2 Corinthians 2:1-11 - Tender-Hearted And Forgiving
In these opening words Paul evidently refers to the sin mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. His judgment had been strong and stringent, the Corinthian church had acted upon it, and the offender had suffered severely in consequence. But the result had been more than satisfactory. He had repented with great brokenness of spirit. Indeed, it seemed as if he would be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow, 2 Corinthians 2:7.
The Apostle desires the Corinthians to understand that he also had shed many tears over the case, 2 Corinthians 2:4. His was a very affectionate and tender disposition, which shrank from inflicting pain, and yet was resolute at all costs to maintain truth. We get a sidelight here as to the heart of God. May we not believe that whenever He chastens us, it is with profound pity? Whom He loves He chastens; and whom He receives, He scourges. But when there is full and frank repentance, there should be forgiveness. The penitent offender was to be restored to church fellowship and received with brotherly welcome. The Savior Himself speaks through forgiveness. It is His love that moves, His voice that declares; while an unforgiving spirit sets an open door to the entrance of Satan. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 2
1Having shown the reason why he came not to them, 6he requires them to forgive and to comfort that excommunicated person, 10even as he himself upon true repentance had forgiven him; 12declaring why he departed from Troas to Macedonia, 14and the happy success which God gave to his preaching in all places
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 2:6
Punishment [επιτιμια] Late word for old Greek to επιτιμιον epitimion (so papyri), from επιτιμαω epitimaō to show honour to, to award, to adjudge penalty. Only here in N.T. [source]
By the many [υπο των πλειονων] By the more, the majority. If Paul refers to the case in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, they had taken his advice and expelled the offender. [source]
Many [τῶν πλειόνων] Rev., correctly, the many: the majority of the Church. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 2:6
Romans 6:19After the manner of men [ἀνθρώπινον] Lit., what is human, popularly. He seems to have felt that the figures of service, bondage, etc., were unworthy of the subject, and apologizes for his use of the image of the slave mart to enforce such a high spiritual truth, on the ground of their imperfect spiritual comprehension. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:1,1 Corinthians 3:2. [source]
1 Thessalonians 5:12Know [εἰδέναι] See on 1 Thessalonians 4:4. Recognize them for what they are, and as entitled to respect because of their office. Comp. ἐπιγινώσκετε acknowledge 1 Corinthians 16:18; and ἐγνώσθης takestknowledge, lxx, Romans href="/desk/?q=ro+12:8&sr=1">Romans 12:8. Used of superintendents of households, 1 Timothy 3:4,1 Timothy 3:5,1 Timothy 3:12: of the ruling of elders of the church, 1 Timothy 5:17. It does not indicate a particular ecclesiastical office, but is used functionally. The ecclesiastical nomenclature of the Pauline Epistles is unsettled, corresponding with the fact that the primitive church was not a homogeneous body throughout christendom. The primitive Pauline church consisted of a number of separate fraternities which were self-governing. The recognition of those who ministered to the congregations depended on the free choice of their members. See for instance 1 Corinthians 16:15,1 Corinthians 16:16. The congregation exercised discipline and gave judgment: 1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:6,2 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 7:11,2 Corinthians 7:12; Galatians 6:1. [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 2:6 mean?
Sufficienttosuch a one[is] thepunishmentthiswhich [is]bythemajority
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 2:6
Late word for old Greek to επιτιμιον epitimion (so papyri), from επιτιμαω epitimaō to show honour to, to award, to adjudge penalty. Only here in N.T. [source]
By the more, the majority. If Paul refers to the case in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, they had taken his advice and expelled the offender. [source]
Rev., correctly, the many: the majority of the Church. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 2:6
Lit., what is human, popularly. He seems to have felt that the figures of service, bondage, etc., were unworthy of the subject, and apologizes for his use of the image of the slave mart to enforce such a high spiritual truth, on the ground of their imperfect spiritual comprehension. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 3:2. [source]
See on 1 Thessalonians 4:4. Recognize them for what they are, and as entitled to respect because of their office. Comp. ἐπιγινώσκετε acknowledge 1 Corinthians 16:18; and ἐγνώσθης takestknowledge, lxx, Romans href="/desk/?q=ro+12:8&sr=1">Romans 12:8. Used of superintendents of households, 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Timothy 3:12: of the ruling of elders of the church, 1 Timothy 5:17. It does not indicate a particular ecclesiastical office, but is used functionally. The ecclesiastical nomenclature of the Pauline Epistles is unsettled, corresponding with the fact that the primitive church was not a homogeneous body throughout christendom. The primitive Pauline church consisted of a number of separate fraternities which were self-governing. The recognition of those who ministered to the congregations depended on the free choice of their members. See for instance 1 Corinthians 16:15, 1 Corinthians 16:16. The congregation exercised discipline and gave judgment: 1 Corinthians 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 2:6, 2 Corinthians 2:7; 2 Corinthians 7:11, 2 Corinthians 7:12; Galatians 6:1. [source]