2 Corinthians 7:5

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 7:5, the Apostle Paul offers a raw and deeply personal account of the profound distress he experienced upon arriving in Macedonia. He describes a state of relentless physical and emotional turmoil, facing intense opposition from external sources and grappling with debilitating anxieties within himself. This verse powerfully underscores the immense personal cost of apostolic ministry and reveals the genuine human vulnerability of even the most spiritually mature leaders, setting the stage for the subsequent revelation of God's timely comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's account of his anxious journey from Ephesus to Troas, where he had hoped to meet Titus and receive news regarding the Corinthian church's response to his "severe letter" (likely the one mentioned in [2 Corinthians 2:4](/2-corinthians/2-4 "Paul's Severe Letter")). When Titus did not arrive in Troas, Paul's spirit found no rest, compelling him to continue to Macedonia ([2 Corinthians 2:12-13](/2-corinthians/2-12-13 "Paul's Journey to Troas and Macedonia")). Therefore, 2 Corinthians 7:5 serves as a direct continuation and intensification of the emotional and physical strain Paul was already experiencing, vividly detailing the "trouble on every side" that characterized this particular leg of his missionary journey before the arrival of Titus brought relief.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey to Macedonia occurred during a period of intense missionary activity and significant opposition. Macedonia was a Roman province where Paul had previously established churches, such as those in Philippi and Thessalonica. Travel in the ancient world was arduous and often dangerous, exposing travelers to various perils. Furthermore, the early Christian movement faced widespread hostility from both Jewish and Gentile populations, often leading to persecution, public ridicule, and physical violence. Paul's "fightings without" would have encompassed such external pressures, including disputes with opponents, false accusations, and the general societal resistance to the Gospel message. His "fears within" also reflect the deep pastoral burden he carried for the nascent churches, particularly the volatile Corinthian community, whose spiritual state and loyalty were a constant source of anxiety for him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the **human vulnerability of spiritual leaders**, demonstrating that even an apostle like Paul, chosen and empowered by God, was not immune to physical exhaustion or emotional distress. This theme is crucial throughout 2 Corinthians, where Paul often contrasts his weakness with God's strength, as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2-corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Power Perfected in Weakness"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **reality of external opposition and ministry challenges**, illustrating the constant "fightings" that accompanied the spread of the Gospel, aligning with Paul's extensive list of sufferings in [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2-corinthians/11-23-28 "Paul's Sufferings for Christ"). Lastly, it reveals the **profound internal distress and pastoral anxiety** that burdened Paul, emphasizing the emotional weight of caring for the churches, a burden he explicitly mentions as his "daily pressure" in [2 Corinthians 11:28](/2-corinthians/11-28 "Paul's Daily Burden for the Churches").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx_):** In this context, _sárx_ refers to Paul's physical body and his human nature, emphasizing its susceptibility to weariness, pain, and distress. It highlights his genuine humanity and vulnerability, indicating that his physical being found no reprieve from the constant pressures. This is not necessarily a reference to the sinful nature, but rather to the physical and emotional limitations inherent in being human.
* **troubled (Greek, _thlíbō_):** This verb literally means "to crowd," "to press," or "to squeeze." Figuratively, it conveys the idea of being afflicted, distressed, or burdened from all sides. Paul's use of _thlíbō_ powerfully communicates an overwhelming sense of pressure, as if he were being crushed by the circumstances, leaving no room for ease or comfort.
* **fears (Greek, _phóbos_):** This noun denotes alarm, fright, dread, or intense anxiety. Here, it refers to Paul's inner turmoil and apprehension. These fears likely stemmed from his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers, the potential for division or apostasy, and the uncertainty of their response to his previous letter. It reveals a profound emotional burden, not just a fleeting worry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, when we were come into Macedonia":** This clause establishes the geographical and temporal setting for Paul's distress. The conjunction "For" (Greek, _gar_) connects this verse to the preceding narrative, explaining the reason for his continued anxiety after leaving Troas. His arrival in Macedonia, rather than bringing relief, intensified his burdens.
* **"our flesh had no rest":** This vivid phrase describes Paul's physical and perhaps emotional exhaustion. The Greek word for "rest" (_ánesis_) implies relaxation or relief. Paul's "flesh" (his human body and constitution) was unable to find any respite or ease from the relentless pressures, indicating a state of constant agitation and weariness.
* **"but we were troubled on every side":** This statement emphasizes the pervasive nature of Paul's affliction. The Greek word _thlíbō_ (troubled) suggests being pressed or squeezed, and "on every side" (Greek, _pas en_) indicates that the pressure was comprehensive and inescapable, coming from all directions. This highlights the overwhelming intensity of his circumstances.
* **"without [were] fightings":** This refers to the external conflicts and opposition Paul faced. "Fightings" (Greek, _máchē_) denotes strife, conflict, or battle. These would have included persecution from unbelievers, opposition from false teachers, verbal disputes, and general resistance to the Gospel message from those outside the church.
* **"within [were] fears":** This contrasts with the external "fightings" and points to Paul's internal anguish. "Fears" (Greek, _phóbos_) signifies deep anxiety, dread, or apprehension. These internal struggles likely stemmed from his profound pastoral concern for the churches, particularly the Corinthians, and his worry about their spiritual state, their faithfulness, and their ultimate response to his ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the depth of his suffering. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Parallelism**, seen in the stark contrast between "without [were] fightings" and "within [were] fears." This structure vividly illustrates that his distress was not confined to external circumstances but also permeated his inner being, creating a comprehensive state of turmoil. The phrase "troubled on every side" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the pressure Paul felt, suggesting an intensity beyond mere difficulty. This contributes to the overall **Imagery** of a man under immense strain, pressed from all directions, both physically and emotionally. The raw honesty and directness of his confession also lend a powerful sense of **Pathos**, inviting the reader to empathize with his profound human vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 7:5 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christian ministry and the experience of suffering. It reveals that faithfulness to God does not exempt one from intense trials, but rather often immerses one deeper into them. Paul's distress underscores the reality that spiritual warfare and pastoral burdens can manifest as profound physical and emotional anguish. Theologically, this passage sets the stage for God's subsequent intervention and comfort, demonstrating that even in the deepest valleys of human experience, God remains faithful to sustain and deliver His servants. It affirms that God is intimately acquainted with our suffering and that His comfort is most powerfully revealed in our moments of greatest need.

* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2-corinthians/1-3-4 "God of all Comfort")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Peace that Surpasses Understanding")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1-peter/5-7 "Casting All Your Anxiety on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's transparent confession in 2 Corinthians 7:5 provides immense comfort and relatability for believers in every age. It normalizes the experience of struggle, reminding us that even the most devoted and spiritually mature individuals are not immune to intense pressure, whether from external opposition or internal anxieties. Our faith does not insulate us from life's difficulties; rather, it provides the framework within which we can navigate them, trusting in God's presence and provision. This verse encourages us to be honest about our own struggles, knowing that vulnerability can be a pathway to deeper reliance on God and greater empathy for others. It also serves as a poignant reminder to extend grace and prayer to those in spiritual leadership, who often bear immense, unseen burdens for the flock. Just as God sent Titus to comfort Paul (as revealed in the subsequent verses), He often brings relief and encouragement to us through the timely intervention of others, demonstrating His compassionate care in tangible ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you identify with Paul's experience of "fightings without" and "fears within" in your own life or ministry?**
* **How does Paul's vulnerability here encourage you to be more honest about your own struggles, even in spiritual contexts?**
* **Considering Paul's distress, how does this verse reshape your understanding of what it means to be a strong Christian or spiritual leader?**
* **Where have you experienced God's comfort or the comfort of others in your own moments of intense pressure or anxiety?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul experience such intense distress despite his profound faith and divine calling?**

Answer: Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 7:5 highlights that faith does not exempt believers, even apostles, from the realities of human suffering and emotional distress. His "fightings without" represented the real and dangerous opposition he faced as he spread the Gospel, including persecution, false accusations, and conflicts with adversaries. His "fears within" stemmed from his deep pastoral burden for the churches, particularly the Corinthians, and his anxiety over their spiritual state and response to his teachings. Paul's suffering was an integral part of his apostolic ministry, demonstrating that God's power is often made perfect in human weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2-corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Power Perfected in Weakness")). His vulnerability makes him relatable and underscores that even spiritual giants are fully human, relying completely on God's strength and comfort.

**How does Paul's experience in Macedonia relate to the theme of God's comfort?**

Answer: Paul's profound distress in Macedonia serves as a crucial backdrop for the theme of God's comfort, which is central to 2 Corinthians. Immediately following this verse, Paul reveals that "God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus" ([2 Corinthians 7:6](/2-corinthians/7-6 "God Comforts the Downcast")). This sequence demonstrates that God often allows His servants to experience deep affliction not to abandon them, but to powerfully manifest His presence and comfort in their darkest hours. Paul's suffering was not a sign of God's absence but an opportunity for God's faithfulness to be revealed, proving that He is indeed "the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation" ([2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2-corinthians/1-3-4 "God of all Comfort")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's profound distress in Macedonia, marked by external "fightings" and internal "fears," finds its ultimate echo and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Paul's suffering was for the sake of the Gospel and the churches, Christ's suffering was redemptive, bearing the weight of the world's sin. Jesus, too, experienced intense "fightings without" – constant opposition from religious leaders, the rejection of His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He Came to His Own, and His Own Received Him Not")), and ultimately, the physical agony of the cross. More profoundly, He knew unparalleled "fears within," most vividly demonstrated in the Garden of Gethsemane, where His soul was "very sorrowful, even to death," and He sweat drops of blood in anguish over the cup He was about to drink ([Matthew 26:38-39](/matthew/26-38-39 "Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). Christ's suffering was not merely human vulnerability but a divine act of identification with our brokenness and a perfect obedience that secured our salvation. Paul's experience, therefore, serves as a participation in the "fellowship of Christ's sufferings" ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Fellowship of His Sufferings")), demonstrating that true spiritual power is found not in the absence of weakness, but in the strength of Christ perfected in our frailty. Through His ultimate victory over sin and death, Christ became the source of all comfort, enabling believers like Paul, and us, to find rest and peace even amidst the most overwhelming "fightings without" and "fears within" ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "In the World You Will Have Tribulation, But Take Heart")).

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 2:13

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?