---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  2 Corinthians 7"
description: "CHAPTER 7   :-. SELF-PURIFICATION
THEIR DUTY
RESULTING FROM THE
FOREGOING. HIS
LOVE TO THEM,
AND JOY AT THE GOOD
EFFECTS ON THEM
OF HIS FORMER
EPISTLE, AS"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/2-corinthians/7"
---

CHAPTER 7

. SELF-PURIFICATION
THEIR DUTY
RESULTING FROM THE
FOREGOING. HIS
LOVE TO THEM,
AND JOY AT THE GOOD
EFFECTS ON THEM
OF HIS FORMER
EPISTLE, AS REPORTED
BY TITUS.

**1. cleanse ourselves**—This is
the conclusion of the exhortation ([2 Corinthians 6:1](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/1);
[2 Corinthians 6:14](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/14); [1 John 3:3](../../../kjv/1-john/3/3);
[Revelation 22:11](../../../kjv/revelation/22/11)).
**filthiness**—"the
unclean thing" ([2 Corinthians 6:17](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/17)).
**of the flesh**—for
instance, *fornication,* prevalent at Corinth ([2 Corinthians 6:17](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/17)).
**and spirit**—for
instance, *idolatry,* direct or indirect ([1 Corinthians 6:9](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/6/9);
[1 Corinthians 8:1](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/8/1); [1 Corinthians 8:7](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/8/7);
[1 Corinthians 10:7](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/7); [1 Corinthians 10:21](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/21);
[1 Corinthians 10:22](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/22)). The spirit ([1 Corinthians 10:22](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/10/22)) receives pollution through the flesh, the instrument of
uncleanness.
**perfecting holiness**—The
*cleansing away* impurity is a positive step towards holiness
([2 Corinthians 6:17](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/17)). It is not enough to
begin; the end crowns the work ([Galatians 3:3](../../../kjv/galatians/3/3);
[Galatians 5:7](../../../kjv/galatians/5/7); [Philippians 1:6](../../../kjv/philippians/1/6)).
**fear of God**—often
conjoined with the consideration of the most glorious promises
([2 Corinthians 5:11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/5/11); [Hebrews 4:1](../../../kjv/hebrews/4/1)).
Privilege and promise go hand in hand.

**2. Receive us**—with *enlarged*
hearts ([2 Corinthians 6:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/13)).
**we have wronged . . .
corrupter . . . defrauded no man**—(compare [2 Corinthians 6:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/13)). This is the ground on which he asks their reception of
(making room for) him in their hearts. We *wronged* none by an
undue exercise of apostolic authority; [2 Corinthians 6:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/13) gives an instance in point. We have corrupted none, namely,
by beguilements and flatteries, while preaching "another
Gospel," as the false teachers did ([2 Corinthians 11:3](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/3);
[2 Corinthians 11:4](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/4)). We have defrauded none
by "making a gain" of you ([2 Corinthians 11:4](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/4)). Modestly he leaves them to supply the *positive*
good which he had done; suffering all things himself that they might
be benefited ([2 Corinthians 7:9](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/9); [2 Corinthians 7:12](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/12);
[2 Corinthians 12:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/12/13)).

**3.** In excusing myself, I do not
accuse you, as though you suspected me of such things [MENOCHIUS],
or as though you were guilty of such things; for I speak only of the
false apostles [ESTIUS and
*Greek commentators*]. Rather, "as though you were
ungrateful and treacherous" [BEZA].
**I have said before**—in
[2 Corinthians 6:11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/11); [2 Corinthians 6:12](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/12);
compare [Philippians 1:7](../../../kjv/philippians/1/7).
**die and live with you**—the
height of friendship. I am ready to die and live with you and for you
([Philippians 1:7](../../../kjv/philippians/1/7); [Philippians 1:20](../../../kjv/philippians/1/20);
[Philippians 1:24](../../../kjv/philippians/1/24); [Philippians 2:17](../../../kjv/philippians/2/17);
[Philippians 2:18](../../../kjv/philippians/2/18)). Compare as to Christ,
[John 10:11](../../../kjv/john/10/11).

**4. boldness of speech**—(compare
[2 Corinthians 6:11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/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 ([2 Corinthians 7:6](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/6);
[2 Corinthians 7:7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/7); [2 Corinthians 7:9](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/9);
[2 Corinthians 7:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/13); [2 Corinthians 1:4](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/1/4)).
**exceeding joyful**—*Greek,*
I *overabound* with joy ([2 Corinthians 7:7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/7);
[2 Corinthians 7:9](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/9); [2 Corinthians 7:16](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/16)).
**our tribulation**—described
in [2 Corinthians 7:5](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/5); also in [2 Corinthians 4:7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/7);
[2 Corinthians 4:8](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/8); [2 Corinthians 6:4](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/4);
[2 Corinthians 6:5](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/5).

**5.** *Greek,* "For also"
(for "*even*"). This verse is thus connected with
[2 Corinthians 7:5](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/5); [2 Corinthians 2:12](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/2/12);
[2 Corinthians 2:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/2/13), "When I came to
Troas, I had no rest in my *spirit*"; so "*also*"
now, when I came to Macedonia, my "*flesh*" had no
rest (he, by the term "flesh," excepts his *spiritual*
consolations) from "fightings" with adversaries "without"
([1 Corinthians 5:12](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/12)), and from fears for
the Corinthian believers "within" the Church, owing to
"false brethren" ([1 Corinthians 5:12](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/12)). Compare [2 Corinthians 4:8](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/8);
[Deuteronomy 32:25](../../../kjv/deuteronomy/32/25), to which he seems to
allude.

**6.** Translate in the order
required by the *Greek,* "But he that comforteth those that
are cast down, even God." Those that are of an high spirit are
not susceptible of such comfort.

**7. when he told us**—*Greek,*
"telling us." We shared in the comfort which Titus felt in
recording your desire ([2 Corinthians 7:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/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 ([2 Corinthians 7:13](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/13), c.) which called forth my rebuke.
**fervent mind**—*Greek,*
"zeal" (compare [2 Corinthians 7:11](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/11)
[John 2:17](../../../kjv/john/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.

**8. with a letter**—*Greek,*
"in the letter" namely, the first Epistle to the
Corinthians.
**I do not repent, though I did
repent**—Translate, "I do not *regret* it, though I did
*regret* it." The *Greek* words for *regret* and
*repent* are distinct. Paul was almost regretting, through
parental tenderness, his having used rebukes calculated to grieve the
Corinthians; but now that he has learned from Titus the salutary
effect produced on them, he no longer regrets it.
**for I perceive,** &c.—This
is explanatory of "I did repent" or "regret it,"
and is parenthetical ("for I perceive *that* that Epistle
did make you sorry, though it was but for a season").

**9. Now I rejoice**—Whereas "I
did repent" or regret having made you sorry by my letter, I
rejoice NOW, not that ye
were caused sorrow, but that your sorrow resulted in your repentance.
**ye sorrowed**—rather, as
before, "ye were made sorry."
**after a godly
manner**—literally, "according to God," that is, your
sorrow having regard to God, and rendering your mind conformable to
God ([Romans 14:22](../../../kjv/romans/14/22); [1 Peter 4:6](../../../kjv/1-peter/4/6)).
**that**—Translate in *Greek*
order, "*to the end that* (compare [1 Peter 4:6](../../../kjv/1-peter/4/6)) ye might in nothing receive damage from us," which ye
would have received, had your sorrow been other than that "after
a godly manner" ([2 Corinthians 7:10](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/10)).

**10. worketh . . . worketh**—In
the best *Greek* reading the translation is, "worketh
(simply) . . . worketh *out.*" "Sorrow" is not
repentance, but, where it is "godly," "worketh"
it; that is, *contributes* or *tends to* it (the same *Greek*
word is in [Romans 13:10](../../../kjv/romans/13/10)). The
"sorrow of the world" (that is, such as is felt by the
worldly) "worketh *out,*" as its *result at last,*
(eternal) death (the same *Greek* verb is in [Romans 13:10](../../../kjv/romans/13/10); also see on [2 Corinthians 4:17](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/4/17)).
**repentance . . . not to be
repented of**—There is not in the *Greek* this play on
words, so that the word qualified is not "repentance"
merely, but "repentance unto salvation"; this, he says,
*none will ever regret,* however attended with "sorrow"
at the time. "*Repentance*" implies a *coming to a
right mind;* "regret" implies merely uneasiness of
feeling at the past or present, and is applied even to the *remorse*
of Judas ([Matthew 27:3](../../../kjv/matthew/27/3); *Greek,*
"stricken with remorse," not as *English Version,*
"repented himself"); so that, though always accompanying
repentance, it is not always accompanied by repentance. "Repentance"
removes the impediments in the way of "salvation" (to which
"death," namely, of the soul, is opposed). "The sorrow
of the world" is not at the *sin* itself, but at its *penal
consequences:* so that the tears of pain are no sooner dried up,
than the pleasures of ungodliness are renewed. So Pharaoh, [Exodus 9:27](../../../kjv/exodus/9/27);
[Exodus 9:28-30](../../../kjv/exodus/9/28-30); and Saul, [Exodus 9:28-2](../../../kjv/exodus/9/28-2). Compare [Isaiah 9:13](../../../kjv/isaiah/9/13);
[Revelation 16:10](../../../kjv/revelation/16/10); [Revelation 16:11](../../../kjv/revelation/16/11).
Contrast David's "godly sorrow," [Revelation 16:11](../../../kjv/revelation/16/11), and Peter's, [Matthew 26:75](../../../kjv/matthew/26/75).

**11.** Confirmation of 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], ([1 Corinthians 4:2](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/4/2);
[1 Corinthians 4:19-21](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/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 ([1 Corinthians 4:19](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/4/19);
[1 Corinthians 16:5](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/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" ([1 Corinthians 5:2](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/2);
[1 Corinthians 5:3](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/3)). 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 [2 Corinthians 7:7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/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
([1 Corinthians 5:2](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/2); [1 Corinthians 5:6](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/6))
through your former remissness, you have cleared off by your present
strenuousness in reprobating the deed.

**12. though I wrote unto you**—"making
you sorry with my letter" ().
**his cause that suffered
wrong**—the father of the incestuous person who had his father's
wife ([1 Corinthians 5:1](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/1)). The father, thus
it seems, was alive.
**that our care for you,**
c.—Some of the oldest manuscripts read thus, "That YOUR
care for us might be made manifest unto you," &c. But the
words, "unto you," thus, would be rather obscure still the
obscurity of the genuine reading may have been the very reason for
the change being made by correctors into the reading of *English
Version.* ALFORD
explains the reading: "He wrote in order to bring out their zeal
on his behalf (that is, to obey his command), and make it manifest *to
themselves* in God's sight, that is, to bring out *among them*
their zeal to regard and obey him." But some of the oldest
manuscripts and versions (including the *Vulgate* and old
*Italian*) support *English Version.* And the words, "to
you," suit it better than the other reading. [1 Corinthians 5:1](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/5/1), "I wrote . . . that ye might know the love which I have
more abundantly *unto you,*" plainly accords with it, and
disproves ALFORD'S
assertion that *English Version* is *inconsistent with the
fact* as to the purpose of his letter. His writing, he says, was
not so much for the sake of the individual offender, or the
individual offended, but from his "earnest care" or concern
for the welfare of the Church.

**13.** The oldest manuscripts read
thus, "Therefore (*Greek,* 'for this *cause,*' namely,
because our aim has been attained) we have been (*English Version,*
'were,' is not so accurate) comforted; yea (*Greek,* 'but'), in
OUR comfort we exceedingly the more joyed for the joy of Titus,"
&c. (compare [2 Corinthians 7:7](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/7/7)).

**14. anything**—that is, at all.
**I am not ashamed**—"I
am not put to shame," namely, by learning from Titus that you
did not realize the high character I gave him of you.
**as . . . all things . . . in
truth, even so our boasting . . . is found a truth**—As our
speaking *in general* to you was true (), so our particular boasting to Titus *concerning you*
is now, by his report, proved to be truth (compare ). Some oldest manuscripts read expressly, "concerning
you"; this in either reading is the *sense.*

**15. his inward affection**—literally,
"bowels" (compare [2 Corinthians 6:12](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/6/12);
[Philippians 1:8](../../../kjv/philippians/1/8); [Philippians 2:1](../../../kjv/philippians/2/1);
[Colossians 3:12](../../../kjv/colossians/3/12)).
**obedience**— ([Colossians 3:12](../../../kjv/colossians/3/12)).
**fear and trembling**—with
trembling anxiety to obey my wishes, and fearful lest there should be
aught in yourselves to offend him and me ([Colossians 3:12](../../../kjv/colossians/3/12); compare [1 Corinthians 2:3](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/2/3)).

**16. therefore**—omitted in the
oldest manuscripts. The conclusion is more emphatical without it.
**that I have confidence in you
in all things**—rather, as *Greek,* "that in everything
I *am of good courage concerning* (literally, 'in the case of')
you," as contrasted with my former doubts concerning you.

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