2 Corinthians 2

Wednesday, 10 June 2015

For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? 2 Corinthians 2:2

Opening this chapter, Paul noted that concerning his visit to the Corinthians he had decided that he “would not come again to you in sorrow.” The reason for this is explained in this verse now. “For if I make you sorrowful” relates to the previous verse. If he came in sorrow, meaning with the need to discipline, then they would be filled with sorrow.

The “I” in this is emphatic and it implies that there were others who caused them trouble as well, thus he is singling himself out to make his point – “For if I (emphatic) make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?” The intent of his words is that there existed such a relationship between them. If one side were sorrowful, the other side was there to comfort the other. However, if both sides were sorrowful, then neither could comfort the other. There would be only a mournful and tense gathering.

In this, the question is rather abrupt and it uses a singular, not a plural number for “he” and “the one.” Some see this as the man referred to in 1 Corinthians 5. He is just a single member of the church, but he has caused the entire congregation to lose their joy. However, what is more likely is that this is referring to the whole collectively. In other words, “Who is he then….?” The reason this is likely is that the entire congregation was involved in allowing the offender to stay in the church, despite his immoral conduct. This is what Paul will address in order to correct. Because of this, the singular speaks for each individual within the whole.

Paul knew that the entire congregation would mourn over his visit and needed discipline and thus there would have been only sorrow for all concerned. Because of this, such a visit would ultimately be unproductive.

Life application: Paul has demonstrated wisdom by addressing an issue via letter rather than personally in order to maintain a sense of harmony between the believers. Eventually, a personal visit would be in order. If we can learn from this example, we will be better off than always assuming that a personal face to face visit is the best option in all circumstances.

Heavenly Father, I absolutely cherish those I fellowship with. But like a family, it is inevitable that little annoyances and dissensions will arise. I would pray that the bond of a blood-family would exist between my spiritual family and me so that we will be willing to overlook the little faults that arise and to remain loyal to one another, even through such things. May Your hand of wisdom be with us in this as we worship You in a true spirit of fellowship and love. Amen.

Tuesday, 9 June 2015

But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. 2 Corinthians 2:1

As the previous chapter concluded, Paul said that he had not come to Corinth as previously planned in order to spare them. Building upon that now at the beginning of this chapter, he says that he “determined this within myself…” He had changed his plans based on careful forethought, not as a rash and sudden whim. He thought the matter through and made his determination. In this fixed state of mind, he said that he “would not come again to you in sorrow.”

This is not speaking of his sorrow, but the sorrow that would have to be levied upon the Corinthians by his correction of their conduct and doctrine. This will be more completely explained in the next verse. Paul is showing that he had the very best interest of the Corinthians in mind at all times and that he cared for them as his own special flock.

Life application: When considering those you fellowship with, always try to remember to have their best in mind. If there is a reason why you should temporarily distance yourself from them, make sure that they understand why. The confusion which results from not knowing why people take certain actions can cause personal or even congregational grief. Paul has given us this example in his actions towards the Corinthians and it is good that we follow suit in it.

Wondrous God! How good it is to sit together with other believers in unity. Together we can focus on Your word and how it points to the glorious work of Jesus our Lord. From such fellowship and worship comes a bond like no other. They truly are a sort of extended family. Help us to always act this way towards one another and to let a spirit of harmony exist in our congregation. Amen.