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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
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Let the earth also cause compassion to spring up to its inhabitants; for I am filled with comfort; I am exceeding joyful since I have seen Thee, the Saviour of men.
Paul is confident because of the way the Corinthians responded to his reproof in the first letter. The fact that they did not take it badly has given him the confidence to admonish them again. He also says that he has been consoled by this to such an extent that in spite of all his affliction he is overflowing with joy. Seeing that there is hope for the people on whose behalf he is enduring hardships, he is rejoicing in spite of his tribulations, being certain that he will please God for the fact that they have received salvation.
"Great is my boldness of speech towards you." 'Therefore I venture upon such things,' he says, 'not to condemn you by what I say, but out of my great boldness of speech,' which also farther signifying, he said, "Great is my glorying on your behalf." 'For think not indeed,' he saith, 'that because I thus speak, I speak as though I had condemned you altogether; (for I am exceedingly proud of, and glory in, you;) but both out of tender concern and a desire that you should make greater increase unto virtue.' And so he said to the Hebrews also after much rebuke; "But we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak: and we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end." (Hebrews 6:9, 11) So indeed here also, "Great is my glorying on your behalf." 'We glory to others of you,' he says. Seest thou what genuine comfort he has given? 'And,' he saith, 'I do not simply glory, but also, greatly.' Accordingly he added these words; "I am filled with comfort." What comfort? 'That coming from you; because that ye, having been reformed, comforted me by your conduct.' This is the test of one that loveth, both to complain of not being loved and to fear lest he should inflict pain by complaining immoderately. Therefore he says, "I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy." 'But these expressions,' saith one, 'seem to contradict the former.' They do not do so, however, but are even exceedingly in harmony with them. For these procure for the former a favorable reception; and the praise which they convey makes the benefit of those rebukes more genuine, by quietly abstracting what was painful in them. Wherefore he uses these expressions, but with great genuineness and earnestness. For he did not say, 'I am filled with joy;' but, "I abound;" or rather, not "abound" either, but "super-abound;" in this way also again showing his yearning, that even though he be so loved as to rejoice and exult, he does not yet think himself loved as he ought to be loved, nor to have received full payment; so insatiable was he out of his exceeding love of them. For the joy it brings to be loved in any degree by those one passionately loves, is great by reason of our loving them exceedingly. So that this again was a proof of his affection. And of the comfort indeed, he saith, 'I am filled;' 'I have received what was owing to me;' but of the joy, "I superabound;" that is, 'I was desponding about you; but ye have sufficiently excused yourselves and supplied comfort: for ye have not only removed the ground of my sorrow, but have even increased joy.' Then showing its greatness, he not only declares it by saying, 'I superabound in joy," but also by adding, "in all our affliction." 'For so great was the delight arising to us on your account that it was not even dimmed by so great tribulation, but through the excess of its own greatness it overcame the sorrows that had hold of us, and suffered us not to feel the sense of them.'
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Summary
Paul expresses profound relief and overflowing joy to the Corinthian church, declaring his renewed confidence and pride in them. This emotional outpouring comes after a period of strained relations, now mended by the Corinthians' repentance and obedience, demonstrating that even amidst his own widespread tribulations, Paul's greatest comfort and exultation derived from the spiritual well-being and faithfulness of the believers he served.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal moment in 2 Corinthians, marking a significant shift in tone from the preceding chapters. Paul has been defending his apostleship and ministry, addressing the pain caused by a previous "severe letter" (likely an unpreserved letter or a section of 1 Corinthians) and the subsequent sorrow felt by both himself and the Corinthians. Chapters 1-6 detail Paul's suffering and his steadfast commitment to the gospel, often contrasting his genuine ministry with that of false apostles. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul recounts his anxiety in Macedonia awaiting news from Titus about the Corinthians' response to his previous letter. Verse 4, therefore, bursts forth as an expression of immense relief and joy, confirming that Titus's report was overwhelmingly positive, signifying reconciliation and the restoration of their relationship. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent appeals for generosity in giving (chapters 8-9) and his further defense against detractors (chapters 10-13).
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was complex and often tumultuous. Corinth was a major Roman port city, a melting pot of cultures and philosophies, and its church reflected many of these societal challenges, including divisions, immorality, and challenges to apostolic authority. Paul had invested deeply in this community, establishing the church during his second missionary journey (Acts 18) and enduring significant opposition there. The "severe letter" and the subsequent period of anxiety underscore the high stakes of this relationship for Paul, both personally and apostolically. In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and public speaking ("boldness of speech") were highly valued, and Paul's ability to speak openly and confidently to the Corinthians, rather than with guardedness or accusation, signaled a restored honor and trust. His "glorying" in them was not self-aggrandizement but a public commendation, a significant social gesture affirming their worth and spiritual progress.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of reconciliation and restoration, demonstrating the profound joy that accompanies the mending of broken relationships within the Christian community, as Paul also emphasizes in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. It also underscores joy amidst suffering, portraying Paul's capacity to experience overflowing gladness even while enduring "all our tribulation," a testament to the supernatural comfort of God that transcends circumstances, echoing sentiments found in Romans 5:3-5. Furthermore, it exemplifies apostolic care and affirmation, revealing Paul's deep pastoral heart and how the spiritual health and obedience of his converts were a primary source of his comfort and strength, serving as a powerful affirmation of the fruit of his labor and the importance of mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance." Paul's declaration of "great boldness of speech" signifies a restored freedom and confidence in his communication with the Corinthians. This is not merely a lack of fear, but an open, unhindered, and honest interaction, indicating that the previous tension and need for guardedness have dissipated. It suggests a renewed, transparent relationship built on trust.
Meaning "boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense." Here, Paul's "glorying" in the Corinthians is used in a positive sense, reflecting his profound satisfaction, exultation, and pride in their spiritual progress and obedience. It is a commendation that validates their repentance and renewed commitment, highlighting the deep joy an apostle or spiritual leader finds in the fruit of their labor.
Meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble." This word describes the intense external pressures, afflictions, and distresses that characterized Paul's apostolic ministry. The fact that his joy "exceeds" even "all our tribulation" underscores the profound nature of the comfort and joy he received from the Corinthians' news, demonstrating a spiritual reality that transcends physical hardship.
Verse Breakdown
"Great is my boldness of speech toward you"
Paul asserts a profound and unhindered freedom in his communication with the Corinthian believers. The word "great" (G4183, polýs) emphasizes the extent of this boldness. This indicates a significant restoration of trust and openness, allowing Paul to speak frankly and confidently without reservation or fear of misunderstanding, a stark contrast to the strained relations that preceded this moment.
"great is my glorying of you"
Following his restored freedom of speech, Paul expresses immense pride and exultation in the Corinthians. This "glorying" (G2746, kaúchēsis) is not a self-serving boast but a heartfelt commendation, celebrating their positive response to his previous challenging letter. It highlights his deep satisfaction in their spiritual growth, repentance, and renewed obedience, affirming their worth and the fruit of his apostolic ministry among them.
"I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation"
This final clause reveals the profound impact of the news from Corinth on Paul's emotional and spiritual state. Despite the constant "tribulation" (G2347, thlîpsis)—the pressures and afflictions he consistently faced in ministry—Paul declares himself "filled with comfort" (G3874, paráklēsis) and "exceeding joyful" (G5248, hyperperisseúō and G5479, chará). The "exceeding" (G5248, hyperperisseúō) emphasizes an overflowing, super-abundant joy that transcends and even outweighs the sum total of his sufferings, directly stemming from the spiritual health and obedience of the Corinthian church.
Literary Devices
Paul employs Juxtaposition in this verse, powerfully contrasting his internal state of "comfort" and "exceeding joy" with the external reality of "all our tribulation." This stark contrast highlights the supernatural nature of Christian joy, which is not dependent on favorable circumstances but can flourish even amidst intense suffering. Furthermore, the use of Hyperbole in "great is my boldness" and "great is my glorying," combined with "exceeding joyful," emphasizes the overwhelming magnitude of Paul's positive emotions, underscoring the depth of his relief and delight in the Corinthians' spiritual turnaround.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse beautifully illustrates the profound connection between pastoral care, mutual encouragement, and spiritual resilience. Paul's joy is not derived from personal ease or worldly success, but from the spiritual well-being of those he serves. This highlights a core theological truth: true Christian comfort and joy often spring from seeing God's transformative work in others, even amidst one's own trials. It underscores the communal nature of faith, where the health of one part of the body deeply affects the whole, and where genuine repentance and reconciliation bring profound spiritual refreshment to all involved. This dynamic demonstrates that the kingdom of God advances not by the absence of tribulation, but by the presence of God's Spirit enabling believers to respond faithfully, bringing comfort and joy that transcend earthly circumstances.
Reflection and Application
Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 7:4 offers a powerful template for navigating human relationships and personal suffering within the Christian life. It teaches us that authentic joy and profound comfort are often found not in the absence of hardship, but in the midst of it, particularly when we witness God's redemptive work in the lives of others. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that rejoices in the spiritual growth and faithfulness of our fellow believers, recognizing that their progress can be a significant source of strength and encouragement for us, even in our own "tribulations." It also reminds us of the immense value of genuine reconciliation; the mending of strained relationships, marked by frankness and forgiveness, brings a deep sense of relief and renewed confidence that revitalizes both individuals and communities. Our capacity for joy, like Paul's, is rooted not in external perfection but in an internal, Spirit-empowered perspective that sees God's hand at work, transforming sorrow into comfort and affliction into overflowing gladness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the "tribulation" Paul refers to in this verse?
Paul's "tribulation" (Greek, thlîpsis) refers to the constant and intense pressures, afflictions, and persecutions he faced throughout his apostolic ministry. As documented extensively in his letters, particularly in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, this included physical hardships like beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and sleepless nights, as well as emotional and spiritual burdens such as anxiety for all the churches. In the immediate context of 2 Corinthians 7, Paul had been experiencing significant anxiety while awaiting news from Titus regarding the Corinthian church's response to his previous "severe letter" (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). Thus, "all our tribulation" encompasses both his ongoing ministerial hardships and the specific emotional distress related to the Corinthian situation.
How did the Corinthians' response bring Paul such comfort and joy?
The Corinthians' positive response, specifically their genuine sorrow leading to repentance and renewed obedience, brought Paul immense comfort and joy because it validated his apostolic ministry and healed a deeply strained relationship. Paul had sent a "severe letter" to address serious issues within the church, and he was deeply anxious about their reaction. When Titus brought news of their repentance, their affirmation of Paul's authority, and their renewed commitment to Christ, it meant that his difficult pastoral intervention had been successful. This outcome assured Paul that his labor was not in vain, that the church was spiritually healthy, and that their fellowship was restored, which for him, as a devoted spiritual father, was a profound source of relief and spiritual exhilaration. This is further elaborated in 2 Corinthians 7:8-11.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Corinthians 7:4 speaks to Paul's personal experience of comfort and joy amidst tribulation, it ultimately points to the greater reality of Christ, who is the ultimate source and embodiment of such paradoxical triumph. Paul's "boldness of speech" echoes the perfect parrhesia of Christ, who spoke truth openly and fearlessly, even unto death, as seen in His unwavering testimony before Pilate (John 18:37). Paul's "glorying" in the Corinthians, the fruit of his labor, reflects the joy of Christ, who "for the joy set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2), finding ultimate satisfaction in the salvation and sanctification of His people. Most profoundly, Paul's experience of "comfort" and "exceeding joy in all our tribulation" is a direct participation in the very nature of Christ, who, though "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3), ultimately triumphed over sin and death, offering true and lasting comfort to His followers through the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" (John 14:26). Paul's joy in the Corinthians' repentance foreshadows the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7), revealing Christ as the one who transforms human brokenness into divine reconciliation and fills His people with an overflowing, Spirit-given joy that transcends all earthly suffering.