Paul had been under attack from false teachers in Corinth. He would base his defense on the truth known by all, that his role in ministry was one appointed by God so the apostle could preach the gospel to the Gentiles.
“2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.” (2 Corinthians 7:2-3)
Making reference to his first letter to the believers in Corinth, Paul reminds them in his letter he indeed accused no one. In his first epistle to the Corinthians he instead used references rather than accusations for the very purpose of not offending anyone.
Paul shares his love and devotion for the Corinthian church, where the apostle first ventured on a missionary journey around A.D. 50-52. He was accompanied on this trip by Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy.
“4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.” (2 Corinthians 7:4-5)
Paul describes his affection when speaking of the Corinthians as bold yet filling with comfort. In spite of the pain and sorrows of life, the apostle’s heart pours out love for the believers in Corinth whom he fears too fragile for the vipers that preyed on the weak.
“6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.” (2 Corinthians 7:6-7)
Paul shares his emotion of comfort for the arrival of Titus in Ephesus, where he learned of great news about the Corinthians, and their love for the apostle. God does indeed answer prayer.
“8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)
Paul explains his feelings upon sending the very letter that could destroy the church, had the Corinthian believers not been so courageous in the battle against evil. The apostle’s hope was that his readers’ spirit would be receptive to his rebuke seeing it was conducted in tune with the truth.
The Corinthians should continue to keep their sights focused on the Lord, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enlightened by the word of God.
“11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” (2 Corinthians 7:11)
Paul commends the Corinthians for their effort in the battle against sin and for the advancement of the truth. The apostle lists various battles won in Corinth, made possible by the will of God and His truth found in the bible.
“12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you.” (2 Corinthians 7:12)
Paul makes it clear his involvement and outpouring of emotion were motivated by his love for the Corinthians rather than an outreach to either those guilty of, or those wronged by sin.
As believers in Jesus Christ, as disciples of the only begotten son of God almighty, the creator of all things, we are called to forgive others who wrong us. We are also commanded to love others. Also biblical is defending oneself. Possibly not with a fist, but a weapon far more powerful, the holy word of God. Walk in confidence, armed with the word, that no man alive can take away your inheritance. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
