Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 7:5-7, Comfort

5 For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

What is Paul so worried about? He wonders how the Corinthians received the painful letter and about their partnership in the gospel. Paul’s use of the word translated “comfort” could perhaps better be translated as “encourage.” God is the one who encourages Paul and them. When Paul speaks of the coming of Titus he uses the Greek word “parousia,” which is used for the second coming of Christ. Titus’ coming was in a sense a royal appearance of God’s surrogate, and Paul treats it as special. Titus brings God’s comfort to Paul because he reports the Corinthians have repented and turned back to Paul. The painful letter produced what he had wished.

Be kind to your little children, Lord. Be a gentle teacher, patient with our weakness and stupidity. And give us the strength and discernment to do what you tell us, and so grow in your likeness.

May we all live in the peace that comes from you. May we journey towards your city, sailing through the waters of sin untouched by the waves, borne serenely along by the Holy Spirit. Night and day may we give you praise and thanks, because you have shown us that all things belong to you, and all blessings are gifts from you. To you, the essence of wisdom, the foundation of truth, be glory for evermore.

Clement of Alexandria, c. 150-215