2 Corinthians 2

Monday, 15 June 2015

…so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2:7

Paul has been exceedingly comforting and delicate in his words towards the offender. He has not called him by his name and he has referred to him in a roundabout manner. For example, the word “him” in this verse isn’t in the original, but is inserted by the translators for clarity. In the previous verse, he noted that the punishment which had been meted out by the majority was sufficient. It served its purpose and the man was reformed. However, what can be inferred is that he is not only reformed, but immensely sorrowful for having brought disgrace upon Christ, the fellowship, and himself.

Because of this, Paul says “on the contrary…” This is something like “on the other hand.” In essence, “Instead of continuing his discipline, you should on the other hand now take a new direction.” And this new direction is “rather to forgive and comfort him.” Where there was discipline (possibly excommunication which was recommended by Paul) there should now be reconciliation. Where there was judgment, there should be forgiveness. And where there was upsetting the brother and the fellowship, there should now be comfort.

His reason for this action is clearly stated, “…lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.” The word translated as “swallowed” is used to indicate being totally consumed, as if gulping something down. It is used in Hebrews 11 to indicate the death of the Egyptians who pursued Israel –

“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.” Hebrews 11:29

Therefore, it is unclear if Paul was worried about him being so consumed with grief that he may simply walk away from the faith or even commit suicide. Whatever word had come to him concerning this man, he wanted it known that he held him in great concern and in great love.

Life application: It is apparent from this passage that church discipline is to be used in order to bring a person to a point of sorrow and repentance and then it is to be ended. To continue to discipline someone who has amended their ways can only end in harm towards that person.

Lord God, help me to be a forgiving person when restoration is sought. Help me to not carry grudges against those who have come and asked for making amends. It is so easy to let past differences or offenses linger on, but I know that You would want them ended. We have all walked contrary to You and yet You sent Your Son to reconcile us. For those who have called out to Him, You have forgiven the past and established a new, harmonious walk between the two. Help me to act in a like manner, especially considering that the offense of others against me is miniscule in comparison to my offenses against You. Help me in this. Amen.

Sunday, 14 June 2015

This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 2 Corinthians 2:6

Explaining the source and now the intended correction of the matter which caused such grief, Paul brings up the actions that had been taken based on his epistle. If this is referring to the incident in 1 Corinthians 5 (as it most probably is) concerning a sexually immoral man, he had recommended the following –

“…deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:5

It appears the Corinthians took the action as recommended by Paul and it actually provided two intended purposes. The first is obvious. It was to serve punishment upon the offender in hopes of him turning from his immorality. In essence, it was intended to bring him back to a right fellowship with the Lord and the church. Secondly, it was to return purity to the church, both by expelling the impure man as well as to return purity to the hearts of the congregants who had allowed such immorality to occur without any repercussions.

Whether they took Paul’s recommended course of action, or whether they modified it, such as a meeting informing him that this action would take place if he didn’t comply (or whatever else may have occurred), the punishment worked. Because of this, Paul says, “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man.”

The word translated as “punishment” is only found here in the New Testament. It is not a word which carries a heavy punitive penalty, such an “eternal punishment.” Rather, it is the word epitimia. It means “the fitting (appropriate) response necessary to turn someone in the right direction.” And this is exactly what occurred. A hope of turning this man (and the congregation!) in the right direction was anticipated, and it is what came about. Because the remedy worked, Paul says that it was sufficient.

Life application: The intent of corrective punishment is to correct. The Bible says, “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ⁸ But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons” (Hebrews 12:7, 8). Should you face such chastening, count it as an honor that you are a child of God and a member of His church. This is especially true in today’s world where sexual immorality is so prevalent in the “church” (which is no church at all). Such people prove that they are not children of God through their wicked actions.

Heavenly Father, there is the “church” and then there is the Church. In today’s world, there is an ever-growing gap between the two. The vile immoral actions which are being tolerated and even condoned in the visible church only prove that such people and congregations are not a part of your true Church. Help me to be wise and discerning in where I attend, what I will tolerate, and when to move on from what is a no-church. It is so easy to put friendships and long-standing attendance above Your word. Help me to never make such an error, but to instead place You and Your word as my priority, above all else. Amen.

Saturday, 13 June 2015

But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 2 Corinthians 2:5

The construction of this verse is such that it can actually have one of at least three varied meanings. Regardless of which it is that Paul intended to convey, the overarching thought is that there was an offense; there was grief involved in that offense – towards Paul and towards the church; and that therefore the entire church was affected.

The word “anyone” is singular and it is most probably referring to the unnamed individual in 1 Corinthians 5. He remains unnamed here. Paul had instructed the church to bring discipline against him due to his immoral actions which had caused this grief. That occurred and now there is no strong language against him here and there are no heavy handed demands being made. Rather he is carefully and tenderly handling this situation concerning the unnamed offender in order to get it behind them.

The next six verses will continue to explain this and what should be done about it. The church had suffered and now the church needed to be healed of the matter without prolonging it any further.

Life application: Church discipline is detailed in the Bible, but the Bible also shows that if the measures of discipline are met, then reconciliation should be anticipated. Just as Christ forgives us of our offenses when we repent, so the church should act in like manner towards offenders who repent as well.

Lord, help me to remember that even the person with the strongest faith can fall into temptation and sin. I certainly know I’m not immune from it and neither is anyone else. And so help me to be wise in how I deal with a brother or sister who has made mistakes while walking with You. Help me to not overlook sin, but also to not over-charge someone for doing the same things I am prone to do. Let my heart be wise and discerning about such difficult matters as this. Amen.

Friday, 12 June 2015

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. 2 Corinthians 2:4

In the previous verse, Paul noted that he had written to the Corinthians rather than visited them in order to avoid sorrow in the encounter. Now he shows them the level of sorrow that he had already felt, simply by writing. He says that “out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you.”

This shows the depth of the sorrow and pain that he possessed for needing to correct their faulty doctrine and tolerance of sin. He says he suffered “affliction.” This is a strong word indicating “tribulation.” It is used throughout the New Testament to indicate persecution or severe trials.

The word translated as “anguish” is sunoché. It is used only twice in the New Testament and conveys the idea of distress, anguish, or anxiety. Its only other use is in Luke 21:25, translated as “distress” –

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring…”

This word, according to Albert Barnes, “means, properly, ‘a holding together or shutting up’; and then, ‘pressure, distress, anguish’ – an affliction of the heart by which one feels tightened or constrained; such a pressure as great grief causes at the heart.”

Understanding this, we can see the true depth of Paul’s sorrow for the confrontation that was needed via his pen. It came through “many tears,” but he notes to them that those tears were “not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.” Having conveyed these words to them, they should now understand the full weight of the words of the previous verse.

If he had come under such circumstances, already sorrowful to this extreme state, then when they were made sorrowful through the correction they needed, everyone would be sorrowful. There would be no one to comfort anyone else. Rather than such a difficult meeting, he felt it best that he would write, let them absorb his instruction, and then come to them at a later time.

Life application: Again, we can learn much from Paul’s example. He had the best intent for the individual situation in mind. If a personal encounter would be unproductive or counter-productive, then he knew that a letter would instead be the better choice. Rushing into face-to-face discipline is not always the best means of handling a situation.

Lord, today I pray for wisdom in how I handle my interactions with others, especially when sadness or difficulties could arise from them. Help me to know when to call, when to write, and when to make a personal visit. And in whichever situation is needed, help my words to be graceful and salted with only the truth. Give me courage in my convictions to never let doctrine be set aside for the sake of tolerance; something sorely needed in this world today. Thank You Lord. Amen!

Thursday, 11 June 2015

And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 2 Corinthians 2:3

The first words, “And I wrote this very thing to you” could mean one of several things. It could be referring to his change in plans concerning his visit (1 Corinthians 16:7), it could mean the rebukes of his former epistle to expel the incestuous man, or it could even be that he is conveying the thought “I write” instead of “I wrote.” If the last is correct, it is a form of communication known as an epistolary aorist. In essence, “What I write to you now has the very object of sparing you a painful visit” (Pulpit).

Whichever is correct, or even if he intends something different than any of these options, his writing was intended to smooth things over by letter prior to a visit. If he simply came and dictated what was necessary to be done, there would only be “sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy.” In other words, “Instead of a happy gathering, there would only be sadness.” This is what Paul was hoping to avoid by a painful visit.

By following this course of action, he felt that his letter would convey his “confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.” Stated differently if he maintained his joy, then they would be joyous over that. The intent was that there would be no unhappiness with them because he would come to them in joy.

Life application: It is true that there are times when a firm hand of discipline is required and that it should be done in person. However, if the same result can be obtained through a written letter and maintain harmony and fellowship between the two parties, isn’t that a preferred option?  Let us always consider how to maintain love and harmony, particularly in our relationships with other Christians.

Lord God, what a joy it is to wake up in Your presence each day. I arise, knowing You are there. I open Your word and You are there. The sun rises and I see Your hand in the perfection of its timing and the splendor of its beauty. As I go to work, You and I are in fellowship… thank You for that beautiful white cloud. And so it goes throughout the hours. Each step I take, I know that You are with me. Thank You for Your constant presence in my life. Amen.