2 Corinthians 7:13
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2 Corinthians 7:13
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 7 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, redemption, fellowship. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 7:13
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
Analysis
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort—Dia touto parakeklēmetha (διὰ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα, "therefore we have been comforted"). The perfect tense indicates ongoing comfort resulting from the Corinthians' repentance. Paul's comfort isn't self-referential but participatory—he rejoices in their spiritual restoration, not his vindication.
Yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all—Epi de tē paraklēsei hēmōn perissoteros mallon echārēmen epi tē chara Titou, hoti anapepautai to pneuma autou apo pantōn hymōn (ἐπὶ δὲ τῇ παρακλήσει ἡμῶν περισσοτέρως μᾶλλον ἐχάρημεν ἐπὶ τῇ χαρᾷ Τίτου, ὅτι ἀναπέπαυται τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν, "and beyond our comfort, we rejoiced even more at Titus's joy, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you"). Anapauō (ἀναπαύω, "to refresh/give rest") appears in Matthew 11:28 of Christ's rest. The Corinthians embodied Christ's refreshment to Titus. Apo pantōn hymōn (ἀπὸ πάντων ὑμῶν, "by all of you")—corporate unity in receiving Titus healed divisions.
Historical Context
Titus risked personal danger delivering Paul's severe letter to a volatile church that had rejected Paul's authority. His courage and diplomatic skill defused conflict and brokered reconciliation. Paul's joy at Titus's 'refreshed spirit' models healthy ministry teams: senior leaders rejoice when younger colleagues succeed, and successful outcomes bring mutual joy, not competition.
Reflection
- Do I take genuine joy in the spiritual victories of ministry colleagues, or does their success trigger envy?
- How can I 'refresh the spirit' of Christian workers who serve me or my church community?
- What does the corporate nature ('all of you') of refreshing Titus teach about individual versus communal responsibility in pastoral care?
Word Studies
- Spirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma) G4151 - Spirit, wind, breath
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 7:6, Romans 15:32, 1 Corinthians 12:26, 16:13