Verse 4
Nevertheless Paul was confident that the Corinthians would respond to his defense and exhortation properly. Even though conditions were far from ideal in this church, Paul was proud of his converts there. God had filled his heart with encouraging comfort (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). In spite of much affliction, some of which the Corinthians produced, Paul felt an overriding sense of joy. His explanation of the reason for these positive feelings follows.
"The idea of receiving joy in the midst of affliction strongly suggests that Paul wrote this part of the epistle while enduring suffering." [Note: Martin, p. 222.]
This paragraph is transitional. It summarizes Paul’s appeal for large-heartedness and consistency (2 Corinthians 6:11 to 2 Corinthians 7:4) and resumes his personal narrative that he left behind temporarily in 2 Corinthians 2:13.
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