Study notes

2 Corinthians 7

Introducing 2 CorinthiansWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

6:11–7:1 Section

In John chapter 15, Jesus talked about how believers are joined to him through love. Paul described how he and the Corinthian believers were also joined together by love. He made it clear that he served them because he loved them. He begged them to show him their love too.

But they must be careful who they opened their hearts to. Paul warned them about being joined to people who don’t love and serve Jesus. Many people don’t want God’s light. They worship false gods instead of the one true God. They don’t say no to evil.

God lives among the people who trust in Jesus. They remain pure and holy by following Jesus’ example for living. This means that they say no to evil.

6:14–7:1

The connection between 6:13 and 7:2 has led many scholars to think that 6:14–7:1 might be an inserted fragment from another letter, possibly the one mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9. However, this section could also be a digression in Paul's writing, challenging the Corinthians to stop opposing him and his message. Paul wanted to restore relationships, and here he describes believers in Christ as forming a holy temple. Believers' identity as the temple of God encourages harmony among them and separation from the impurity of unbelieving attitudes and behaviors. Paul contrasts Christian and pagan morality using quotations from the Old Testament.

7:1

  • Paul wanted the church to be a holy group, filled with God's presence.

  • perfecting holiness in the fear of God: Because we fear God, we should show respect in the presence of a holy God (see study note on 5:11).

7:2–4

  • Make room for us in your hearts: Paul continues his request from 6:11–13 (see study note on 6:14–7:1). Paul cared deeply for the churches (11:28), seeking a strong fellowship bond. When misunderstood, he clarified his actions, as he does here.

  • We have exploited no one: This means not taking their money.

7:2–16 Section

Earlier Paul had written a painful letter to the Corinthian believers. It was hard for him to write it and it made him very sad. The letter also made the Corinthian believers sad.

Their sadness led them to turn away from their sin and to repent. Paul called this godly sadness. This sadness encouraged the Corinthian believers to turn to the God of life.

This is very different from sadness that leaves people feeling miserable and far from God. Paul called that worldly sadness. It can make people so sad that they want to die.

The godly sadness that the Corinthians felt led them to make changes to the way they lived. They began to take care of their community again. They were faithful to God again. They showed care for Paul and treated his helper Titus well. This brought Paul much joy and comfort.

7:4

in all our troubles: This might refer to Paul's many hardships (6:5) or his issues with the Corinthians. Either way, he felt joy because the church's response greatly encouraged him (as he explains in 7:5–16).

7:5–7

  • Paul felt joy when he met Titus, whose presence was uplifting when he joined Paul in Macedonia (see study note on 2:14–7:4; Acts 20:1–2).

  • Initially, Paul found no rest (this Greek word is used in 2 Corinthians 2:13, where it means "peace of mind") and faced only conflict, battles, and fear. Paul felt deeply discouraged, but God, who comforts the discouraged, encouraged him (compare Psalms 42:5–6). Titus arrived from Corinth with news that Paul's letter (see 2 Corinthians 2:3–4) had achieved its purpose (7:8–16). This news was the main reason for Paul's joy.

7:8–13

At first, Paul regretted sending his previous letter (see 2:3–4). Now he does not regret it, realizing the pain was worthwhile. The severe letter led the church in Corinth to repent. They rebuked the offending person—perhaps too strongly (see 2:6–11).

7:9–10

There are two types of sorrow:

  1. Worldly sorrow, which does not include repentance, leads to spiritual death (for example, see Matthew 27:3–6; Hebrews 12:16–17).

  2. Sorrow that turns us away from sin leads to salvation, as demonstrated when the church in Corinth responded positively to Paul's criticism.

7:13–16

The Corinthians welcomed and obeyed Titus, who was Paul's representative. This made Titus fond of them and pleased Paul. The crisis in Corinth ended, and Paul felt confident everything was fine.

7:14

Paul remained hopeful about the outcome of Titus's trip to Corinth, even though he was afraid.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources