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Paul continues to explain his deviation from his originally communicated travel plans. He did not want to visit and have to offer a rebuke for a lingering problem within the community, thereby causing them pain. He wanted his next visit to be a joyful meeting, rather than a painful one, as causing them pain would be painful for him. Likewise seeing him joyful would bring them joy which was the goal of his intended visit. He wrote the painful letter to challenge them for this reason, out of love, since their personal meetings were rare, the loving thing to do was to deal with the problem via letter so that their in person meeting could be as sweet as they both desired.[1] It was also written to test their character, to see if they would be obedient.[2]
While Paul did write to challenge them to deal with an issue related to a member within the congregation, it wasn't he who was affected by the problem, it was rather the Corinthian body itself. Paul was glad to see that they responded well on the whole, as the majority decided to punish him appropriately.[3] The punishment had the necessary effect so Paul now urges them that the time to forgive and reiterate their love had arrived. The purpose for which Paul wrote has been accomplished. Not only was the sin dealt with, but the Corinthians proved their obedience. Now, again is the time for forgiveness, because unforgiveness is Satan's weapon.[4]
Paul's love for the Corinthians is displayed as he concludes talking about his travel plans.[5] God opened doors for effective ministry while he was in Troas, but he was eager to hear Titus' report, so not finding him there he pushed on to Macedonia.
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[1] Anyone who has a close friend who is long distance friend understands this point well.
[2] So Matera.
[3] Thrall emphasizes the majority (not universal) agreement on the punishment. As she notes, we don't know if those who dissented wanted harsher or looser penalties.
[4] Again a point made by Matera.
[5] As noted by Thrall.
Paul continues to explain his deviation from his originally communicated travel plans. He did not want to visit and have to offer a rebuke for a lingering problem within the community, thereby causing them pain. He wanted his next visit to be a joyful meeting, rather than a painful one, as causing them pain would be painful for him. Likewise seeing him joyful would bring them joy which was the goal of his intended visit. He wrote the painful letter to challenge them for this reason, out of love, since their personal meetings were rare, the loving thing to do was to deal with the problem via letter so that their in person meeting could be as sweet as they both desired.[1] It was also written to test their character, to see if they would be obedient.[2]
While Paul did write to challenge them to deal with an issue related to a member within the congregation, it wasn't he who was affected by the problem, it was rather the Corinthian body itself. Paul was glad to see that they responded well on the whole, as the majority decided to punish him appropriately.[3] The punishment had the necessary effect so Paul now urges them that the time to forgive and reiterate their love had arrived. The purpose for which Paul wrote has been accomplished. Not only was the sin dealt with, but the Corinthians proved their obedience. Now, again is the time for forgiveness, because unforgiveness is Satan's weapon.[4]
Paul's love for the Corinthians is displayed as he concludes talking about his travel plans.[5] God opened doors for effective ministry while he was in Troas, but he was eager to hear Titus' report, so not finding him there he pushed on to Macedonia.
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[1] Anyone who has a close friend who is long distance friend understands this point well.
[2] So Matera.
[3] Thrall emphasizes the majority (not universal) agreement on the punishment. As she notes, we don't know if those who dissented wanted harsher or looser penalties.
[4] Again a point made by Matera.
[5] As noted by Thrall.
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