Paul's love for the Corinthian believers is emphasized in verses 2-4. Paul wanted these believers to make room for him in their hearts. Paul had treated no one unjustly during his stay in Corinth. " To corrupt" means to destroy or injure either in a moral or physical sense. Neither had he taken advantage of anyone for personal gain. How important it is that every servant of God is careful to pattern his work and ministry after the example of Paul here. I find it necessary before God to be careful not to injure sinner or saint by my conduct; and when and if I do, I ask for His forgiveness. Paul is not implying that anyone had wronged him (verse 3). In saying this, though, some would feel that Paul was condemning pervious action on their part. Paul in no way is questioning their love. These people were so much a part of Paul's heart that he would gladly live or die with them. "You are nested in our heart," he said. Paul's love for these people carries the earmark of the true servant of God. One of the first lessons I learned was that you must love the people to minister to them. His exceeding joy is expressed over these people (verse 4). Paul had real confidence in these people because they knew and loved the Lord. Paul speaks highly of those to whom he was sent to minister. What a good lesson would be learned if all of God's servants remembered this. Despite all the troubles that the church had incurred, Paul was overflowing with joy on their behalf. It is always good in the midst of trial and remembering all the imperfections of the saints to look on the good side and hope for the best.

The heart of Paul was greatly encouraged by the support of the Christians at Corinth (verse 5-7). Paul faces adversity (verse 5). Some seem to think that the servants of God have no trouble or temptations. Paul faced trouble, troubled on every side and afflicted at every turn. During times like this without Christ on our side, surely the battle would be lost. Fighting and contentions without, which already in this epistle have been set before us, was a mark of carnality. "Fears within us" is not a contradiction of II Tim. 1:7, for this carries the thought that his labors would be in vain. The comfort, however, was brought by Titus (verse 6). God's comfort or office as consoler is especially comforting to those who are cast down by conflict. Remember this when you are called on to comfort some person who has come to you, for you are to be God's spokesperson. Titus brought the works that were used to bring comfort to Paul as he listened to the report. God used this message to comfort His servant. The good report is mentioned in verse 7. Titus brought the report that the Corinthian believers longed to see him. You do not long to see someone you do not love and think a lot of. He also brought word that they were sorry for the pain that their conduct had caused the Apostle. They had eagerly taken the Apostle's part against the false teachers, and this really was a source of encouragement to Paul. This support for Paul was in reality a vote for the support of the truth and holiness which gladdened Paul's heart.

The benefit that was reaped by these Corinthian Christians under chastening is found in verses 8-12. Paul did not regret sending his first letter (verse 8). He knew that his first letter would cause them heartache, but faithfulness to the Lord and love for these Corinthian believers made him faithful to the task. He regretted, though, having to send the letter. Have you ever been faithful to someone by causing them hurt at first and especially if you love them? It is very difficult. Their sorrow was but for a season, for in the long run things got straightened out. All was the better for it. Paul's joy was on the basis of their repentance and not the sorrow he caused them (verse 9). Some people act like they enjoy hurting others. They hurt fellow Christians if they have the chance and do not mind telling sinners they are going to hell. This type of person is in sad shape themselves. Paul was so happy that their sorrow had led them to a state of repentance. Their heart had changed, and they were grieved for their sin. God had so worked that Paul's letter had not produced injury but resulted in the greatest spiritual good. Godly sorrow produced repentance (verse 10). The type of repentance that God brings leads to salvation and leaves no regrets. These people had been led to a place of repentance and never would regret being brought to this position. In contrast, the sorrow of the worldly man ends in death, for the more miserable you make him, the more wicked he becomes, turning further away from God under the stress of life. Our preaching should help men to the place of Godly repentance if we are to see results. Let Godly sorrow do its work and continue to do its work (verse 11). They could look back themselves now and see what Godly sorrow had done for them and what it had produced in them. The fruits of Godly sorrow were evident. They had taken a stand against a person guilty of incest; this was proof that Paul's first letter had the effect that was hoped for. Now Paul says to be as willing to finish the job as you were to begin the task of dealing with the person guilty of sin. Paul took the stand that he did so that these people might see how much he cared for them in the sight of God (verse 12). It was not just to bring justice on the part of the person guilty of the wrong or the one who suffered the wrong but to show his sincere concern for the church in not allowing sin to go unchecked. This is why he took this stand. Also he took this stand that their care for him might be made manifest.

Paul's confidence in them was affirmed by Titus (verse 13-16). Titus brought back a glowing report of their conduct and behavior. Paul was relieved and encouraged at the result his first letter had. His delight was heightened by the person of Titus. Here in a firsthand report, Paul had heard of their good conduct. Titus was refreshed and his mind set to rest by the behavior of these believers. He had boasted of their faith and did not need to be ashamed by what Titus saw while there on his visit (verse 14). Paul had led them to Christ and says of the Church that it came behind in no gift. That is really quite a boast to make. Now the acid test comes. Will Titus find they have obeyed when the real test of life comes? The result that Titus saw proved what Paul had told him of their faith in Christ to be true. It is always a joy to hear when those you have led to Christ take a stand for the truth in difficult matters. The good attitude of the repentant child of God is seen in verse 15. Here was a genuine desire to be what God wanted them to be as evidence by their sincere effort to do all they were instructed by Titus. They were anxious to meet all the requirements which had come for Paul by the hand of Titus. When one is anxious to do right, it does not take long to straighten out some difficult problems. Notice they accepted him well. This is a result of really wanting to do the right thing. Paul was glad that he had confidence in them (verse 16). No longer did Paul need to fear the state of the Church at Corinth but was very happy that things were going so well. "I have perfect confidence in you in all things" is a rather inclusive statement. Chapters 8 and 9 have a distinctive purpose, so what is expressed here in this concluding statement holds much meaning. In view of the whole preceding discussion, I have perfect confidence in you.