Free Bible Commentary
“2 Corinthians 2:1-4”
Categories: 2 Corinthians“But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again. For if I cause you sorrow, who then makes me glad but the one whom I made sorrowful? This is the very thing I wrote you, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice; having confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Paul delayed his visit to Corinth for the brethren’s sake, so they would have time to work out some issues they were having, and repent of the sins that were plaguing them. We learn from today’s verses that he also postponed his arrival for his own sake. The apostle understood the value of good timing when it came to the very important issues of life. I think we can all understand that there is an appropriate time for grieving and healing, and that celebrations should sometimes be deferred.
Paul wanted his visit to the city of Corinth to be marked by joy and not sorrow. So, for his own sake, so that he would not be consumed by grief at his arrival, he waited with the confidence that his brethren would do the right thing and repent of their sins and work out their own salvation (Philippians 2:12). Paul did not enjoy rebuking and disciplining his beloved brethren in Christ. But, anyone who has ever raised children understands how correction is both a disturbing and necessary thing. Even though chastisement and corrective discipline are not enjoyable, they must not be avoided if we want our children to grow to be mature, responsible, accountable adults.
Sinfulness must be addressed and not ignored in the Lord’s church because eternity is hanging in the balances. I know the tendency is to disregard sin and not “offend” anyone or cause a big “disturbance”. But if we ignore unrighteousness, souls can be lost and congregations can be destroyed. “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). Sin is a very big deal friends! Paul used strong words to convey this truth. He was filled with sorrow because of it, and wrote out of “much affliction and anguish of heart” (verse 4)! Can sin still grieve us? Or have we allowed the bombardment of the media to callous our hearts to the shamefulness of iniquity and transgression?
The good news is that godly sorrow and true repentance lead to elation and rejoicing!
Please read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 for tomorrow.
Please come worship God in spirit and truth with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ!
3741 Taylorsville Road. 9:30 AM Bible class. 10:30 AM worship period. 5:00 PM worship period.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
