2 Corinthianschapter 7
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Speaks with:2 Corinthians 2×42 Corinthians 6×22 Corinthians 1×22 Timothy 2×22 Corinthians 7×21 Thessalonians 4×1
Summary
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.
Context
Epistle · Paul — 2 Corinthians overview
- A. 1–4 Cleanse Yourselves: You Are in Our Hearts to Live and Die
- B. 5–9 No Rest in Macedonia Until Titus Came
- C. 10–16 Godly Sorrow Works Repentance; Worldly Sorrow Works Death
The outline
A.Cleanse Yourselves: You Are in Our Hearts to Live and Dievv. 1 to 4
Read vv. 1 to 4 →B.No Rest in Macedonia Until Titus Camevv. 5 to 9
Read vv. 5 to 9 →C.Godly Sorrow Works Repentance; Worldly Sorrow Works Deathvv. 10 to 16
Read vv. 10 to 16 →
The world behind this chapter
2 Corinthians 7The history
The narrative Paul broke off in chapter two resumes here. He had gone on to Macedonia still without news, harassed at every turn, fighting without and fears within, until Titus finally arrived. The emotional honesty of that admission is unusual in ancient correspondence, where authors more often projected composure.
Titus is functioning as an envoy and negotiator, the trusted man sent to handle a delicate situation in person. Letters could not read a room; a sent representative could, and could report back on mood as well as compliance.
Paul's distinction between godly grief and worldly grief matters in an honour-shame society, where being publicly corrected produced shame that could curdle into resentment or despair. Godly grief produces repentance leading to salvation and leaves no regret; worldly grief, the shame of losing face, produces death.
His comment that he regretted sending the letter, and then did not, is left in the text without tidying.
What it meant to them
For the Corinthians, this chapter was Paul telling them he was proud of them. He had boasted about them to Titus, and they had proved him right.
It also showed a leader taking his people's side. Their earnestness, longing, and zeal are recounted item by item, and he ends by saying he has complete confidence in them — the language of a relationship repaired rather than a case won.
Sources cited
- F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free
- Bruce W. Winter, After Paul Left Corinth
The text of this chapter
This page carries no textual note on 2 Corinthians 7. Where this site has examined a place the manuscripts differ, the examination is in the manuscripts room. Every place this site examines →
This page draws on Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory; John Calvin, Commentaries; John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the New Testament and Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary.