2 Corinthians 7

And not only are we forbidden to form such associations, but when formed, we are expressly commanded to relinquish them. ‘Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” Chap. VII. Ver. 1—16. Paul’s consolation in the Corinthians.—This chapter opens with a natural, forcible, and important inference from the last verses of the preceding. Seeing that God hath given us such “exceedingly great and precious promises,” as St. Peter calls them, (2 Epis. i. 4,) we ought thereby to be animated to serve him with the more zeal and energy; and to labour to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness (or pollution) of the flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Not that we are able to cleanse ourselves by our own strength, much less perfectly: but as it was in the attempt of the lame man to stretch forth his hand, that he received strength, ((Matthew 12:13),) so in our endeavours to attain this holiness, we have good reason and encouragement to expect, the assistance of his Holy Spirit; and though we cannot attain perfection, yet it is only by aiming at it, that we can approach it. As to the distinction between the impurity of flesh and spirit, we conceive the former to consist in sensual affections, and the latter in pride of heart, which, however decent we may think it, is an abomination in the sight of God. After this important inference, which ought evidently to have closed the preceding chapter, St. Paul returns to speak farther of his tenderness towards the Corinthians, and of the joy which he derived from hearing of their affection towards him.

In the first place, he protests that he had in no way injured them; yet, in so saying, he means not to insinuate that they were his accusers, or any way to grieve them, for they had a deep interest in the hearts of himself and brethren: and amidst all his afflictions, he derived great consolation from hearing of their welfare, and particularly from the accounts which Titus had given him of their pious sorrow; and their earnest desire to rectify what had been wrong amongst them, and of their affectionate regard to him, notwithstanding the fidelity of his reproofs. In consequence of this, though it gave him great pain to reprove them so sharply at the time, he now rejoiced heartily in the event, and was so satisfied with their conduct, and the penitence of the offenders, that his confidence was perfectly restored towards them.

(1 Co. 1.4,) this matter… 12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did x Phi. 2.12. a c. 9, 2, 4, 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the The most important topic of remark in this chapter, is the different nature and properties of worldly and of godly sorrow, which may be distinguished in their cause, their character, and their effects. 1. They differ in their cause: worldly sorrow arises from the loss of worldly property, or carnal pleasures—from the failure of ambitious projects, or exposure to public shame. On the contrary, godly sorrow arises from a conviction of the evil nature of sin; from a painful sense of God’s anger on account of it, and an apprehension of its just and awful consequences.

2. They differ in their character: worldly sorrow is either clamorous and angry, or sullen, peevish, and revengeful, and often mingled with rebellious murmurings against God. Godly sorrow, on the other hand, is meek and silent; or if it kindles the more violent passions of anger and revenge, it points them against the sinner’s own conduct—against his sins. 3. They differ in their effects. “Worldly sorrow worketh death,” by hardening the mind in unbelief; and, as it leads the mind to despair, often ends in death, and utter destruction both of soul and body. But “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.” This repentance is the inseparable partner of faith; the Christian’s guard against apostacy, and his guide to life eternal.

Notes on the verses

Chap. VII. Ver. 2. We have wronged—Doddridge, “injured”—no man. Ver. 4. I am exceedingly joyful.—Doddridge, “I exceedingly abound in joy;” who remarks, that the expression is exceedingly emphatical. Ver. 8. For a season.—The sense is, he is glad, that though his epistle made them sorry, it was but for a season—literally, an hour. So Macknight. Ver. 10, The sorrow of the world.—The sorrow of carnal men about worldly objects, loss of fortune, fame, or friends; which, being separated from the fear and love of God, and faith in his providence and mercy, frequently drinks up their spirits, breaks their proud rebellious hearts, or drives them to lay desperate hands on themselves. See the parallel passages.

—Bagster. Ver. 11. Carefulness.—Doddridge, “diligence.” —What clearing of yourselves.—Macknight, “What apologizing.” [In describing the effects of their sorrow, the Apostle speaks of the emotions of their minds, without mentioning the objects of these emotions; which he did, as Locke observes, from modesty, and from respect to the Corinthians.] —Bagster. Chap. VIII. Ver. 1. We do you to wit.—Hammond, “Make known to you.”