PAUL’S JOY
PAUL’S JOY
2 CORINTHIANS 7:2-8
Paul writes about the privileges of fellowship.
A renewed impassioned plea for a restoring of amicable relationships between the apostle and his people at Corinth is the subject of the first verses of this passage. On his part there is no strangeness or bitterness, and he is confident they will be fully reconciled to him. “I have great confidence in you” is a phrase found elsewhere in Paul’s correspondence with the churches, as he appeals to their best intentions, and he does so with a directness of speech by using a Greek term (parrhesia) normally reserved for the forthright public proclamation of the gospel (eg Philippians 1:20; Ephesians 6:19). His character and conduct have been always for their good, and now he is rejoicing that they have acted on his advice, so he is filled with consolation and joy (7:4).
The mention of his present jubilation leads Paul to review the past and share further with his readers the record of events which have caused his gladness of spirit. 7:5 then looks back to 2:13 and relates to the historical sequence from Troas to Macedonia where eventually he was joined by Titus. In what state of mind was he then (7:5)? And how was he relieved (7:6)?
Titus came with uplifting news that the “severe letter” (2:4f.) had done its work (7:8-12). This, perhaps, was the chief cause of joy. Paul had had second thoughts on the severe tone he had been compelled to adopt in his writing (7:8). Now, in retrospect, he realizes that the momentary pang of conscience had been worth it, for the sudden, sharp shock of that letter had called the church to repentance and moved it to take action in dissociating itself from the action of the wrongdoer and censuring him (7:7; see 2:6-11).
Titus had been the messenger of this news, so the weight resting on Paul’s spirit was lifted (7:6). How often has this been true in Christian experience: a kindly word of encouragement, a sympathetic look, an understanding letter, or even a meaningful grip in a handshake—and our spirits have been revived by some Christian’s thoughtful concern for us!