2 Corinthianschapter 7

16 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 327 cross-references outward and receives 282 — heaviest partner: 2 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

Having these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Paul rejoices that his painful letter produced godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of — the sorrow of the world worketh death. Titus has returned with a good report. Paul's boasting concerning them is found true. He rejoices in their care, indignation, zeal. Calvin reads this as the anatomy of godly sorrow contrasted with worldly regret.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 2 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Open your hearts to us: we wronged no man, we corrupted no man, we took advantage of no man.

3 I say it not to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die together and live together.

4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying on your behalf: I am filled with comfort, I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

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

6 Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7 and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more.

8 For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret it (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season),

9 I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing.