Corinth Accepts Paul’s Counsel
A “deep concern for all the churches,” and particularly for the church at Corinth, rested heavily on Paul’s heart. He had hoped to meet Titus at Troas and learn from him how the Corinthian believers had accepted his counsel and reproof, but he was disappointed. “My mind could not rest,” he wrote, “because I did not find my brother Titus there” (NRSV). So he left Troas and crossed over to Macedonia, where he met Timothy at Philippi.ULe 120.1
At times feelings of deep sadness swept over Paul’s heart. He was afraid that the church at Corinth might misunderstand his counsel and warnings to them. Later he wrote, “We were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.”ULe 120.2
This faithful messenger brought the cheering news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers. Many had accepted the instruction in Paul’s letter and had repented. Their lives were no longer a stain on Christianity.ULe 120.3
Filled with joy, Paul sent another letter, expressing his gladness of heart: “Even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it.” He had sometimes regretted that he had written so severely. “I rejoice,” he continued, “not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. ... For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted.” Then repentance that divine grace produces will lead people to confess and forsake their sin.ULe 120.4
Paul had been carrying a heavy burden on his heart for the churches. False teachers had been urging their own doctrines in place of gospel truth. The discouragements that surrounded Paul are revealed in the words, “We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.”ULe 120.5
But now one cause of anxiety was gone. Paul broke into rejoicing: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ... Our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.”ULe 120.6