2 Corinthians 7:5

¶ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.

For {G1063}{G2532}, when we {G2257} were come {G2064} into {G1519} Macedonia {G3109}, our {G2257} flesh {G4561} had {G2192} no {G3762} rest {G425}, but {G235} we were troubled {G2346} on {G1722} every side {G3956}; without {G1855} were fightings {G3163}, within {G2081} were fears {G5401}.

For indeed when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest. On the contrary, we faced all kinds of troubles — altercations without, apprehensions within.

For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.

For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, butwe wereafflicted on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.

Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 7:5, the Apostle Paul vividly describes the intense pressures and distress he experienced upon arriving in Macedonia. This verse serves as a raw, honest glimpse into the human vulnerability of a spiritual giant, underscoring the demanding nature of his apostolic ministry and the personal toll it often took.

Context

Following his departure from Ephesus amidst significant opposition (likely related to the riot mentioned in Acts 19:23-41), Paul journeyed to Troas, hoping to meet Titus and receive news from the Corinthian church. When Titus did not arrive there, Paul's anxiety mounted, leading him to proceed to Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). This verse details his state of mind and physical condition during this period. He was burdened not only by external opposition but also by deep concern for the spiritual well-being and response of the Corinthian believers to his previous, stern letter.

Key Themes

  • Human Vulnerability of Spiritual Leaders: Paul, despite his profound faith and divine calling, was not immune to physical discomfort or emotional turmoil. His "flesh had no rest," and he was "troubled on every side," revealing his genuine humanity. This normalizes the experience of struggle even for the most devoted.
  • External Opposition and Ministry Challenges: The "fightings without" refer to outward conflicts, persecution, opposition from unbelievers, and possibly disputes with false teachers or factions within the church. This highlights the constant struggle faced by early Christian missionaries. For more on Paul's extensive trials, see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.
  • Internal Distress and Anxiety: The "fears within" speak to Paul's profound inner turmoil, anxiety, and worry. These fears likely stemmed from his deep concern for the churches, especially the Corinthians, and their faithfulness. This demonstrates the emotional burden of pastoral care, a theme echoed in 2 Corinthians 11:28, where he mentions his daily burden for all the churches.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "troubled" is thlibō (θλίβω), which means to be pressed, afflicted, or distressed, often implying pressure from all sides, like being squeezed. This aptly describes Paul's overwhelming situation. "Fightings" translates machē (μάχη), referring to strife, conflict, or battle, indicating literal or figurative external opposition. "Fears" comes from phobos (φόβος), indicating dread, terror, or anxiety. The juxtaposition of these terms vividly portrays Paul's comprehensive distress, affecting both his outer circumstances and inner peace.

Reflection and Application

This verse offers immense comfort and relatability for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Struggle is Normal: Even the most devout and spiritually mature individuals experience periods of intense pressure, both from external circumstances and internal anxieties. Our faith does not insulate us from life's difficulties.
  • God's Comfort is Real: While this verse highlights the distress, the subsequent verses (2 Corinthians 7:6-7) immediately speak of God's comfort through the arrival of Titus. This emphasizes that God often brings relief and encouragement amidst our deepest troubles, as promised in 2 Corinthians 1:4.
  • Empathy for Leaders: It encourages empathy and prayer for those in spiritual leadership, who often bear heavy burdens and face unique challenges that may not always be visible.

Paul's transparency here reinforces the idea that faith does not exempt us from hardship, but it provides the hope and strength to endure it, knowing that God is our ultimate source of rest and peace.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 2:13

    I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

  • Deuteronomy 32:25

    The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling [also] with the man of gray hairs.

  • Acts 20:1

    ¶ And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto [him] the disciples, and embraced [them], and departed for to go into Macedonia.

  • Jeremiah 8:18

    [When] I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart [is] faint in me.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:16

    And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:17

    When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
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