Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
13. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort ] Most modern editors punctuate as follows: ‘Therefore we were comforted. And in addition to (or in consequence of) our comfort we rejoiced a very great deal more at the joy of Titus,’ ‘our’ being read for the ‘your’ of the A. V.
exceedingly the more ] See note on 2Co 7:4.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort – The phrase your comfort, here seems to mean the happiness which they had, or might reasonably be expected to have in obeying the directions of Paul, and in the repentance which they had manifested. Paul had spoken of no other consolation or comfort than this; and the idea seems to be that they were a happy people, and would be happy by obeying the commands of God. This fact gave Paul additional joy, and he could not but rejoice that they had removed the cause of the offence, and that they would not thus be exposed to the displeasure of God. Had they not repented and put away the evil, the consequences to them must have been deep distress. As it was, they would be blessed and happy.
And exceedingly the more … – Titus had been kindly received, and hospitably entertained, and had become much attached to them. This was to Paul an additional occasion of joy; see 2Co 7:7.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 13. For the joy of Titus] Titus, who had now met St. Paul in Macedonia, gave him the most flattering accounts of the improved state of the Corinthian Church; and indeed their kind usage of Titus was a full proof of their affection for St. Paul.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
We were comforted in your comfort; the comfort which your letters brought us, and so came from you; or the comfort which you received upon your reformation of those things which were amiss amongst you. And we also
joyed for the joy that Titus conceived, upon his understanding of your affairs, and your ready obedience to the Epistle which I wrote to you: such is the union between the true members of Christ, that they are comforted with one anothers comforts, and afflicted with one anothers sorrows and griefs.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
13. The oldest manuscripts readthus, “Therefore (Greek, ‘for this cause,‘ namely,because our aim has been attained) we have been (English Version,‘were,’ is not so accurate) comforted; yea (Greek, ‘but’), inOUR comfort we exceedingly the more joyed for the joy of Titus,”&c. (compare 2Co 7:7).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort,…. In the comfortable situation the church was in; not in their grief and sorrow, as a natural passion, but in the effects of it as a godly sorrow; by which it appeared that their repentance was genuine, and that they were clear in the matter that had given so much trouble; and that things had so well succeeded for the welfare and more comfortable estate of the church for the future. The comfortable estate, flourishing condition, and well being of churches, yield great pleasure and consolation to the ministers of the Gospel: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions read, “our comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we, for the joy of Titus”; not only the repentance of the Corinthians, and the blessed effects of that, occasioned joy in the apostle; but what added to it, and increased it the more abundantly, was the joy of Titus, which he had been a partaker of during his stay with them:
because his spirit was refreshed by you all; not by one only, or a few, but by all the members of the church; he was received by them with great respect, provided for in a liberal manner, treated with all humanity and courteousness; and, above all, his mind was eased and filled with an unexpected pleasure, to find them in such an agreeable frame of mind; so sensible of their neglect of duty, so ready to reform, so united in themselves, so affected to the apostle, and so determined to abide by the order, ordinances, and truths of the Gospel, against all false teachers.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
We joyed the more exceedingly ( ). Double comparative (pleonastic use of , more, with , more abundantly) as is common in the Koine (Mark 7:36; Phil 1:23).
For the joy of Titus ( ). On the basis of () the joy of Titus who was proud of the outcome of his labours in Corinth.
Hath been refreshed (). Perfect passive indicative of . Cf. 1Co 16:18 for this striking verb.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Were comforted in your comfort [ ] . The best texts place a period after were comforted, transfer the de and (yea) from after ejpi exceedingly the more to directly after ejpi in (your comfort), and instead of your read our. The whole, as Rev., therefore we have been comforted. And in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly, etc.
In our comfort [] . In addition to. Stanley, with this comfort before me, I was still more rejoiced, etc.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Therefore we were comforted,” (dia touto parakeklemetha) “Therefore we have been comforted;” The rod and staff of the accepted Word and guide of the Holy Spirit always afford comfort, Psa 23:4.
2) “In your comfort,” (epi de te paraklesei hemon) “But as to the comfort of us,” it came from your comfort to us in doing the will of God. What comforts one of God’s children should be a joy and comfort to his friends, 1Th 3:7.
3) “Yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus,” (perissoteros mallon echaremen epi te chara titou) “We rejoiced abundantly (even more) over the joy of Titus;” Titus was going back to Corinth on the business of collecting help (benevolence) for Jerusalem brethren, 2Co 8:6; 2Co 8:16; 2Co 8:23. Therefore this note of gratitude was sent that he might be well received.
4) “Because his spirit was refreshed,” (hoti anapepautai to pneuma autou) “Because his spirit (disposition) has been rested,” relaxed or quieted, by your kindness to him and by your practical repentance in so many things made right.
5) “By you all,” (apo panton humon) “From you all,” from your hospitable and respectful acceptance of him and the message he brought to the church. Not only was Titus well received by the Corinth church but it appears that he also left a good impression upon all of them, 2Co 12:18.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
13. We received consolation. Paul was wholly intent upon persuading the Corinthians, that nothing was more eagerly desired by him than their advantage. Hence he says, that he had shared with them in their consolation. Now their consolation had been this — that, acknowledging their fault, they did not merely take the reproof in good part, but had received it joyfully. For the bitterness of a reproof is easily sweetened, so soon as we begin to taste the profitableness of it to us.
What he adds — that he rejoiced more abundantly on account of the consolation of Titus, is by way of congratulation. Titus had been overjoyed in finding them more obedient and compliant than could have been expected — nay more, in his finding a sudden change for the better. Hence we may infer, that Paul’s gentleness was anything but flattery, inasmuch as he rejoiced in their joy, so as to be, at the same time, chiefly taken up with their repentance.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
Appleburys Comments
The Joy of Titus
Scripture
2Co. 7:13 a-16. and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hat been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have gloried to him on your behalf, I was not put to shame; but as we spake all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titue was found to be truth. 15 And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.
Comments
for the joy of Titus.The magnanimous spirit of Paul is shown in the attitude that he had toward his fellow-workers such as Titus and Timothy. Not only did he write of his own joy at the outcome of the situation in Corinth, but pointed out that he was particularly happy over the joy of Titus because of the manner in which the Corinthians had received him. They had joined in refreshing his spirit. He may have had some misgiving as to the effect of his mission, but the Corinthians had dispelled all doubt about it by the manner in which they received him.
For if in anything I have gloried to him.The unselfishness of Paul is manifested in his attitude toward the Corinthians for he did not hesitate to boast about their willingness to respond to the inspired instruction which he had written to them. After receiving the report of Titus he could say, I was not put to shame. What he had said about them to Titus had been found to be the truth.
And his affection.The generous affection which Paul had for the Corinthians was shared also by Titus. He remembered how they had obeyed the instruction of Paul. They had received him with utmost concern lest they fall short of complete obedience to it.
I am of good courage concerning you.The battle had been won. Paul had suffered great anxiety over the situation at Corinth. He had rebuked sin. He had plead earnestly that they make room for him in their affections. Now triumphantly, having achieved the victory, he could say, I am of good courage concerning you.
Summary
In the opening verses of this chapter, Paul draws a conclusion from the principles he had just stated in the preceding one. God had called upon His people to separate themselves from every unclean thing and had promised those who did so that He would be their God and they His people. He would be their Father and they His sons and daughters. While Isaiah had written this to Israel, Paul clearly indicates that the same would be true of the Christians at Corinth if they cleansed themselves from those things that were besmearing their lives and defiling their souls. They were to separate themselves from everything that defiles their flesh and spiritthe whole being. Nothing short of complete separation from sin and dedication to a life of purity before God would satisfy the conditions upon which God was to be their Father and they His children.
Pauls concern for the church at Corinth led him to a deep and stirring appeal for them to accept him into their hearts and lives as a guest who was to remain with them. He was the kind of person as their father in the gospel whom they could receive in this manner. They were in his heart to live and to die.
Paul unhesitatingly spoke of his pride in the church at Corinth. In times of distress, the memory of Corinth brought him comfort; in times of sorrow, the thought of them brought him overflowing joy. He suffered in Macedonia, for he had not rest for his flesh. What hardships these were, he does not say, but they were in all probability the results of persecutions from those who everywhere sought to undermine his work of Christ. There were conflicts accompanied by fears. But when he found Titus in Macedonia and learned of their obedient response to the epistle he had written, he was comforted. God who always led him in triumph also comforted him when he was depressed.
This brought him to the discussion of the effect of the letter he had written (First Corinthians). He did not regret writing it, but he did regret that their sins had led to the rebuke that caused them to be made sorry for a while. But he rejoiced that this sorrow had led to repentance, and repentance to salvation. How different the sorrow of the world, for it led to death. Paul could rejoice that they had been saved from such a death. Gods purpose in sorrow had led them to change their ways and punish the sinner in their midst. Respect and reverence for God led them to refuse to be mixed up with sinners who practiced things which the Father would not tolerate. They longed for the purity that He praised and zealously sought the life of righteousness in Christ. Paul could give them a clean bill of health, for they were innocent of any further wrongdoing. This was the very purpose of the letter, for it was not for the sake of the offender nor offended, but that they might all show their earnest concern for the things of God.
Titus had told Paul of the wonderful welcome he had received in Corinth. Paul had boasted to him about the kind of people he would find in the church at Corinth, basically good and willing to obey the Word of God. He had not been put to shame, for Titus had found them to be just what Paul had said. Titus had been deeply moved by the warmth of their welcome. Paul rejoiced that he had been able to depend on them.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(13) Therefore we were comforted.The tense of the Greek verb implies a different structure of the sentence: Therefore we have been comforted: and upon (i.e., over and above) our comfort we rejoiced more exceedingly at the joy of Titus. That was to St. Paul a new source of happiness. The intense sympathy of his nature would have made him share the disappointment of his delegate, and in like manner he now shares his joy. The messenger had shown himself to be his true son in the faith (Tit. 1:1).
His spirit was refreshed.Better, as expressing the permanence of the effect, has been refreshed. The term was a favourite one with the writer. Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus had refreshed his spirit (1Co. 16:18. Comp. also Phm. 1:7; Phm. 1:20). The primary idea of the word is, however, rather that of giving rest to the weary, as in Mat. 11:28; Mat. 26:45.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
13. Your comfort joy of Titus Paul sympathized with both Corinth and Titus. Their comfort was his comfort; Titus’s joy was his joy.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Therefore we have been comforted, and in our comfort we rejoiced the more greatly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.’
Thus he has been comforted and encouraged by their response, and was also able to rejoice even more because Titus had been refreshed in spirit by their attitude. Their response had also been a huge encouragement to Titus in his work for the Lord.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The joy of Titus over the good tidings which he brought:
v. 13. Therefore we were comforted in your comfort; yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
v. 14. For if I have boasted anything to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting which I made before Titus is found a truth.
v. 15. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
v. 16. I rejoice, therefore, that I have confidence in you in all things. The first words of v. 13 really are the concluding statement of the previous passage: Wherefore we have been comforted. That was the result of the entire transaction so far as the apostle was concerned. But in addition to his own comfort and consolation he had all the more reason for great joy at the joy of Titus, the bearer of the good news from Corinth. His new joy, which was added to his previous comfort, was more abundant than the comfort itself, because the spirit of Titus had been refreshed by them all. The representative of the apostle had been received well by all the members of the Corinthian congregation and treated with the utmost kindness and respect. There was no trace of a stubborn and conceited behavior, and so his mind was set entirely at rest on their behalf.
This fact pleased the apostle all the more: For if in anything on your behalf I have boasted to him, I was not put to shame. As Paul had boasted in other cities about the excellence of the Corinthian congregation, so he had praised his present readers also before Titus. If the latter had therefore not found matters as his teacher had pictured them so glowingly, the praise which Paul bestowed on them would have been found empty foolishness, mere vanity. But now he is pleased: As we spoke all things to you truthfully, so also our boasting before Titus was found to be truth. On this point Paul was very sensitive. When he had sent Titus to Corinth, he had encouraged him by the description he gave of the good qualities of the Corinthian Christians. That is what caused him to be so well satisfied now, since matters turned out, proved to be, in accordance with the facts: the Corinthians had fully lived up to the expectations of their teacher.
The gratification which Paul felt was equaled by the satisfaction which filled the heart of Titus: And his heart is the more abundantly inclined toward you, since he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Titus had been the bearer of a harsh message, even as Paul’s letter had been uncompromising in its severity on the point of the scandal in their midst. And so they had received him with profound reverence and had shown all obedience to the suggestions which he had to offer as the apostle’s representative. The entire matter had thus turned out well, and Paul concludes: I rejoice that in everything I have good courage concerning you. The encouragement which he had thus received by finding his confidence not misplaced, gave him a happy boldness before them; there was no further reason to fear that they would again be tossed about by matters of a similar nature. When things in any congregation have progressed to such a point that the first serious crisis is weathered, conditions will usually be favorable to a steady growth in Christian knowledge and sanctification.
Summary
Paul admonishes the Corinthians to make progress in holiness; he assures them that he, as well as Titus, has been filled with comfort and rejoicing by their godly repentance and cheerful obedience in the case of church discipline.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
2Co 7:13 . Wherefore , because I had no other purpose than this (which is now attained), we are comforted; and, to our consolation there was further added a very great increase in joy over the joy of Titus , et.
. .] used of supervening on something already in existence. [264] See Matthiae, p. 1371; Winer, p. 368 [E. T. 490].
. ] the joy of our consolation became still more increased. Comp. on 2Co 7:7 . Regarding the strengthening of the comparative by , see Pflugk, ad Eur. Hec. 377; Heind. ad Plat. Gorg . p. 679 E; Boissonade, ad Aristaen . p. 430.
. . .] does not specify the reason of Paul’s joy (Rckert, although with hesitation), for that is contained in . , but is a more precise definition confirmatory of ; since indeed his spirit (2Co 2:13 ) is refreshed by you all . (comp. 1Co 16:18 ; Phm 1:7 ; Phm 1:20 ) is placed first as the pith of the thought; denotes the proceeding from , the origin: forth from, from the side of . See Bernhardy, p. 222; Khner, ad Xen. Anab. vi. 5. 18.
[264] Yet it may also be taken simply of the state: in our consolation . But the explanation above is more in keeping with the climactic character of the discourse.
REMARK.
According to the Recepta . . ., the first is through , properly on account of , just as in , so that the is that which causes the (Winer, p. 368 [E. T. 491]); but is not, with Flatt, de Wette, and many others, to be explained: by the consolation, which you have afforded to me , but: “ consolatione vestri ” (Luther, Beza, Cornelius a Lapide, Bengel, and most), i.e. by your being comforted over the pain, which my Epistle caused to you, now by means of the happy change which it has produced among you (2Co 7:11 ). The two genitives, namely and , must be taken uniformly . On the state of the case delicately denoted by . Calvin aptly remarks: “Nam correctionis acerbitas facile dulcescit, simulatque gustare incipimus, quam nobis fuerit utilis.” Michaelis, on the other hand, objects that what follows will then be discourteous ; but the seeming discourtesy disappears before the reason for Titus’ joy, and is amply outweighed by 2Co 7:14 . According to Reiche, Comm. crit. I. p. 370, the means the admonitio et castigatio given in the first Epistle, for the sharpness and severity of which Paul is now consoled by the happy result. But after , according to the analogy, moreover, of , as well as in accordance with 2Co 7:4 ; 2Co 7:6 , cannot be otherwise taken than as solatium .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
Ver. 13. His spirit was refreshed ] After his long and tedious toil and travel to come to you, he never thought much of his labour. Calvin said that it would not grieve him to sail over ten seas, Ne decem quidem maria, about a uniform draught for religion.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
13. ] On this account (on account of the fulfilment of this purpose) we are comforted: but in addition to (or, on the occurrence of) our comfort, we rejoiced very much more (reff.) at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. A similar declaration to that in 2Co 7:7 , where not only the arrival of Titus, but his comfort wherewith he was comforted by them, is described as the ground of the Apostle’s joy. According to the received reading, the sense is: ‘ Therefore we are consoled on account of your consolation (either gen. subj., ‘that which you feel on account of the good issue of the affair,’ or gen. object., ‘the consolation received from you’): but we rejoiced very much more ,’ &c. This however would hardly represent the real state of things.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Co 7:13-16 . THE JOY OF TITUS IN THE TIDINGS HE BROUGHT. Chrysostom notes the tact which leads St. Paul to communicate this so emphatically; Titus was going back to Corinth on the business of the collection (2Co 8:6 ; 2Co 8:16 ; 2Co 8:23 ), and it was very desirable that he should be well received there. . . .: and in addition to this comfort of ours we rejoiced the more exceedingly ( cf. 2Co 7:7 , and for the double comparative cf. Mar 7:36 , Phi 1:23 ) at (for the constr. cf. 1Co 13:6 ; 1Co 16:17 , etc.) the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all ( cf. the somewhat similar use of in chap. 2Co 2:3 , Mat 11:19 , Act 2:22 ). Both here and at 2Co 7:15 is emphasised by its position before ; Titus was well received by all at Corinth, and it seems to be implied at 2Co 12:18 that he left a favourable impression upon them all.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
2Co 7:13 . .: wherefore we have been comforted . With Tisch., W.H. and modern editors generally we place a full stop here. What follows introduces a new idea.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2Co 7:13-16
13bAnd besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 15His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.
2Co 7:13 b “we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus because his spirit has been refreshed by you all” The church treated Titus well (i.e., he was refreshed, perfect passive indicative). Apparently Paul was worried about this because of the treatment that Timothy had received earlier.
Notice Paul is using “spirit” as a synonym of the person of Titus, not just an aspect (i.e., body, soul, spirit, cf. Elwell’s Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, pp. 676-680). See full note on “spirit” at 2Co 4:13.
For “much more” see Special Topic at 2Co 2:7.
2Co 7:14 “if” This is a first class conditional sentence, which is assumed to be true from the author’s perspective or for his literary purpose. Paul had boasted about the Corinthian church to Titus.
“boasted” See Special Topic: Boasting at 1Co 5:6.
“in truth” See Special Topic at 2Co 13:8.
2Co 7:15 “affection” This is literally the Greek word, splagchna. See the full note at 2Co 6:12.
“abounds” See Special Topic at 2Co 2:7.
“as he remembers the obedience of you all” This is a present middle participle (i.e., Moulton’s Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised, p. 24) or a present passive participle (i.e., Friberg’s Analytical Greek New Testament, p. 562). How churches treat God’s ministers says something about them (cf. 1Co 16:16; 1Th 5:12; Heb 13:17).
2Co 7:16 This statement concludes this literary unit (cf. 2Co 2:14 to 2Co 7:16) with a note of confident assurance.
confidence” See note at 2Co 5:6.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Therefore = Greek.account of (Greek. dia. App-104. 2Co 7:2) this.
exceedingly. See 2Co 1:12.
for = upon. Greek. epi, as in 2Co 7:4.
refreshed. See 1Co 16:18.
by = from. Greek. apo. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
13.] On this account (on account of the fulfilment of this purpose) we are comforted: but in addition to (or, on the occurrence of) our comfort, we rejoiced very much more (reff.) at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. A similar declaration to that in 2Co 7:7, where not only the arrival of Titus, but his comfort wherewith he was comforted by them, is described as the ground of the Apostles joy. According to the received reading, the sense is: Therefore we are consoled on account of your consolation (either gen. subj., that which you feel on account of the good issue of the affair,-or gen. object., the consolation received from you): but we rejoiced very much more, &c. This however would hardly represent the real state of things.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Co 7:13. , on account of your comfort) which followed that very sorrow.- [42] , more abundantly rather [exceedingly the more]) That feeling rather [] takes the name of joy than comfort; and the joy was, , mor abundant, than the comfort. So with the superlative, 2Co 12:9 : for [43] [autem], yea and, is put here with striking effect.
[42] Tischend. and Lachm. stop thus: . , etc. The is put after by Rec. Text. But after by BCD() Gfg Vulg.-ED.
[43] The omission, however, of the particle both in the margin of the 2d Ed. and in the Germ. Ver., is thought to be not quite so certain.-E. B.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Co 7:13
2Co 7:13
Therefore we have been comforted:-Inasmuch as they heard him and turned to God and found comfort, he had been comforted in them.
and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all.-Pauls joy had been enhanced by the joy of Titus, whose spirit instead of being depressed by his visit to them, as he feared, was refreshed and strengthened by their course. [Evidently Titus had accepted Pauls commission with misgivings. He had spoken encouragingly to Titus of the Corinthians, and he is delighted that their reception of him had shown that his confidence was justified.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
we were: 2Co 2:3, Rom 12:15, 1Co 12:26, 1Co 13:5-7, Phi 2:28, 1Pe 3:8
because: 2Co 7:15, Rom 15:32, 1Co 16:13, 2Ti 1:16, Phm 1:20
Reciprocal: Psa 71:21 – comfort Isa 51:19 – by whom Rom 1:12 – that I may 1Co 16:18 – they 1Th 3:7 – we were Tit 1:4 – Titus Phm 1:7 – the bowels
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Co 7:13. Paul found joy in seeing Titus comforted (verse 7), now he has joy over that of the Corinthians, also rejoices that Titus is refreshed or encouraged.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Co 7:13. Therefore we were comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all (as already stated, 2Co 7:7). The exuberance of feeling here can be explained only by a combination of thingsthe extraordinary hold that this church of Corinth had taken upon his interest and affections, as in all its circumstances the most wonderful fruit which his apostolic labours had ever producedinsomuch that he had held them up boastingly to other churches; the deep disappointment which divisions and disorders among themselves had occasioned; the heart-breaking distress and alarm for them which the breaking forth of old sensualities, and the manifestations of incipient scepticism on such vital matters as the resurrection, had caused; the feverish anxiety with which he awaited the arrival of Titus, to know whether his sharp letter to them had been well or ill taken; and now, the fact that not only had the effect of his Epistle far exceeded his expectation, but that Titus himself had come to him brimful of the comfort he had had in them and the delightful fellowship he had enjoyed amongst them.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
That is, in all the forementioned effects and fruits, signs and evidences of a true repentance, which were found in you, and are matter of great comfort to you, we are also comforted with you; and we also had a superadded joy, for the joy that Titus conceived, upon his understanding of your affairs; also your ready compliance with the duties and directions given you in my former epistle, did wonderfully refresh and rejoice his spirit; and in all these your consolations and comforts am I comforted.
Hence learn, That such is the intimate and endeared union between the ministers and members of Jesus Christ, that they are comforted with one another’s comforts, and afflicted with each other’s sorrows and sufferings.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Verse 13 Because they received Paul’s message and turned back to God, Paul was comforted. Paul had further joy in that Titus had not been depressed but uplifted. It appears that Titus had misgivings about delivering the letter to Corinth.
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
Therefore we have been comforted: and in our comfort we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all. [Therefore, as we have said before, our anxiety has been removed, and we have been comforted when we have seen how you have obeyed us, and stood the test which we imposed upon you, and our joy has been greatly increased as we have seen the joy felt by Titus at your conduct.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 13
Your comfort; comfort in you, that is, in the intelligence which Titus brought respecting you.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Titus’ encouragement at their response 7:13-16
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Titus, who had observed the Corinthians’ repentance, had increased Paul’s joy further by reporting that to him. Paul’s words of praise for his readers before he had sent Titus to them had proved worthy in view of their response to Paul’s messenger and his message.
"Paul’s relief stemmed from the fact that his generous assurances to Titus about the Corinthians had not proved unfounded and therefore embarrassing (2Co 7:14). On the contrary (alla), just as his own truthfulness had been vindicated at Corinth (cf. 2Co 1:18-20), so also his boasting about them had now proved fully justified." [Note: Harris, p. 365.]
"Paul’s attitude shows how excellent a director of their spiritual interests he is: not hesitating to reprove what is amiss, but yet warmly and sympathetically encouraging them in the true emotions of those whose hearts are regenerate, which is the best way of ensuring that their past errors will not be repeated." [Note: Hughes, p. 280.]