What does 2 Corinthians 7:13 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 7:13 is a verse in the New Testament of the Christian Bible where the apostle Paul is expressing his joy and comfort to the church in Corinth.

The "therefore" at the beginning of the verse implies a connection to the previous context, where Paul discusses his anxieties and his relief upon receiving good news from Titus, a fellow worker in the ministry.

The "comfort" Paul refers to is the reassurance that the Corinthians have responded positively to his earlier letter , which contained some rebukes and corrections (delivered by Titus).

When Paul states that he was "comforted in your comfort," he's saying that the Corinthians' willingness to repent and change brought him great relief and joy.

Furthermore, Paul rejoices even more because of the joy that Titus has, which is a result of the warm reception and the respect that was shown to him by the Corinthian church, thereby "refreshing his spirit."

Historical Context

The Book of 2 Corinthians is one of the apostle Paul's letters to the church in Corinth.

This community was located in a significant and diverse Greco-Roman city.

The historical context includes the troubles Paul faced while preaching, including internal conflicts within the church, misunderstandings about his apostolic authority, and external persecutions.

Titus was Paul's emissary to the Corinthian church, delivering a "severe letter" (mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:4, not extant) to address issues within the church.

After sending Titus, Paul experienced anxiety about how the Corinthians received his admonitions until Titus returned with a positive report.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse captures several key insights:

• The concept of communal comfort and mutual encouragement among believers.
• The role of God's representatives (like Titus) in facilitating reconciliation and renewal within the church.
• The emotional bond and pastoral care that leaders should have for their congregations.
• The potent effect godly repentance and correction can have on a community.

Different theological camps may emphasize the role of church leaders in providing guidance and correction, with an expectation of a positive response from the congregation, resulting in mutual edification.

Practical Applications

This verse has several practical applications in daily life, including:

• Emphasizing the importance of open communication and positive responses to constructive criticisms.
• The need for church leadership to be genuinely concerned for the spiritual well-being of their congregations.
• Encouraging a culture of forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation within communities.
• Demonstrating that spiritual leaders can and should be encouraged by the spiritual growth of those they serve.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 2:13: "I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia."
• 2 Corinthians 7:6: "Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;"
• Philemon 1:7: "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother."

Language Study

In this verse, key Greek words include:

• "Comforted" (παρακληθέντες, paraklēthentes): This verb comes from the same root as "Paraclete" (the Comforter, referring to the Holy Spirit).

It implies receiving consolation or encouragement.

• "Exceedingly the more" (περισσοτέρως, perissoteros): It signifies a high degree or abundant increase.
• "Joyed" (εχάρημεν, echaremen): This past tense verb indicates rejoicing or bright delight.
• "Refreshed" (αναπέπαυται, anapepautai): This means to cause to rest or to give relief, having echoes of refreshment and renewal.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Greco-Roman culture, letters often involved personal relationships and included expressions of emotional states, common themes in Paul's letters too.

Religious parallels might be drawn with other ancient traditions where teachers were deeply concerned with the moral progress of their disciples.

However, Paul's interest in the Corinthian church is distinctively shaped by the Christ-centered narrative and the nature of the church as a body of believers.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, being more focused on emotional and relational aspects rather than material or empirical dynamics.

Modern psychology, however, might give credence to the concepts of emotional contagion and social support reflected in the verse.

commentaries

Commentators generally agree on the pastoral heart behind Paul's words:

• John Chrysostom highlights Paul's relief and joy not just for himself, but for the well-being of the church.
• Matthew Henry points out that spiritual joys help ministers to bear their burdens and encourage them in their work.
• The Pulpit Commentary acknowledges Paul's ability to find comfort in the joy of his fellow workers, depicting the interconnectedness of the Christian community.
• Modern biblical scholars often discuss this passage in the context of the "painful letter" that preceded 2 Corinthians, exploring the dynamics of Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church and his reliance on God for consolation amidst affliction.