2 Corinthians 7:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

NIV: But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

NASB: But God, who comforts the discouraged, comforted us by the arrival of Titus;

CSB: But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,

NLT: But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

KJV: Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

NKJV: Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

Paul has described his great distress while waiting for Titus to return from his visit to the Corinthians. Paul was worried and fearful for several reasons. For one, he had sent Titus with a severe letter of rebuke for the Corinthians about his previous, painful visit with them. He had instructed them to correct an influential man among them guilty of sin. How would they receive Paul's letter? Would they reject him and his correction? Would they repent and change course? Paul may also have been concerned about Titus' well-being since Titus failed to show up for an arranged meeting with Paul in Troas. On top of all of that, Paul and his co-workers may have been afflicted by additional opposition in Macedonia that contributed to his stress.

Now, though, Paul reports that God provided for him great comfort when Titus returned with his good report from Corinth, resolving both the issue of Titus' safety and the Corinthians' response to Paul's letter. The following verses will reveal that the Corinthians did, indeed, repent from their sin and express their love for Paul.

It's important to notice that Paul openly admitted to experiencing fear and great emotional distress. In doing so, he acknowledges that these states of mind may be experienced by believers, including those in ministry. Christians may experience feeling downcast sometimes. That is not evidence that God has abandoned them or that they are being sinful.

It is equally important to notice that Paul describes God as the one who comforts the downcast or discouraged. This is from the Greek term tapeinous, which implies something placed low, humbled, or reduced. God is the ultimate source of comfort for believers who are experiencing emotional distress. That is one of the ways He provides for His children.

Second Corinthians 7:2–16 begins with Paul urging the Corinthians to make room in their hearts for him and his co-workers for the gospel. He then describes the great affliction they were under until Titus returned from a visit to Corinth. Titus' report that the Corinthians had responded to a severe rebuke from Paul with sadness and repentance brought Paul great comfort and caused him to rejoice. Titus, too, expressed affection for the Corinthians after seeing their obedience and humility. Paul concludes by declaring his complete confidence in the Corinthians, though he will discuss other difficult issues in the following chapters.

Verse 1 concludes the previous chapter's declaration that believers, as God's holy people, must cleanse their lives of defilement. Next, Paul urges the Corinthians once more to make room in their hearts for him and his co-workers. He expresses his great comfort and joy over Titus' report that they received a letter of rebuke from him with sorrow and repentance, eager to make things right. He is glad to hear that Titus was impressed with their obedience and humble attitude. This hasn't resolved all the issues between Paul and the Corinthians, but he expresses his complete confidence in them.

Second Corinthians 7 begins with a single verse concluding Paul's teaching about what it means for Christians not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. He then urges the Corinthians once more to make room in their hearts for him and his fellow ministers. He expresses enormous comfort at hearing that they have received a letter of rebuke from him with an eagerness to make things right with him. Titus, too, is impressed with their obedience and humility. Paul declares that he now has complete confidence in them. Following chapters will continue to address spiritual problems within that church.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.