2 Corinthians 2:4

Paul’s affliction was probably the one referred to above (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). His anguish of heart doubtless arose both from his affliction and the condition of the Corinthian church. This verse is one of several in this epistle that gives us a window into the heart of the great apostle. Second Corinthians is one of the most personal of Paul’s epistles.

"The chief element of value in this ep. [epistle] is the revelation it gives of the apostle himself." [Note: Shaw, 2:720.]

Clearly Paul claimed that love for the Corinthians moved him to write the severe letter. He wanted to make them repentant and consequently joyful, not oppressed and sorrowful. He wept over them. Doubtless he wept again when he learned that his readers had misunderstood his best intentions.

"This passage, as Denney says, ’reveals, more clearly perhaps than any passage in the New Testament, the essential qualification of the Christian minister-a heart pledged to his brethren in the love of Christ. . . . ’Depend upon it,’ he counsels, ’we shall not make others weep for that for which we have not wept; we shall not make that touch the hearts of others which has not first touched our own.’" [Note: Hughes, p. 54.]

"When the offender is made to feel that, while his sin is punished, he himself is loved; and that the end aimed at is not his suffering but his good, he is the more likely to be brought to repentance. Every pastor must see in the apostle’s love for the Corinthians, and in the extreme sorrow with which he exercised discipline, in the case of offenders, an instructive example for his imitation." [Note: Hodge, p. 33.]

"In a manner that calls to mind Jesus’ forgiveness of those who caused him pain at the time of the crucifixion (Luke 23:34), Paul responded with a deep expression of overflowing love for those who had failed him." [Note: Barnett, p. 122.]

Paul had a special affection for the Corinthian believers.

"His love for them was more abundant, or greater, than that which he had for any other church. This view is borne out by numerous other passages in these two epistles, which go to show that Paul’s love for the Corinthian church was, for some reason, peculiarly strong." [Note: Hodge, p. 34.]

Paul’s example helps Christian leaders learn how to rebuke when we must. He used severity and rebukes very reluctantly. When he did rebuke, he did it without domineering. He did it with love in his heart and desire to see the best in those whom he rebuked. Nonetheless he did it when it was necessary. [Note: Cf. Barclay, pp. 199-200.]

It is often difficult to give up our plans, especially if much prayer and deliberation have gone into the planning. What makes this even harder is the possibility of our being misunderstood by others when we make changes. Notwithstanding, God often leads us just one step at a time. We must be willing to alter our plans if it is in the best interests of others and the gospel to do so.

"If you live to please people, misunderstandings will depress you; but if you live to please God, you can face misunderstandings with faith and courage." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:634.]