Correction and Direction (2 Corinthians 7:1-8:24) We see here a transition in Paul's teaching from the proclamation of Christ's reconciling grace to our accountability to live in this world but be a result of this fallen world (6:11-7:1). Paul reminds us of who we are called to be as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, a calling that is full of great potential as a result of God's promises. This opened the way for Paul to acknowledge the Corinthians having dealt with open sexual sin in the church that earlier they had chosen to not deal with (1 Cor. 5:1-13). Paul had helped them to see how false and misguided their notion of grace was in not dealing with a man who was sexually involved with his father's wife. They had thought they were showing grace, but in fact, were showing their fellowship with a fallen world. Paul was forced by love for these believers to strongly warn them. This is something we all must be willing to relive when needed. Paul's corrective action had been extremely upsetting emotionally to both him and the Corinthians. Affliction, grief, and sorrow resulted. But in the end, it produced good for all of those involved (2 Cor. 7:8-12). Being able to deal with what is genuinely wrong without destroying people in the process is a vital aspect of being a believer. We find this again in the next topic Paul addresses in chapters 8 and 9. There Paul holds them accountable to fulfill their calling before God by supporting the poor as much as they are able. As a result of their willingness to help the poor, not only will the needs of the poor in Jerusalem be met but it will cause the poor to thank God and to pray for those who helped them. Not only that, but those who had given financially to those in need should expect to reap a great harvest of provision in their own lives (9:6-15). Paul's teaching reveals why we must be open to this process of correction and direction. It will be painful at times, but it will also lead to great fruit for now and eternity. 2 Corinthians 7:1-8:24
Monday, February 14, 2011 (top)
"Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." -2 Corinthians 7:9-10NKJV Bible Text
1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
| Be Holy v. 1 These Promises – This refers to the promise of God in 6:17-18 that God will be in a relationship with these believers as a father is with his children. Cleanse Ourselves – Prior to calling these believers to a life in relationship to the promised fatherhood of God, Paul had exhorted in 6:14-15 to leave all association with ungodliness in exchange for the benefits of the fatherhood of God. Paul reaffirms this call here. Filthiness Of the Flesh – Filthiness, "molusmos" in Greek, is the act of defilement produced by the body. It comes from the verb "moluno" which means to smear, stain, spot as with dirt or mud. Flesh – Flesh is "sarx" in Greek and its definition is clarified based on the context in which it is used. In 1 Corinthians 15:39, it refers to the physical flesh of man, animals, fish, or birds. In Acts 2:26; 31, it is a reference to the weakness of human nature as in Hebrews 5:7. In Romans 7:18, 8:6; Galatians 5:13, 16, and 19; 24:6-8, it refers to fallen humanity's intrinsically sinful nature, which is referenced here. | Spirit – "Pnuema" (Gk.) In this context, this Greek word refers to the inner being of a person, the immaterial, invisible aspect. Man's spirit is the inner being of a person that enables him to relate to the spirit world, and in particular to God who is spirit. It is when man's spirit is born again that his essential nature is changed and has open experiential access to God. At times, scripture uses the term "spirit" to refer to both the spirit and soul of a person. Here it would seem to refer to the realm of the soul and spirit of a person. Perfecting – "Epiteleo" (Gk.) is defined as "finishing, completing, accomplishing", or "bringing to an intended goal." Holiness – "Hagiosune" (Gk.) is a word only used three times in the scriptures. It is a unique aspect of holiness, a quality that is perceived by others. The more common Greek word translated "holiness" in scripture (haziazo) refers to that which is set-apart for God. Fear of God – "Phobos" (Gk.) is a fear defined as a reverence for another. It can also be used, based on its context, to mean being "terrified," or " fleeing away in horrid dread." The thought here is that an appropriate fear, awe, and respect of God would provide a major force in ridding our lives of sin. This concludes what Paul had begun in 6:15 when he called them to separate their lives in practical ways from their former association with those things that are part of the Kingdom of Darkness and are in opposition to God. |
The Corinthians' Repentance 2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
| The Corinthian's Repentance v. 2 Open Your Hearts – Here Paul returns to calling them to take steps to restore their affection toward him. Wronged No One – Paul had been accused by some as being too harsh in his advice concerning how to deal with those in their midst who had an incestuous relationship (a man with his father's wife) (1 Cor. 5:5). Paul reaffirms his position that this was not done to hurt or mistreat them. His counsel was based on what was ultimately for the good of both committing the sin, as well as the sin's influence on the church. Corrupted – This means to influence a person or thing in such a way as to bring it into a worsened condition. Paul can say with a pure heart that his personal influence and teaching did not worsen but rather bettered these people. Cheated No One – "Cheated" here is "plastos" in Greek. It was used of a person who had the opportunity in a relationship to take advantage of that person. Such a position would be used to pretend to be acting for the benefit of the other party. Paul says here that he did not use his position as an apostle and the founder of this church to manipulate in any way the people for his own personal gain. | v. 3 Condemn You – Paul assures them that he is not addressing the lack of affection they have conveyed to him or trying to make them feel guilty. Instead, he is motivated by a love for them and is simply trying to restore and deepen his relationship with them. To Die Together – Paul uses this phrase to convey that he loves them enough not only to live for them, but also to die for them. He seeks to be united with them in every way possible. v. 4 Boldness of Speech – This refers to his honest descriptions of his concern about them as well as his open expression of his personal feelings and struggles. Boasting On Your Behalf – This most likely refers to the generous gift the Corinthians had promised to send to the poor in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 9:4). In All Our Tribulation – Paul wants them to know that their lives were, in spite of the difficulties in their relationship with him, a great source of comfort and joy in the midst of his many trials and difficulties. |
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
| v. 5 Came To Macedonia – Refer to the notes on chapter 1:16 and 7:13 to get the background on Paul's time in Macedonia. Flesh Had No Rest – See v. 1 for the different uses of this word. Here it is a reference to the physical body. Paul readily admits that the pressures and difficulties he was dealing with took a severe toll on his body. Outside Were Conflicts – This would encompass the physically draining results of the persecutions and turmoil generated by the opposition from the Jews, Gentiles, and the false teachers wherever Paul went. Inside Were Fears – This expresses Paul's deep concern for the restoration he desired to with the Corinthians. He desired the best but feared that their spiritual condition was not going to be properly resolved. | v. 6 Coming Of Titus – Titus was a close companion and collaborator with Paul. Paul readily admits the need he had to receive encouragement from men such as Titus. Comforted – Paul and Titus did not treat their relationship with the Corinthians as a "professional" one but as one of vulnerable love. That is why they were not only vulnerable to sorrow but also to the joy and comfort in seeing their desired spiritual hopes realized for the Corinthians. v. 7 Your Mourning – Paul hoped for a response of repentance on the part of the church. Zeal For Me – Titus reported to Paul that the people in general conveyed a deep desire for Paul, which brought Paul great joy because he loved them so much. |
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. The Joy of Titus 13 Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. 15 And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. 16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.
| v. 8 Made You Sorry – Paul says here that he did not regret writing his former corrective letter to them because he knew without correction in their spiritual course they were doomed to even greater troubles. On the other hand, he regretted that it had to be done as it had proven to be a painful process for him and them. v. 9 I Rejoice – Paul points out that any regret he felt in having to send the letter was more than compensated for by the joy he experienced in seeing their godly repentance. Loss From Us – Paul wants them to see that, rather than a loss, this whole process had turned out to produce spiritual gain for them. v. 10 Godly Sorrow – Paul describes a sorrow that faces the true tragedy and gravity of sin as seen in God's eyes, in such a way that it produces a change in the life of the person. Repentance – "Metanoia" is a change of the mind that results in the change of a person's behavior. Sorrow Of the World – Such a remorse over the results of sin does not change a person's mind and/or behavior regarding sin. Its result is the spiritual death that fallen humanity lives out every day as well as what scriptures declare as the "second death" for an eternity (Rev. 20:6, 11-15). v. 11 For Observe – Paul now gives examples of their repentance that proved to be godly (v. 10). | What Diligence – This was the opposite of their former indifference to sin. Clearing of Yourselves – They had restored a legitimate trust and integrity before Paul. Indignation – This is what may be called a "holy anger," or passion to right what is wrong. Fear – A proper reverence for God had been restored. Vehement Desire – Such a vehement desire conveys the strong passion that moved within them to right the wrongs Paul had written to them about. Vindication – To vindicate means to right a wrong. v. 12 Over Care For You – Paul points out that the issue of primary concern was what the sin of the incestuous couple had done to negatively influence the whole church at Corinth. The Joy Titus Brought v. 13 Spirit Has Been Refreshed – Such should be the goal of all our contacts with each other. His Affection – Titus grew in love for these people, as did Paul, because of how they had properly responded to spiritual council. v. 16 I Rejoice – Paul ends this section declaring the great joy he experienced because of the positive outcome. |
2 Corinthians 8 Excel in Giving 1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
| Chapter 8 Excel in Giving v. 1 Moreover Brethren – This phrase indicates Paul moving to a new subject. The subject to be dealt with is the collection of money. Paul had been encouraging them to help the poverty stricken Christians in Jerusalem. Judea, including its major city Jerusalem, had been hit with a major famine that resulted in financial devastation. Grace of God – In Greek, "grace is "chares." When used in reference to God, it refers to His provision, enabling, and gifting that is not deserved but simply given out of His own divine nature of love and His own will. The grace referred to here is God enabling these believers in Macedonia to give from their hearts with liberality from their limited financial resources. Churches of Macedonia – This northern province of Greece included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul spoke of the Philippian church as being especially known for their giving. v. 2 Trial of Affliction – This may refer to historical records that indicate that there was political instability in this region during this time, including the persecution experienced by the believers there. Abundance of Their Joy – Paul notes that their giving was sourced in an overflowing joy, a result of God's grace within them in spite of their many difficulties. Abounded In the Riches – Their joy found a pathway of expression in their liberal giving. v. 3 Beyond Their Ability – It was the grace of God working in them that motivated giving that was sacrificial in nature. They gave up things that under normal circumstances would not have been given up to relieve others who were in even greater need. Freely Willing – This points to the fact that their giving was not the result of any external pressure but rather from their own hearts. | v. 4 Imploring Us – For the believers in Macedonia, it was not an obligation but a privilege to share financially in helping the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem. Not Only As We Hoped – They went far beyond what would have been expected. v. 5 Gave Themselves – Paul points out here that they first had given their lives to God. Without that first, the financial giving would have been meaningless in God's eyes. To Us – They not only revealed hearts given to God but to the God-ordained ministry He had placed over them. v. 6 Urged Titus – Titus had originally done this a year ago when he delivered the previous letter of Paul (1 Corinthians). Complete This Grace – This can be seen as the grace God had given them to be a part of this effort to help the poor, just as it had been the case among the churches at Macedonia (v. 1). Or, since the word "grace" means a "gift given out of love," this could also refer to fulfilling the promise to give financially in this specific situation. v. 7 As You Abound – Paul always commended believers whenever he could (1 Cor. 1:5). This church had made many mistakes. However, in general they had responded well to Paul's corrective letter, revealing the virtues he describes here. In Faith – Through confidence in God, they had by faith followed the corrective action Paul had required. In Speech – They were well known for their exercise of spiritual gifts, including tongues, prophecy, exhortation, revelation, word of knowledge, wisdom, etc. (1 Cor. 12, 14). In Knowledge – This refers to the understanding of both God and people as given by the Holy Spirit's enabling. Diligence – Paul pointed out in chapter seven how their repentance had been marked by diligence (7:11). |
Christ Our Pattern 8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
| Christ Our Pattern v. 8 Not By Commandment – Paul did not want this gift to be the result of pressure from him but pressure from within their hearts, thus a freewill offering. Testing the Sincerity – Paul gives them a reference point in the giving of the Macedonian believers so that they can honestly look at their own heart condition concerning the gift they had promised. v. 9 Our Lord Jesus Christ – In v. 8, Paul used the Macedonian believers as an example. Now he points to Jesus as the ultimate example for a believer's life. | He Was Rich – This phrase refers to the eternal glory Jesus had within the Godhead (John 17:5). Became Poor – Christ becoming a man and emptying Himself of His eternal glory became the sinless substitute for the just penalty of sin that hangs over all of humanity (Phil. 2:5-8). Might Become Rich – Because of Christ's gift of salvation, we now share in the riches of God and are promised to be heirs with Christ for all eternity (Eph. 1:3; Rom. 8:17). |
10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."
| v. 11 Complete the Doing – A mature person is able to go beyond simply feeling good about desiring to do something good. He will take action and do whatever it takes to see it happen to the best of their ability. v. 12 What One Has – Paul assures them that they should evaluate the sincerity of their giving based on what they can genuinely do. The amount may be different from the Macedonians, but the effort should be the same. v. 14 An Equality – Paul is not referring to the idea that every Christian has the same amount of financial resources. What he is referring to is that each Christian should share proportionally the same. We should all share with each other our resources at equal levels of sacrifice and concern. | Supply Your Lack – The Judean Christians could not give money, but they could give prayer, asking God to supply the Corinthians with spiritual provision. v. 15 Gathered Much – This comes from Exodus 16:18, which refers to manna. Manna was the bread-like food that was on the ground like dew every morning during Israel's 40-year wilderness journey. Everyone's needs were met equally then. Each person was only allowed to collect enough manna for one day. Therefore, if a person had collected more than he needed he would share it with others who may have been unable to go out and collect the manna. This is how Paul believed Christians should handle their financial resources. You cannot take it to heaven, so share it and use it to help those less fortunate. |
Collection for the Judean Saints 16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. 23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
| v. 16 God Who Puts – Paul acknowledges that God is the source of Titus' willingness to help the Corinthians finish their promised collection for the poor. v. 17 Of His Own Accord – Paul points to Titus as another example of giving by willingly giving time to help the Corinthians with their gift. v. 18 The Brother – Paul points out that he has also sent an additional person with Titus' leadership abilities to help in the collection. Basically Paul is saying, "I'm giving you some of the best men possible to help you in your own giving." v. 19 Chosen By the Churches – The person referred to in v. 18 was someone who was not only a valuable ministry partner to Paul but also to other churches. It was an effort to provide an independent accountability of their financial gift. | Glory of God – The ultimate aim of the gift was not only to help the poor but also to reveal God's glorious character in prompting this concern. v. 21 Providing Honorable Things – The word for "providing" carries the idea of perceiving before hand. Here Paul says that he thought through what needed to be done to assure there would be no question about the mishandling of this money. v. 22 Sent With Them – There would have been a third member of this team of men who was held accountable to properly administer such a large gift. v. 23 About Titus – Paul establishes Titus' character and creditability to handle this large sum of money. Show To Them – Paul asks them to prepare their gift for these men in a way that will reveal the great confidence he has in them. |
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