ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 2 v1 - 4

OVERVIEW:

The apostle was deeply disturbed when he wrote to the Corinthians. Candid communication would be the necessary prelude to the joy that would come from their obedience (AMBROSIASTER). Even if he were to make the Corinthians sorry he would be glad, since their sorrow would be proof of how much they esteemed him (CHRYSOSTOM). The physician of souls may cause temporary pain.

2:1 | Not Another Painful Visit

ALL SUFFER. AMBROSIASTER: Paul was afraid that if he rebuked a few he would cause pain to many, because all the members of a body suffer when one of them is in pain. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

ANOTHER PAINFUL VISIT. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul had obviously had one bad experience at Corinth and wanted to avoid another one, for a second occasion would be even worse. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4.1.

2:2 | Causing Pain

A NECESSARY PRELUDE. AMBROSIASTER: Paul did not want to hurt the Corinthians, but he saw it as the necessary prelude to the joy which would come from their obedience. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

SORROW PROOF OF ESTEEM. CHRYSOSTOM: What Paul is saying is that even if he were to make the Corinthians sorry he would be glad, since their sorrow would be proof of how much they held him in esteem. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4.2.

TRUST THE PHYSICIAN’S WISDOM. BASIL: It is shameful, indeed, that they who are sick in body place so much confidence in physicians that, even if these cut or burn or cause distress by their bitter medicines, they look upon them as benefactors, while we do not share this attitude toward the physicians of our souls when they secure our salvation for us by laborious discipline. The apostle says, however: “Who is he then who can make me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me.” … It behooves one who looks to the end, therefore, to consider him a benefactor who causes us pain which is according to God. THE LONG RULES 52.

2:3 | Paul’s Joy the Joy of All

THE APOSTLE’S JOY. AMBROSIASTER: The purification of the people is the apostle’s joy. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

PAUL’S JOY, THEIR JOY. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul had already said that he was gladdened by their sorrow. This may have seemed arrogant and harsh, so to soften the impact he adds this: He knew that if he were happy they would be happy and that if he were sad, they would be sad too. … It is with weighty meaning that I do not come to you, because I feel not hate or aversion but rather exceeding love. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4.2.

2:4 | The Apostle’s Abundant Love

AN ABUNDANT LOVE. AMBROSIASTER: It is obvious that when someone admonishes another and in the process he himself suffers more grief over it than the person being rebuked, he is not doing this in order to cause grief but to show what deep love he has for the other. Someone who rebukes another without feeling this way merely tramples on his feelings. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

WRONGDOING INFLICTED PAIN. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul shows here that he was not less affected than those who had sinned, but more. He could hardly bear the pain which the Corinthians’ wrongdoing was causing him. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4.3.