Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The phrase “clearing of yourselves” is the word “ἀπολογία” (apologia), from which we get the word “apologetics”. It means “a speech in defence”. The Corinthian Christians were eager to repent and make redress for every wrong committed. It does not mean they were eager to defend their wrongdoing rather they were eager to seek a right way to correct their wrongdoing.

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The word “carefulness” means “haste, diligence, earnestness”. The Apostle Paul was thankful to God that his letter to the Corinthian church has been earnestly read and with diligence, with haste, the exhortations to holiness followed. They sorrowed for sin and sought to do the will of God.

As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:3-6 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. The putting away of sin and turning to God to do His will results in a deep desire to do according to God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

The verdict of handing Jesus over to the Roman authorities causes an emotional response from Judas, the treasurer of the group. It causes Judas to be very remorseful. Realizing his sin of betraying innocent blood, Judas offered the money back to the chief priests and elders. This was the deadly fruit of treachery. These godless, lawless men refused to wash their hands from the matter, refusing to hear Judas’.

Matthew 27:2-3 2And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

We observe here how Judas was remorseful. But it was not godly repentance that leads to salvation. He was sorry for the effects which his crime brought upon himself, he was yet unwilling to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Saviour!

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

A man who is truly sorry for his sins mourns with godly sorrow with a mind-settled to stop sinning. Such a one finds forgiveness with God in Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The church in Corinth consists of believers who were not walking right with God and needed to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. They needed to be delivered from their sins. The Apostle Paul prayed that there would be genuine contrition of heart to put sin away once for all. He encouraged them to understand such deliverance will bring God’s peace and joy to their hearts again. There shall be no regret for their godly courage to repent of their sins will bring God’s blessing to their lives again.

2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

When the church in Corinth received the letter from the Apostle Paul pointing out the sin that was in their midst, there was a spiritual awakening to mourn for their sins and to repent of their sins. The Apostle Paul knew when sin is put away, God’s peace and joy will come. He rejoices with them for they understood that the reproof was for their spiritual advancement and have been convicted in their hearts to turn away from sin and to turn to Christ, finding forgiveness. They were genuinely repentant, they were sorry after a godly manner.

2 Corinthians 7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.

MacDonald observed well, “When the Corinthians first read his letter, it came as a rebuke to them, and they were pained. After sending the letter, the apostle anticipated their reaction to it, and this made him sorry. Not that he was conscious of having done any wrong; that is not the thought here at all. Rather he was sorry that in carrying out his work for the Lord, it was necessary that others should at times be cast into unhappiness temporarily in order that God’s purposes might be worked out in their lives.”

2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

The Apostle Paul was consoled in the heart to know the Corinthian church had an earnest or genuine love for him, in other words, to hearken to his counsel concerning their spiritual well-being. Sin was dealt with. Titus brought this heartening report to the comfort of God’s dear servant.

The fervent mind, describes an active enthusiasm, ardent affection, keen interest toward the Apostle Paul’s letter and his concern for them. They were willing to obey the instructions of the letter. There was an earnest desire to seek the Lord’s will, the humility of heart to follow the Lord, mourning for sins, a kind and regard toward God’s servant.

2 Corinthians 7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

The phrase “cast down” means “to sink down”, “to be depressed”. This word is used to picture the sinking of a person’s soul and life possibly due to discouraging, difficult and distressing circumstances. He sought for the divine presence of God to calm his downcast soul. A picture of true human need that finds its true contentment and satisfaction with the living God.

It was God that comforteth the Apostle Paul when He sent Titus to him to bring news of the well being of the church in Corinth. The Apostle Paul was like a parent concerned about the well being of his far off children, longing to know their state, their protection and peace. The longing for news can sometimes become unbearable.