2 Corinthians7
New International Version
1Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
3I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.
4I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
5For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within.
6But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—
9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.
10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.
12So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
13By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
14I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.
15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.
16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 7.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: An exhortation to holiness, and the whole church entreated to bear affection to the apostle. (1–4). He rejoiced in their sorrowing to repentance. (5–11). And in the comfort they and Titus had together. (12–16).
vv1-4
The promises of God are strong reasons for us to follow after holiness; we must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. If we hope in God as our Father, we must seek to be holy as he is holy, and perfect as our Father in heaven. His grace, by the influences of his Spirit, alone can purify, but holiness should be the object of our constant prayers. If the ministers of the gospel are thought contemptible, there is danger lest the gospel itself be despised also; and though ministers must flatter none, yet they must be gentle towards all. Ministers may look for esteem and favour, when they can safely appeal to the people, that they have corrupted no man by false doctrines or flattering speeches; that they have defrauded no man; nor sought to promote their own interests so as to hurt any. It was affection to them made the apostle speak so freely to them, and caused him to glory of them, in all places, and upon all occasions.
vv5-11
There were fightings without, or continual contentions with, and opposition from Jews and Gentiles; and there were fears within, and great concern for such as had embraced the Christian faith. But God comforts those who are cast down. We should look above and beyond all means and instruments, to God, as the author of all the consolation and good we enjoy. Sorrow according to the will of God, tending to the glory of God, and wrought by the Spirit of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and an interest in his atonement. There is a great difference between this sorrow of a godly sort, and the sorrow of the world. The happy fruits of true repentance are mentioned. Where the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed. It wrought indignation at sin, at themselves, at the tempter and his instruments. It wrought a fear of watchfulness, and a cautious fear of sin. It wrought desire to be reconciled with God. It wrought zeal for duty, and against sin. It wrought revenge against sin and their own folly, by endeavours to make satisfaction for injuries done thereby. Deep humility before God, hatred of all sin, with faith in Christ, a new heart and a new life, make repentance unto salvation. May the Lord bestow it on every one of us.
vv12-16
The apostle was not disappointed concerning them, which he signified to Titus; and he could with joy declare the confidence he had in them for the time to come. Here see the duties of a pastor and of his flock; the latter must lighten the troubles of the pastoral office, by respect and obedience; the former make a due return by his care of them, and cherish the flock by testimonies of satisfaction, joy, and tenderness.
Key Words
οὖν (oûn): (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἔχω (échō): to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)
ταύταις (taútais): (to or with or by, etc.) these
ἐπαγγελία (epangelía): an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
ἀγαπητός (agapētós): beloved
καθαρίζω (katharízō): to cleanse (literally or figuratively)
ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû): him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc.
ἀπό (apó): "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
πᾶς (pâs): all, any, every, the whole
μολυσμός (molysmós): a stain; i.e. (figuratively) immorality
Cross References
2 Corinthians 7The 'promises' in 7:1 directly refer back to God's promise to receive us in 6:17.
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The promise of God being our Father and we his children (6:18) motivates 7:1's purification.
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Echoes Paul's apostolic integrity and defense that he coveted and defrauded no man's goods.
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Parallel account of Paul's restless spirit in Macedonia waiting for news about Corinth.
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Paul's previous expression of an enlarged heart and deep affection for the Corinthians.
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Direct connection to the Corinthians being straitened (narrowed) in their own affections.
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Parallel structure of Timothy bringing comforting news of faith and longing to Paul.
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Connects back to the foundational theme of God comforting the apostles in all tribulation.
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Textual allusion to 'fightings without, within fears' (the sword without, terror within).
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Identifies 'him that had done the wrong' as the incestuous offender of 1 Corinthians 5.
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Paul's instruction to prove their love before the churches, vindicating his boasting.
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Paul expressing absolute apostolic confidence in the recipient's obedience and cooperative spirit.
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Refers to the anguish and tears with which Paul wrote the painful letter.
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Illuminates receiving representatives of God 'with fear and trembling' (reverent obedience).
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