A man seen from behind stands still on a dirt road through the hills of Macedonia at dusk, while a second traveler, small and far off, walks toward him.

The Book of

2 Corinthians 7

No rest, fears within, and then a friend on the road with news from Corinth.

16 verses≈ 3 min2 peopleBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

1–2:13ComfortWhy Paul changed his plans
2:14–5:10Treasure in clayThe glory of the new covenant
5:11–7Be reconciledOpen your hearts; joy restoredChapter 7
8–9Generous givingThe gift for the saints
10–13Strong in weaknessPaul's defence of his ministry

Paul’s Joy in the Corinthians

Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

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Make room for us in your hearts.

2 Corinthians 7:2

We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.

Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.

2 Corinthians 7:4

Paul

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Where Titus found Paul

Paul had waited for Titus at Troas and found no peace, so he crossed over to Macedonia (2:12–13). Paul doesn’t say which town he was in. There, with “conflicts on the outside, fears within,” he waited. Then Titus arrived with news from Corinth, and the news was good.

Question

Quick question

Paul arrived in Macedonia worn out and anxious, waiting for word from Corinth.

How did God comfort Paul in Macedonia?

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it—for I see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time—

yet now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us.

2 Corinthians 7:10

Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong or the one who was harmed, but rather that your earnestness on our behalf would be made clear to you in the sight of God. On account of this, we are encouraged.

Two kinds of sorrow

Whiteboard

Both kinds of sorrow hurt. The difference is where they lead. Godly sorrow turns us back to God, and it ends in salvation that leaves no regret behind. Worldly sorrow only looks at the loss and goes nowhere but down. In Corinth, godly sorrow bore fruit you could see: “what longing, what zeal, what vindication!”

Reflect

Sorrow that turns

Paul is glad, not that the Corinthians were hurt, but that their sorrow “led you to repentance.” Think of a time you were sorry for something. Did that sorrow turn you toward God, or only weigh you down? Is there anything you need to bring to Him today, trusting that His way leads to “salvation without regret”?

A hand touches a small flame to the wick of a clay oil lamp in a dark room, the first warm glow spreading across a rough plaster wall.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.

Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well.

0:23

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling.

I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.

2 Corinthians 7:16

Pray

The God who comforts

Paul calls Him the God “who comforts the downcast.” Bring Him whatever is pressing on you today, outside or within. Ask Him to give you sorrow that turns you back to Him whenever you go wrong. And ask Him to make you a Titus for someone: a friend who arrives with good news and leaves people refreshed.

You’ve experienced

2 Corinthians 7

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A verse to carry with you

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Corinthians 7:10

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