ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 2 v2

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 Cor