2 Corinthians 7:9

Now I rejoice. To inflict pain upon the Corinthians or to cause them grief was a matter of regret to Paul, but he took comfort in the thought that the pain and grief were only temporary. Furthermore, all this had led to genuine repentance on the part of the majority. Flesitancy to impose even the least distress upon others, except where there is absolute need, is one mark of a true minister. Those whose burden is to wound or to inflict injury upon the flock or the shepherds to the flock by sharp words and a hostile attitude, reveal the character of wolves.

Repentance. Greek metanoia, literally, “a change of mind.” The word translated “repent” (metamelomai) in verse 8 signifies mere regret. In Matthew 27:3 it signifies shallow, false repentance, or remorse. It means reflecting upon one’s sins with a keen sense of regret but without any softened feelings or the real change of attitude that marks the true penitent. On the other hand, metanoia, the word here used, specifically denotes a change of mind, and implies that the change is for the better and produces good results (Matthew 12:41; Mark 1:15; Luke 11:32; Acts 3:19; 26:20; Hebrews 12:17; Revelation 2:5; etc.).

A reformation of the life is an infinitely more decisive test of the value of repentance than the depth of one’s grief. It was the keynote of the preaching of John the Baptist, of Jesus, and of the apostles (Matthew 3:2, 8, 11, 17; Mark 2:17; Acts 5:31; Romans 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25). True repentance makes the angels sing with joy (Luke 15:7). See on 2 Corinthians 7:10.

After a godly manner. See on verse 10.

Receive damage. Greek zemiod, “to sustain damage,” “to receive injury,” “to suffer loss.” Great profit had come to the church from accepting and acting upon the counsel set forth in Paul’s former epistle; loss would have been incurred only from rejecting that counsel. Sorrow “after a godly manner” brought gain; the “sorrow of the world” (verse 10) would have resulted in loss.