2-е Коринфянам 7:11

Confirmation of Co2 7:10 from the Corinthians' own experience. carefulness--solicitude, literally, "diligence"; opposed to their past negligence in the matter. in you--Greek "for you." yea--not only "carefulness" or diligence, but also "clearing of yourselves," namely, to me by Titus: anxiety to show you disapproved of the deed. indignation--against the offender. fear--of the wrath of God, and of sinning any more [SCLATER and CALVIN]; fear of Paul [GROTIUS], (Co1 4:2, Co1 4:19-21). vehement desire--longing for restoration to Paul's approval [CONYBEARE and HOWSON]. "Fear" is in spite of one's self. "Longing desire" is spontaneous, and implies strong love and an aspiration for correction [CALVIN]. "Desire" for the presence of Paul, as he had given them the hope of it (Co1 4:19; Co1 16:5) [GROTIUS and ESTIUS]. zeal--for right and for God's honor against what is wrong. Or, "for the good of the soul of the offender" [BENGEL]. revenge--Translate, "Exacting of punishment" (Co1 5:2-3). Their "carefulness" was exhibited in the six points just specified: "clearing of themselves," and "indignation" in relation to themselves; "fear" and "vehement desire" in respect to the apostle; "zeal" and "revenge" in respect to the offender [BENGEL]; (compare Co2 7:7). In all--the respects just stated. clear--Greek, "pure," namely, from complicity in the guilty deed. "Approved yourselves," Greek, "commended yourselves." Whatever suspicion of complicity rested on you (Co1 5:2, Co1 5:6) through your former remissness, you have cleared off by your present strenuousness in reprobating the deed.

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).