2 Corinthians 7:7

and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more.

Study Bible

and not only by his arrival
This phrase refers to the arrival of Titus, who was sent by Paul to Corinth. Titus's arrival was significant because it brought news from the Corinthian church, which was a source of comfort to Paul. In the context of the early church, personal visits were crucial for communication and relationship-building, as letters could take a long time to be delivered. Titus's presence was a tangible sign of the connection between Paul and the Corinthians.

but also by the comfort he had received from you
The Corinthians had provided comfort to Titus, which in turn comforted Paul. This reflects the mutual support and encouragement that characterized the early Christian communities. The comfort given to Titus likely included hospitality and a positive reception, which was important in a time when travel was arduous and often dangerous. This mutual comfort is a practical outworking of the love and unity that Paul often emphasizes in his letters.

He told us about your longing
Titus reported to Paul the Corinthians' longing, which indicates their desire to be reconciled with Paul and to maintain a strong relationship with him. This longing can be seen as a response to Paul's previous letter, which was written with a heavy heart to address issues within the church. The Corinthians' longing reflects their repentance and desire to align with Paul's teachings.

your mourning
The mourning mentioned here likely refers to the Corinthians' sorrow over their previous behavior and the divisions within their church. This mourning is a sign of genuine repentance, which is a key theme in Paul's letters. It aligns with the biblical principle that godly sorrow leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), contrasting with worldly sorrow that leads to death.

and your zeal for me
The Corinthians' zeal for Paul indicates their renewed commitment to his apostolic authority and teachings. This zeal is a positive response to Paul's earlier rebukes and corrections. In the broader biblical context, zeal is often associated with fervent devotion and enthusiasm for God's work, as seen in the zeal of Jesus for His Father's house (John 2:17).

so that I rejoiced all the more
Paul's joy is a result of the Corinthians' positive response and transformation. This joy is not just personal satisfaction but is deeply rooted in the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church. Paul's rejoicing is consistent with his pastoral heart and his desire for the churches to grow in faith and unity. This joy also reflects the biblical principle that there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, expressing his joy and relief upon hearing about the Corinthians' response.

2. Titus
A fellow worker and messenger of Paul who brought news of the Corinthians' repentance and longing for Paul.

3. Corinthians
The recipients of the letter, a church community in Corinth that had previously been in conflict with Paul but had shown signs of repentance and reconciliation.

4. Macedonia
The region where Paul was when he received the encouraging report from Titus about the Corinthians.

5. The Comfort
The emotional and spiritual relief Paul experienced upon hearing of the Corinthians' positive response and change of heart.

Teaching Points

The Power of Reconciliation
The Corinthians' change of heart and reconciliation with Paul highlights the transformative power of repentance and forgiveness in Christian relationships.

The Role of Encouragement
Titus' report brought immense comfort to Paul, demonstrating the importance of sharing good news and encouragement within the body of Christ.

Longing and Zeal for Spiritual Leaders
The Corinthians' longing and zeal for Paul serve as a model for how believers should honor and support their spiritual leaders.

The Joy of Spiritual Growth
Paul's joy upon hearing of the Corinthians' spiritual progress underscores the deep satisfaction that comes from witnessing others grow in their faith.

The Importance of Godly Sorrow
The Corinthians' mourning over their previous actions reflects a godly sorrow that leads to repentance, as discussed later in 2 Corinthians 7:10.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the comfort Paul received from Titus' report reflect the nature of Christian fellowship and community?

2. In what ways can we actively encourage and support our spiritual leaders, as the Corinthians did for Paul?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced reconciliation in a relationship. How did it impact your spiritual journey?

4. How can we cultivate a longing and zeal for spiritual growth in our own lives and in the lives of others?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our sorrow over sin leads to genuine repentance and transformation, as seen in the Corinthians' response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
This passage speaks about God as the "God of all comfort," which ties into the comfort Paul received through Titus' report.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-7
Similar to the joy Paul felt from the Corinthians, he also experienced comfort and joy from the Thessalonians' faith and love.

Philippians 1:8
Paul's deep affection and longing for the believers, similar to the Corinthians' longing for him.

Acts 18:1-11
Provides background on Paul's initial ministry in Corinth and the establishment of the church there.

Galatians 4:19-20
Reflects Paul's deep concern and emotional investment in the spiritual well-being of the churches he ministered to.