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2 Corinthians 7:8-12

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

8. For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though [it were] but for a season. 9. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, [what] clearing of yourselves, yea, [what] indignation, yea, [what] fear, yea, [what] vehement desire, yea, [what] zeal, yea, [what] revenge! In all [things] ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, [I did it] not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

2 Corinthians 7:8-12 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 7:8

Theological / Devotional

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).

By SdaBc