, allowing his ministry to have its proper place among them.
From ἄδικος (adikos), meaning "unjust." This term signifies doing injustice, causing harm, or acting unfairly. Paul asserts that he has never acted unjustly or caused harm to anyone in the Corinthian church, whether through his actions or decisions.
This word means "to spoil," "to ruin," or "to deprave." It carries a strong connotation of moral or spiritual decay. Paul denies having morally compromised anyone, led them astray through false teaching, or ruined their character by his influence.
From πλεονέκτης (pleonektēs), meaning "covetous." This term means "to be covetous," and by implication, "to over-reach," "to take advantage of," or "to exploit," often with a financial connotation. Paul vehemently denies any accusation of financial exploitation or seeking personal gain at their expense.
Verse Breakdown
"Receive us;"
This is an earnest plea from Paul and his companions (likely Timothy, Titus, and others) for the Corinthians to open their hearts and minds to them. It's a call for mutual affection, trust, and reconciliation, implying that there might have been a degree of alienation or suspicion that Paul wished to overcome. It echoes his earlier appeal in 2 Corinthians 6:13.
"we have wronged no man,"
Paul asserts his innocence against any charge of injustice or unfair treatment. This covers any action that would have caused harm, injury, or moral offense to an individual within the community. It speaks to his ethical conduct and respect for their rights and well-being.
"we have corrupted no man,"
This denial addresses accusations of moral or spiritual defilement. Paul insists that he has not led anyone astray, spoiled their character, or introduced any teaching that would lead to moral decay or spiritual ruin. This is a crucial defense against those who might have accused him of undermining their faith or purity.
"we have defrauded no man."
This final denial specifically targets accusations of exploitation or financial gain. Paul strongly affirms that he has not taken advantage of anyone, especially not for personal profit or through covetousness. This was a common charge against itinerant teachers in the ancient world, and Paul consistently defended his financial integrity, often by working to support himself (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
Literary Devices
Paul employs Anaphora in this verse, repeating the phrase "we have... no man" three times ("we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man"). This rhetorical device creates powerful emphasis and rhythm, underscoring the absolute nature of his denial and his blamelessness. The repetition serves to hammer home his point, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his conduct. Furthermore, the use of Tricolon (a series of three parallel clauses) enhances the persuasive force of his argument, presenting a comprehensive and exhaustive list of potential misdeeds that he categorically refutes. This structure gives his defense a sense of completeness and conviction, aiming to fully restore trust and clear his name.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Paul's emphatic denial of wrongdoing in 2 Corinthians 7:2 is not merely a personal defense but a profound theological statement about the integrity required of those who minister the Gospel. His blameless conduct is intrinsically linked to the purity of the message he proclaims, demonstrating that the new covenant ministry is characterized by sincerity, transparency, and a lack of self-serving motives. This commitment to integrity reflects the character of God Himself, who is just and righteous, and it serves as a foundation for genuine reconciliation within the body of Christ. The verse highlights that true spiritual authority is earned through consistent, ethical living, rather than through worldly power or cunning, thereby validating the divine origin and power of the message.
Reflection and Application
Paul's bold declaration of integrity in 2 Corinthians 7:2 offers profound lessons for believers today, both in personal conduct and in leadership. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our relationships are marked by justice, purity, and generosity, rather than by exploitation or self-interest. For those in positions of influence, whether in the church, workplace, or family, Paul's example underscores the non-negotiable importance of being above reproach, particularly concerning financial dealings and moral influence. Living a life free from accusation, or at least one where accusations are demonstrably false, builds trust and credibility, allowing our words and witness to carry greater weight. When misunderstandings or conflicts arise, this verse also reminds us of the humility required to seek reconciliation, even while confidently defending our character if unjustly accused, always prioritizing the restoration of fellowship and the unity of the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Paul so insistent on defending his character to the Corinthians?
Paul's insistence on defending his character was not primarily for personal vindication, but for the sake of the Gospel itself. His apostolic authority and the message he proclaimed were being undermined by false teachers, often referred to as "super-apostles," who accused him of various misdeeds, including being inconsistent, weak, or financially exploitative. If the Corinthians lost trust in Paul's integrity, they might also question the truth and power of the Gospel he delivered. Therefore, defending his blameless conduct was essential to protect the purity of the message and to ensure the Corinthians' continued faithfulness to Christ, as seen throughout 2 Corinthians. His defense was a deeply pastoral act aimed at restoring their relationship and securing their spiritual well-being.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Corinthians 7:2 speaks to Paul's personal integrity as an apostle, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest significance are found in Christ. Paul's blamelessness, though remarkable and essential for his ministry, points to the perfect and absolute blamelessness of Jesus Christ, who truly "wronged no man, corrupted no man, and defrauded no man." Unlike any human leader, Jesus lived a life utterly without sin, fulfilling all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and becoming the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29). His perfect integrity and purity were not merely a defense against accusations, but the very foundation of His atoning work, enabling Him to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 4:15). In Christ, believers are not merely called to strive for blamelessness, but are declared righteous and holy in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21), receiving a perfect standing before God that Paul himself, despite his best efforts, could only approximate. Thus, Paul's defense serves as a human echo of the divine perfection found in our Savior, who alone offers true and complete reconciliation and makes us truly blameless before God.