2 Corinthians 2:7, Forgive Him

2 Corinthians 2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

William MacDonald said well, “Paul had reason to believe that their pendulum might swing too far (cf. 7:11). They were no longer dispassionate spectators of the wrongdoer, and might become impassioned prosecutors. In that case he would be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow (lit., “grief”).”

He further observed, “The offender was apparently penitent so Paul urged the church to forgive and comfort him (for in fact it was they who had been wronged, 2:10) and extend “comfort” to him. As a church they were to affirm their love for this fellow Christian and admit him to their fellowship (cf. 1 Cor. 5:11).”

May the Lord bless and keep His own for His own glory. Amen.