II Corinthians 7:7

when he told us--Greek, "telling us." We shared in the comfort which Titus felt in recording your desire (Co2 7:13). He rejoiced in telling the news; we in hearing them [ALFORD]. earnest desire--Greek, "longing desire," namely, to see me [GROTIUS]; or, in general, towards me, to please me. mourning--over your own remissness in not having immediately punished the sin (Co1 5:1, &c.) which called forth my rebuke. fervent mind--Greek, "zeal" (compare Co2 7:11; Joh 2:17). toward me--Greek, "for me"; for my sake. They in Paul's behalf showed the zeal against the sin which Paul would have shown had he been present. rejoiced the more--more than before, at the mere coming of Titus.

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).