2 Corinthians 7
1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers., perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our fleshFlesh: σάρξ (Sarx). The Greek sarx (σάρξ) denotes flesh—both physical body and fallen human nature opposed to God. Paul contrasts walking 'after the flesh' versus 'after the Spirit' (Romans 8:4-5). The Word became flesh (John 1:14) in the incarnation. had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mindMind: νοῦς (Nous). The Greek nous (νοῦς) means mind or understanding—the faculty of thought and perception. Believers are to be transformed by the 'renewing of your mind' (Romans 12:2) and have 'the mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16). toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fearFear: φόβος (Phobos). The Greek phobos (φόβος) means fear—both terror and reverential awe. While perfect love casts out servile fear (1 John 4:18), believers are to 'fear God, and give glory to him' (Revelation 14:7) with holy reverence., yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joyJoy: χαρά (Chara). The Greek chara (χαρά) denotes joy—deep spiritual gladness. This joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), independent of circumstances. Jesus promised that His joy would remain in believers, making their joy full (John 15:11). of Titus, because his spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. was refreshed by you all.
14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fearFear: φόβος (Phobos). The Greek phobos (φόβος) means fear—both terror and reverential awe. While perfect love casts out servile fear (1 John 4:18), believers are to 'fear God, and give glory to him' (Revelation 14:7) with holy reverence. and trembling ye received him.
16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
2 Corinthians 7 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, redemption, grace. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.