2 Corinthians 2:1, In Heaviness

2 Corinthians 2:1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

William MacDonald observed, “A servant of Christ is no stranger to pain and suffering (Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-20; 1 Peter 2:21). Paul had his share (cf. 2 Cor. 1:4-10; 11:16-32) which he did not shirk. But he was no fool. If he could avoid it and still accomplish his work he would do so. This belief led to his change of plans with the Corinthians.”

He researched insightfully, “When his first painful visit occurred is an unsettled issue. The event that made his visit painful and prompted the severe letter seems to have centered around the action of a certain man at Corinth. Whether he was a member of the Corinthian church or someone visiting them is not clear. Paul did, however, regard him as a Christian. His authority as an apostle was affronted or challenged at some point in the course of his painful visit. The Corinthians apparently failed to make the connection between a challenge to Paul’s authority and their own spiritual well-being. They had regarded this as a personal problem requiring no action on their parts, a view which Paul had dispelled in his letter and which they now realized.”

The Lord protect and strengthen His church. Amen.