II Corinthians 7:4
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Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
boldness of speech--(compare Co2 6:11). glorying of you--Not only do I speak with unreserved openness to you, but I glory (boast) greatly to others in your behalf, in speaking of you. filled with comfort--at the report of Titus (Co2 7:6-7, Co2 7:9, Co2 7:13; Co2 1:4). exceeding joyful--Greek, I overabound with joy (Co2 7:7, Co2 7:9, Co2 7:16). our tribulation--described in Co2 7:5; also in Co2 4:7-8; Co2 6:4-5.
Open source ↗This chapter begins with an exhortation to progressive holiness and a due regard to the ministers of the gospel (Co2 7:1-4). Then the apostle returns from a long digression to speak further of the affair concerning the incestuous person, and tells them what comfort he received in his distress about that matter, upon his meeting with Titus (Co2 7:5-7), and how re rejoiced in their repentance, with the evidences thereof (Co2 7:8-11). And, lastly, he concludes with endeavouring to comfort the Corinthians, upon whom his admonitions had had so good an effect (Co2 7:12-16).
Open source ↗7:4 All our troubles might refer to Paul’s many hardships (6:5) or his problems with the Corinthians themselves. Either way, he was filled with joy because the church’s response had greatly encouraged him (as he explains in 7:5-16).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
I always thank my God for you because of the grace He has given you in Christ Jesus.
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.
But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.