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2 Corinthians 7

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‹ Chapter 6 2 Corinthians — All Chapters Chapter 8 ›

1 Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you. 4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows. 5 For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, 7 and not only by his arrival, but also by the comfort he had received from you. He told us about your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced all the more. 8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time. 9 And now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong or the one who was harmed, but rather that your earnestness on our behalf would be made clear to you in the sight of God. 13 On account of this, we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were even more delighted by the joy of Titus. For his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14 Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 And his affection for you is even greater when he remembers that you were all obedient as you welcomed him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.

‹ Chapter 6 2 Corinthians — All Chapters Chapter 8 ›

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 7

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Chapter Summary

In 2 Corinthians chapter 7, Paul expresses his joy and gratitude towards the Corinthian church for their positive response to his previous letter. He commends them for their repentance and forgiveness, and encourages them to continue in their pursuit of holiness. Paul also defends his apostleship and ministry, citing the example of Titus, who had been sent to Corinth to collect an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The chapter concludes with Paul's expression of confidence in the church's ability to complete the collection, and his desire to visit them again soon, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 and 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.

Context for the Chapter

2 Corinthians chapter 7 is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, which was written in response to a previous letter that had been sent to the church. The chapter is a continuation of Paul's defense of his apostleship and ministry, and serves as a conclusion to the previous chapter, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 and 2 Corinthians 7:2-4. The chapter is also part of the larger narrative of the New Testament, which emphasizes the importance of holiness, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the life of a believer.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to strive for holiness and purity in our lives, just as Paul encouraged the Corinthian church. We must also be willing to forgive and reconcile with others, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about being holy and pure, and about forgiving and reconciling with others. Paul encourages the Corinthian church to strive for holiness, and to forgive and reconcile with each other, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.

Voices from the Church

“The greatest joy of a Christian is to be holy, and the greatest holiness is to be like Christ.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“We are not our own, but belong to God, and are therefore bound to live for Him and according to His will, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction and Greeting (2 Corinthians 7:1-4) — Paul introduces the chapter by encouraging the Corinthian church to strive for holiness and purity, and expresses his joy and gratitude towards them for their positive response to his previous letter.
  2. Paul's Defense of His Apostleship (2 Corinthians 7:2-4) — Paul defends his apostleship and ministry, citing the example of Titus, who had been sent to Corinth to collect an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
  3. The Importance of Forgiveness and Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 7:5-12) — Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in restoring relationships, and encourages the Corinthian church to forgive and reconcile with each other.
  4. Paul's Confidence in the Church (2 Corinthians 7:13-14) — Paul expresses his confidence in the church's ability to complete the collection, and his desire to visit them again soon.
  5. Conclusion (2 Corinthians 7:15-16) — Paul concludes the chapter by expressing his gratitude towards the church for their obedience and cooperation, and encourages them to continue in their pursuit of holiness.

Core Doctrines

Sanctification
This chapter teaches that sanctification is the process of becoming holy and pure, and that it is a lifelong pursuit for believers, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Forgiveness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in restoring relationships, and encourages believers to forgive and reconcile with each other, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
Reconciliation
The chapter highlights the power of reconciliation in restoring relationships, and encourages believers to strive for reconciliation with each other, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4 and 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.
Apostleship
The chapter defends the apostleship of Paul, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4.

Lessons from 2 Corinthians 7

  1. The Importance of Holiness — This chapter teaches us that holiness and purity are essential for believers, and that we must strive for them in our lives, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
  2. The Power of Forgiveness — The chapter highlights the power of forgiveness in restoring relationships, and encourages us to forgive and reconcile with each other, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
  3. The Importance of Reconciliation — The chapter emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in restoring relationships, and encourages us to strive for reconciliation with each other, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4 and 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.
  4. The Importance of Recognizing and Respecting Spiritual Leaders — The chapter defends the apostleship of Paul, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4.
  5. The Importance of Demonstrating Love and Appreciation for Spiritual Leaders — The chapter encourages us to demonstrate our love and appreciation for our spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.

Themes from 2 Corinthians 7

  1. Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the life of a believer, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1.
  2. Forgiveness — The chapter highlights the power of forgiveness in restoring relationships, and encourages believers to forgive and reconcile with each other, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
  3. Reconciliation — The chapter emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in restoring relationships, and encourages believers to strive for reconciliation with each other, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4 and 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.
  4. Apostleship — The chapter defends the apostleship of Paul, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4.
  5. Love and Appreciation for Spiritual Leaders — The chapter encourages believers to demonstrate their love and appreciation for their spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does it mean to strive for holiness and purity in our lives, and how can we apply this principle in our daily lives, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1?
  2. How can we forgive and reconcile with others, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11?
  3. What is the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4?
  4. How can we balance the need for holiness and purity with the need for forgiveness and reconciliation, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 2 Corinthians 7:10-11?
  5. What are some practical ways that we can demonstrate our love and appreciation for our spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:13-14?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction and Greeting (2 Corinthians 7:1-4)

2 Corinthians 7:1 Paul encourages the Corinthian church to strive for holiness and purity, and expresses his joy and gratitude towards them for their positive response to his previous letter.
2 Corinthians 7:2 Paul defends his apostleship and ministry, citing the example of Titus, who had been sent to Corinth to collect an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 7:3 Paul expresses his confidence in the church's ability to complete the collection, and his desire to visit them again soon.
2 Corinthians 7:4 Paul expresses his joy and gratitude towards the church for their obedience and cooperation.

2. The Importance of Forgiveness and Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 7:5-12)

2 Corinthians 7:5 Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in restoring relationships, and encourages the Corinthian church to forgive and reconcile with each other.
2 Corinthians 7:6 Paul encourages the church to comfort and edify each other, and to strive for reconciliation with each other.
2 Corinthians 7:7 Paul expresses his confidence in the church's ability to complete the collection, and his desire to visit them again soon.
2 Corinthians 7:8 Paul defends his apostleship and ministry, citing the example of Titus, who had been sent to Corinth to collect an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 7:9 Paul encourages the church to repent and turn away from sin, and to strive for holiness and purity.
2 Corinthians 7:10 Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in restoring relationships, and encourages the church to forgive and reconcile with each other.
2 Corinthians 7:11 Paul encourages the church to demonstrate their love and appreciation for their spiritual leaders, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.
2 Corinthians 7:12 Paul expresses his confidence in the church's ability to complete the collection, and his desire to visit them again soon.

3. Conclusion (2 Corinthians 7:13-16)

2 Corinthians 7:13 Paul expresses his joy and gratitude towards the church for their obedience and cooperation.
2 Corinthians 7:14 Paul encourages the church to demonstrate their love and appreciation for their spiritual leaders.
2 Corinthians 7:15 Paul expresses his confidence in the church's ability to complete the collection, and his desire to visit them again soon.
2 Corinthians 7:16 Paul concludes the chapter by expressing his gratitude towards the church for their obedience and cooperation, and encourages them to continue in their pursuit of holiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 2 Corinthians chapter 7?

The main theme of 2 Corinthians chapter 7 is the importance of holiness, forgiveness, and reconciliation in the life of a believer, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.

How can we apply the principle of holiness in our daily lives?

We can apply the principle of holiness in our daily lives by striving to be set apart for God's purposes, and by pursuing purity and righteousness in all aspects of our lives, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1.

What is the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders?

Recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders is important because it allows us to demonstrate our love and appreciation for them, and to submit to their guidance and leadership, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:2-4.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Corinthians 7:1 → Leviticus 11:44 The concept of holiness is rooted in the Old Testament, where God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy, as seen in Leviticus 11:44.
2 2 Corinthians 7:10 → Matthew 6:14-15 The importance of forgiveness is emphasized in the teachings of Jesus, who commands us to forgive others in order to be forgiven by God, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15.
3 2 Corinthians 7:2 → 1 Timothy 4:12 The example of Titus, who was sent to Corinth to collect an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem, is an example of the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:12.
4 2 Corinthians 7:5 → Psalm 51:17 The concept of a broken and contrite heart is rooted in the Old Testament, where David expresses his repentance and sorrow for his sin, as seen in Psalm 51:17.
5 2 Corinthians 7:7 → 1 Thessalonians 5:11 The importance of encouraging and edifying one another is emphasized in the teachings of Paul, who commands the Thessalonian church to encourage and edify each other, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
6 2 Corinthians 7:9 → Ezekiel 18:30 The concept of repentance is rooted in the Old Testament, where God commands the Israelites to turn away from their sin and towards Him, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30.
7 2 Corinthians 7:11 → Philippians 2:3-4 The importance of humility and lowliness is emphasized in the teachings of Paul, who commands the Philippians to consider others more important than themselves, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4.
8 2 Corinthians 7:14 → Hebrews 13:7 The importance of recognizing and respecting the authority of spiritual leaders is emphasized in the book of Hebrews, where the author commands the readers to obey their leaders and submit to their authority, as seen in Hebrews 13:7.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 7

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson (Costa Rica) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of refreshment and how it can come in times of rejection and despair. He uses the example of David, who was feeling rejected and h
David Wilkerson (Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended u
Basilea Schlink (Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi
J. Edwin Orr The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize
A.W. Tozer Marks of the Elect by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of moral sensitivity and how it relates to the reception of the gospel. He emphasizes that not everyone is receptive to the messa
Carter Conlon Glory of God in Dry Places by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher discusses the common struggle that believers face when they leave the sanctuary and enter a hostile world. He emphasizes that the devil continuously bo
Paul Washer Don't Expect a Perfect Repentance by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher addresses the common struggle of individuals who feel unable to be saved, repent, or believe in God. He acknowledges the superficiality of some salvati
Milton Green (Fury of Fire) 04 - Shrinking Back to Destruction by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation in the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker enco
Zac Poonen (Basics) 7. Repentance by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difficulty people have in asking for forgiveness due to their pride. He explains that in order to receive forgiveness from God, one must
Zac Poonen God's Dwelling Place - 1st Floor, a Clean Heart by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing God to work in our hearts before we can effectively serve Him. He highlights the need for obedience and surrender

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 7

In this chapter, Paul expresses his joy and gratitude towards the Corinthian church for their positive response to his previous letter. He encourages them to strive for holiness and purity, and to forgive and reconcile with each other, just as God has forgiven and reconciled us through Christ. The chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, and of the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in our relationships with others. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is a doctrine of reconciliation, and it is the business of ministers to promote reconciliation between God and sinners, and between sinners and sinners.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Paul's Emotional Expression

Paul expresses a range of emotions in this chapter, from joy and gratitude to concern and relief, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:4-7 and 2 Corinthians 7:13-14.

The Importance of Holiness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the life of a believer, as stated in 2 Corinthians 7:1.

The Power of Forgiveness

The chapter highlights the power of forgiveness and reconciliation in restoring relationships, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 and 2 Corinthians 7:2-4.

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