2 Corinthians 7:8

Made … sorry. Greek lupeo, “to make sad,” “to cause grief” (cf. verse 2). The former letter of which Paul speaks had been one of stern rebuke for the evils that prevailed and were tolerated at Corinth. That former letter had accomplished its purpose (see on verses 7, 11).

A letter. That is, 1 Corinthians (see p. 822).

Repent. Greek metamelomai, “regret.” Apparently after sending that previous letter Paul had questioned the wisdom of writing it, uncertain as to whether he had done the right thing, whether he had expressed himself in the best way, whether his words reflected the right spirit, and whether he would be misunderstood. Paul felt the anxiety most people would feel under similar circumstances. What he had done was not wrong in any way, but he had serious misgivings as to whether it would accomplish the objective he had in view. An open break between Paul and the Corinthians appeared almost inevitable. There was the possibility that they might repudiate his apostolic authority and spiritual leadership altogether. The effect upon other churches of such a course of action on the part of so important a church as that at Corinth, would be disastrous. The cause of God among the Gentiles was at stake.

The same epistle. Or, 1 Corinthians (see p. 822).