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NASB | 2 Corinthians 7:8 For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it--for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while-- |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 7:8 For even though I did grieve you with my letter, I do not regret it [now]; though I did regret it --for I see that the letter hurt you, though only for a little while-- |
Bible Question: So what is going on here? |
Bible Answer: This is a commentary on the question you ask. God's blessings. Paul didn't relish the thought of making the Corinthians feel bad (though they deserved it!); but he was happy for the effect it had on them (repentance) Notice how Paul separates sorrow from repentance: they aren't the same things! i. "Repentance is not sorrow only. It may be unaccompanied by sorrow . . . at the time, but sorrow will always follow, sorrow for the past; but this change of mind is the great thing." (Morgan) ii. "Sorrow alone accomplishes nothing. Peter was sorry he denied Christ, and he repented. Judas was sorry he betrayed Christ but, instead of repenting, he killed himself." (Smith) Repentance "is not the ground of our salvation; but it is a part of it and necessary condition of it. Those who repent are saved; the impenitent perish. Repentance is therefore unto salvation." (Hodge) i. Godly sorrow will acknowledge sin, not merely a shortcoming, a wrong, a mistake, but sin before God ii. We don't have to question weather our sorrow is deep enough; only if it has led us to repent and cast ourselves on Christ Though this sorrow ultimately had a good effect on the Corinthians, not all sorrow does; when it is borne in a worldly way, it has the deadly effect of producing resentment or bitterness i. What makes suffering good for us is not the mere experience of suffering, but our reaction to it; a godly, positive reaction brings blessing, a worldly, negative reaction causes harm i. The repentance of the Corinthians was shown by their actions, as described in verse 11 When Paul says in this matter in verse 11, he is using godly discretion by not bringing up the whole affair again from the beginning i. Again, Paul's purpose in sending the severe letter was not to condemn, but to demonstrate his concern. |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 2 Cor 7:8 | Author | ||
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rlg | ||
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inmyheart |