For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you. For through many tearsThe phrase "through many tears" reveals the deep emotional state of the Apostle Paul as he writes to the Corinthians. The Greek word for "tears" is "δάκρυα" (dakrya), which signifies genuine sorrow and emotional pain. This expression underscores the sincerity and vulnerability of Paul, who, despite his apostolic authority, is not afraid to show his humanity. Historically, tears were often seen as a sign of earnestness and truthfulness, indicating that Paul's message is heartfelt and sincere. I wrote to you
The act of writing, "I wrote to you," emphasizes the personal and direct communication Paul had with the Corinthian church. The Greek verb "ἔγραψα" (egrapsa) indicates a past action with ongoing relevance, suggesting that Paul's previous letter was meant to have a lasting impact. In the historical context, letters were a primary means of communication for early Christians, serving as a vital tool for teaching, correction, and encouragement. out of great distress
The phrase "out of great distress" highlights the intense emotional turmoil Paul experienced. The Greek word for "distress" is "θλίψεως" (thlipseōs), which can also mean tribulation or pressure. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe the trials faced by believers. Paul's distress was not just personal but was deeply connected to his pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians. and anguish of heart
"Anguish of heart" further intensifies the emotional weight Paul carried. The Greek word "συνοχῆς" (synochēs) for "anguish" conveys a sense of being tightly pressed or constrained, reflecting the internal struggle Paul faced. The "heart" (καρδία, kardia) in biblical terms often represents the center of emotions and will. This phrase indicates that Paul's concern was not superficial but deeply rooted in his innermost being. not to grieve you
Paul clarifies his intention with "not to grieve you," showing his pastoral sensitivity. The Greek word "λυπήσω" (lypēsō) for "grieve" means to cause sorrow or distress. Paul’s aim was not to inflict pain but to address issues that needed correction. This reflects a biblical principle of speaking the truth in love, balancing correction with compassion. but to let you know
The phrase "but to let you know" indicates Paul's purpose in writing. The Greek "γνῶτε" (gnōte) implies a deep, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. Paul desired the Corinthians to fully grasp the reasons behind his previous actions and words, fostering a deeper relationship and understanding. the depth of my love
Finally, "the depth of my love" reveals the ultimate motivation behind Paul's letter. The Greek word "ἀγάπην" (agapēn) for "love" is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. This love is reflective of Christ's love for the church, which Paul emulates. The "depth" (περισσοτέρως, perissoterōs) suggests an abundant, overflowing love that surpasses ordinary affection. Historically, this kind of love was counter-cultural, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel in relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He is expressing his deep emotional state and love for the Corinthian church. 2. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece where the church Paul is addressing is located. Known for its diverse culture and moral challenges. 3. The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers facing various issues, including divisions and moral lapses. 4. Paul's Previous LetterRefers to a previous letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians, which was stern and corrective in nature. 5. Paul's Emotional StateThe distress and anguish Paul felt, demonstrating his pastoral heart and deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians. Teaching Points The Heart of a PastorPaul’s tears and anguish reveal the heart of a true pastor who deeply cares for his flock. Pastoral ministry involves emotional investment and genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of others. The Purpose of CorrectionCorrection in the church is not meant to harm but to heal and restore. Paul’s intention was to express love and guide the Corinthians back to righteousness. Expressing Love Through TruthTrue love sometimes requires difficult conversations. Paul’s letter, though painful, was an expression of his deep love for the Corinthians. Emotional Transparency in LeadershipPaul’s openness about his feelings sets an example for leaders to be transparent and vulnerable, fostering trust and authenticity in relationships. Balancing Truth and LovePaul exemplifies the balance between truth and love, showing that both are necessary for healthy relationships and spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Paul’s emotional transparency in 2 Corinthians 2:4 challenge our understanding of leadership within the church? 2. In what ways can we apply Paul’s example of balancing truth and love in our own relationships? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to correct someone out of love. How did you ensure that your intentions were clear and loving? 4. How can we cultivate a heart like Paul’s, one that deeply cares for the spiritual well-being of others? 5. What other biblical examples can you find where leaders expressed deep emotional concern for those they were leading? How do these examples inform our approach to leadership and discipleship today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Corinthians 5Paul previously addressed issues of immorality in the Corinthian church, which likely contributed to his distress. Acts 18Provides background on Paul's initial ministry in Corinth, establishing the church and his relationship with them. Philippians 1:8Paul expresses a similar deep affection for the Philippians, showing his consistent pastoral love across different churches. Galatians 4:19Paul describes his labor for the Galatians as akin to childbirth, highlighting his deep emotional investment in the spiritual growth of believers. 2 Corinthians 7:8-9Paul reflects on the impact of his previous letter, showing that his intention was not to cause grief but to lead to repentance. People Corinthians, Paul, TitusPlaces Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia, TroasTopics Abundant, Abundantly, Affliction, Anguish, Brimful, Cause, Deep, Depression, Depth, Distress, Especially, Grieve, Grieved, Heart, Hope, Letter, Love, Order, Pain, Pressure, Showing, Sorrow, Sorrowful, Sorry, Spirit, Suffering, Tears, Towards, Tribulation, Trouble, Weeping, WroteDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 2:4 4813 depth
5017 heart, renewal
5198 weeping
5559 stress
5781 affection
5782 agony
8239 earnestness
8298 love, for one another 2 Corinthians 2:1-5 5436 pain 2 Corinthians 2:2-5 5970 unhappiness 2 Corinthians 2:4-5 5952 sorrow Library The Triumphal Procession
'Thanks be unto God, which always leadeth us in triumph in Christ and maketh manifest through us the savour of His knowledge in every place.'--2 COR. ii. 14 (R.V.) I suppose most of us have some knowledge of what a Roman Triumph was, and can picture to ourselves the long procession, the victorious general in his chariot with its white horses, the laurelled soldiers, the sullen captives, with suppressed hate flashing in their sunken eyes, the wreathing clouds of incense that went up into the blue …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)The Two Effects of the Gospel
And, my brethren, how sweet is that consolation which Paul applied to his own heart amid all his troubles. "Notwithstanding all," he says, "God makes known the savour of his knowledge by us in every place." Ah! with this thought a minister may lay his head upon his pillow: "God makes manifest the savour of his knowledge." With this he may shut his eyes when his career is over, and with this he may open them in heaven: "God hath made known by me the savour of his knowledge in every place," Then follow …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855 Since These Things are So, Because it were Too Long to Treat Thoroughly Of...
35. Since these things are so, because it were too long to treat thoroughly of all that in that "Pound" [2458] of Dictinius are set down as precedents of lying, meet to be imitated, it seemeth to me that this is the rule to which not only these, but whatever such there be, must be reduced. Namely, either what is believed to be a lie must be shown not to be such; whether it be where a truth is left untold, and yet no falsehood told; or where a true signification willeth one thing to be understood …
St. Augustine—Against Lying "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C.
James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c. The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light, and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude of graces. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning There Resulteth Then from all These this Sentence...
41. There resulteth then from all these this sentence, that a lie which doth not violate the doctrine of piety, nor piety itself, nor innocence, nor benevolence, may on behalf of pudicity of body be admitted. And yet if any man should propose to himself so to love truth, not only that which consists in contemplation, but also in uttering the true thing, which each in its own kind of things is true, and no otherwise to bring forth with the mouth of the body his thought than in the mind it is conceived …
St. Augustine—On Lying On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity.
THE investigation of that important and extensive subject which includes what have been usually designated as The Evidences of Revelation,' has prescriptively occupied a considerable space in the field of theological literature, especially as cultivated in England. There is scarcely one, perhaps, of our more eminent divines who has not in a greater or less degree distinguished himself in this department, and scarcely an aspirant for theological distinction who has not thought it one of the surest …
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul.
To Leontius, Ex-Consul. Gregory to Leontius, &c. Since in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some indeed to honour but some to dishonour (2 Tim. ii. 20), who can be ignorant that in the bosom of the Universal Church some as vessels of dishonour are deputed to the lowest uses, but others, as vessels of honour, are fitted for clean uses. And yet it commonly comes to pass that the citizens of Babylon serve in task-work for Jerusalem, while …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service.
In our examination of the nature and meaning of the Lord's Supper, we have found that it is indeed a most important and holy Sacrament. It is in fact the most sacred of all the ordinances of the Church on earth. There is nothing beyond it--nothing so heavenly, on this side heaven, as this Feast. Nowhere else does the believer approach so near to heaven as when he stands or kneels, as a communicant at this altar, the Holy of Holies in the Church of Christ. What a solemn act! To approach this altar, …
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1] …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Things Pertaining to the Kingdom.
"Now is there solemn pause in earth and heaven; The Conqueror now His bonds hath riven, And Angels wonder why He stays below; Yet hath not man his lesson learned, How endless love should be returned." Hitherto our thoughts about "The Kingdom of Heaven" have been founded on the teaching of the King respecting His Kingdom recorded in the Gospels. But we must not forget to give attention to the very important time in the life of our Lord extending between His Resurrection and Ascension, during which …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it? Elucidations.
I. (Such as have lapsed, cap. vii. p. 660.) The penitential system of the Primitive days, referred to in our author, began to be changed when less public confessions were authorized, on account of the scandals which publicity generated. Changes were as follows: 1. A grave presbyter was appointed to receive and examine voluntary penitents as the Penitentiary of a diocese, and to suspend or reconcile them with due solemnities--circa a.d. 250. 2. This plan also became encumbered with difficulties and …
Tertullian—On Repentance Letter cxx. To Hedibia.
At the request of Hedibia, a lady of Gaul much interested in the study of scripture, Jerome deals with the following twelve questions. It will be noticed that several of them belong to the historical criticism of our own day. (1) How can anyone be perfect? and How ought a widow without children to live to God? (2) What is the meaning of Matt. xxvi. 29? (3) How are the discrepancies in the evangelical narratives to be accounted for? How can Matt. xxviii. 1 be reconciled with Mark xvi. 1, 2. (4) How …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome And for Your Fearlessness against them Hold this Sure Sign -- Whenever There Is...
43. And for your fearlessness against them hold this sure sign--whenever there is any apparition, be not prostrate with fear, but whatsoever it be, first boldly ask, Who art thou? And from whence comest thou? And if it should be a vision of holy ones they will assure you, and change your fear into joy. But if the vision should be from the devil, immediately it becomes feeble, beholding your firm purpose of mind. For merely to ask, Who art thou [1083] ? and whence comest thou? is a proof of coolness. …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius Links 2 Corinthians 2:4 NIV2 Corinthians 2:4 NLT2 Corinthians 2:4 ESV2 Corinthians 2:4 NASB2 Corinthians 2:4 KJV
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