2 Corinthians 2:2-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

In these verses, 1. The apostle proceeds in giving an account of the reason why he did not come to Corinth, as was expected; namely, because he was unwilling to grieve them, or be grieved by them, 2 Cor. 2:1, 2. He had determined not to come to them in heaviness, which yet he would have done had he come and found scandal among them not duly animadverted upon: this would have been cause of grief both to him and them, for their sorrow or joy at meeting would have been mutual. If he had made them... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

In these verses the apostle treats concerning the incestuous person who had been excommunicated, which seems to be one principal cause of his writing this epistle. Here observe, 1. He tells them that the crime of that person had grieved him in part; and that he was grieved also with a part of them, who, notwithstanding this scandal had been found among them, were puffed up and had not mourned, 1 Cor. 5:2. However, he was unwilling to lay too heavy a charge upon the whole church, especially... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

2:5-11 If anyone has caused grief, it is not I whom he has grieved, but to some extent--not to overstress the situation--all of you. To such a man the punishment that has been imposed by the majority is sufficient, so that, so far from inflicting severer punishment, you must forgive him and comfort him, lest such a one be engulfed by excess of grief. So then, I urge you, let your decision in regard to him be a decision of love. For when I wrote to you my purpose was to test you, to see if you... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:2

For if I make you sorry ,.... That is, should he come among them, and be the means of fresh grief and sorrow: who is he then that maketh me glad ? such was his love and affection for them, and sympathy with them, that should they be grieved, he should grieve also; they were the only persons he could take any delight in at Corinth; wherefore should they be in heaviness, he would be so too, and then what pleasure would he have in being among them? since not a man of them would be in a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:3

And I wrote this same unto you ,.... Not what he had written in the preceding verse, or in 2 Corinthians 1:23 , where he says, that his not coming to them as yet was to spare them; but what he had written to them in his former epistle, concerning the excommunication of the incestuous man, which had so much grieved both him and them; and this the apostle chose rather to order by writing, than in person; hoping to hear of their repentance and amendment, before he came among them: lest ,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:4

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart ,.... Being greatly pressed in his spirit, and grieved at his heart, for the abominable iniquities among them, which they seemed to take no notice of, and to be unconcerned about, yea, rather to be puffed up with: I wrote to you with many tears ; as signs and expressions of, and by which were vented, the inward anguish and distress of his soul; and the letter he sent to them in some measure bore witness to it: which was written, not that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:5

But if any have caused grief ,.... The incestuous person is here manifestly designed, though he is not named, who had been the cause and occasion of much grief and sorrow, both to himself and others; for the apostle is not to be understood, as though he doubted whether he had caused grief or not, but rather takes it for granted, as a certain point; "if", seeing, or although he has caused grief: he hath not grieved me but in part ; or in some measure; as it has reflected dishonour on God... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:2

For if I make you sorry - Should he have come and used his apostolical authority, in inflicting punishment upon the transgressors, this would have been a common cause of distress. And though he might expect that the sound part of the Church would be a cause of consolation to him, yet as all would be overwhelmed with trouble at the punishment of the transgressors, he could not rejoice to see those whom he loved in distress. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:3

And I wrote this same unto you - This I particularly marked in my first epistle to you; earnestly desiring your reformation, lest, if I came before this had taken place, I must have come with a rod, and have inflicted punishment on the transgressors. See 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 . My joy is the joy of you all - I know that ye wish my comfort as much as I wish yours. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:4

For out of much affliction, etc. - It is very likely that the apostle's enemies had represented him as a harsh, austere, authoritative man; who was better pleased with inflicting wounds than in healing them. But he vindicates himself from this charge by solemnly asserting that this was the most painful part of his office; and that the writing of his first epistle to them cost him much affliction and anguish of heart, and many tears. read more

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