2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7 focuses on Paul’s appeal for reconciliation and holiness in the Corinthian church, reflecting on their response to his previous letter. Written around AD 56 from Macedonia, Paul expresses joy at their repentance, encourages purity, and reaffirms his confidence in them. The chapter emphasizes godly sorrow, spiritual cleansing, and mutual affection in the context of Paul’s ministry.
Key Sections
Appeal for Holiness (7:1): Building on God’s promises (from chapter 6), Paul urges the Corinthians to purify themselves from defilement, perfecting holiness in reverence for God.
Paul’s Joy in Their Repentance (7:2–7): Paul pleads for their affection, affirming he has wronged no one. He boasts in them, comforted by Titus’s report of their longing and zeal for him, despite his earlier distress in Macedonia.
Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow (7:8–11): Paul’s “severe letter” (likely 1 Corinthians or a lost letter) caused sorrow but led to repentance, a godly sorrow producing salvation, unlike worldly sorrow that brings death. Their repentance showed earnestness, vindication, and zeal, proving their innocence in the matter.
Titus’s Encouragement (7:12–16): Paul wrote not just to address the offender but to reveal the Corinthians’ obedience. Titus’s joy at their reception confirms Paul’s confidence in them, strengthening their bond.
Cross-References
Holiness and Purity: 
1 Peter 1:15–16: Be holy as God is holy.

Ephesians 5:26–27: Cleansed by the word.

1 John 3:3: Purify as He is pure.
Paul’s Affection: 
Philippians 1:8: Longing for believers.

1 Thessalonians 2:17–20: Desire to see them.

Acts 20:31: Paul’s care for churches.
Godly Sorrow: 
Psalm 51:17: Broken heart pleases God.

Acts 3:19: Repentance for refreshment.

James 4:8–9: Draw near with mourning.
Repentance’s Fruit: 
Luke 3:8: Fruits worthy of repentance.

Acts 26:20: Deeds showing repentance.

Hebrews 12:11: Discipline yields righteousness.
Titus’s Role: 
2 Corinthians 8:16–17: Titus’s zeal.

Acts 20:2: Paul’s Macedonian travels.

Titus 1:4: Paul’s trusted coworker.
Theological Meaning
Call to Holiness: Believers, as God’s temple, must pursue purity, separating from sin (7:1; Romans 12:1–2).

Godly Sorrow: True repentance, driven by godly sorrow, produces spiritual growth and salvation (7:10; Acts 11:18).

Restoration Through Discipline: Correction, though painful, aims to restore and strengthen the church (7:8–9; Galatians 6:1).

Mutual Affection: Genuine ministry fosters deep bonds, rooted in shared faith (7:3; Philippians 2:1–2).

Obedience and Unity: Repentance demonstrates submission to God’s truth, uniting believers (7:12; Ephesians 4:3).

Joy in Repentance: Godly correction leads to mutual joy and confidence in the church (7:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:8).
Questions and Answers
Why pursue holiness (7:1)?
God’s promises call believers to purify themselves, reflecting His holiness (7:1; Leviticus 19:2).

What is Paul’s “severe letter” (7:8)?
Likely 1 Corinthians or a lost letter that grieved the Corinthians but spurred repentance (7:8; 2 Corinthians 2:4).

How does godly sorrow differ from worldly sorrow (7:10)?
Godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation; worldly sorrow brings regret and death (7:10; Matthew 27:3–5).

What did repentance produce (7:11)?
Earnestness, vindication, zeal, and readiness to correct wrong, proving their faithfulness (7:11; Acts 26:20).

Why mention Titus’s joy (7:13)?
To show the Corinthians’ warm reception restored confidence and strengthened bonds (7:13; 2 Corinthians 8:6).

What was Paul’s goal in writing (7:12)?
To reveal the Corinthians’ obedience and care, fostering unity, not just to punish (7:12; Philemon 1:8–9).

How does this apply today?
Pursue holiness, repent sincerely, embrace correction, and build unity through love (7:1; James 4:8–10).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 20:1–3), this chapter reflects relief after a tense period with Corinth, following a painful visit and letter (2 Corinthians 2:1–4). Corinth’s mixed church (Acts 18:8) struggled with sin and division (1 Corinthians 1:10). Titus’s report (7:6) came during Paul’s Macedonian trials (Acts 20:1). The “offender” (7:12) may relate to 1 Corinthians 5:1 or another issue.

Cultural Questions: “Holiness” (7:1) echoes Jewish purity laws, vital in Corinth’s immoral culture (1 Corinthians 6:18). “Godly sorrow” (7:10) contrasts Greco-Roman stoicism, which avoided emotional regret (Acts 17:18). Corinth’s repentance (7:11) countered their pride (1 Corinthians 4:18). Titus’s role (7:6) reflects trusted delegates in early churches (Titus 1:5). Paul’s affection (7:3) mirrors family bonds in Roman society (Ephesians 6:1–4).

Application: 2 Corinthians 7 calls believers to purify their lives, repent with godly sorrow, and embrace correction for growth. It challenges pride and resistance to discipline, urging unity and love in the church, reflecting God’s grace in a sinful world (1 Peter 1:22; Hebrews 12:10).