2 Corinthians 7:7 - Exposition

And not by his coming only. The mere fact of Titus's arrival cheered St. Paul, because Titus seems to have been of a strong and cheery temperament. St. Paul, partly because of his infirmities, was peculiarly dependent on the support of human sympathy ( 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 ; Philippians 2:20 ; 2 Timothy 4:4 ; Acts 17:15 ; Acts 28:15 ). It was not, however, the mere arrival of Titus which cheered him, but still more the good news which he brought, and which partially lightened his anxieties. In all probability this letter was written almost immediately after the arrival of Titus, and while the joy caused by his presence was still glowing in the apostle's heart. It is characteristic of the seclusion of an austere life that St. Jerome supposes the cause of the apostle's distress to have been that Titus was his interpreter, and that in his absence he could not preach! Your earnest desire. Your yearning to see me once more. Mourning; rather, lamentation (see 2 Corinthians 2:12 ). They were aroused to lament their past "inflation" ( 1 Corinthians 5:2 ) and remissness. Your fervent mind toward me. This rendering well expresses the kindling affection implied by the word zelos . So that I rejoiced the more. More than he had even anticipated could be possible; or, as the next verse may imply, all the more because of his past anguish ( 2 Corinthians 2:4 ).