NOTES for Co2 7:1-9

Summing up everything that has been said about the Kingdom, witness, and relationships between the inhabitants of the Kingdom, Paul concludes that he should not regret what he had previously said about some of the Corinthian brothers (vv. 1-4). Indeed, if, as the apostle learned, they were completely sincere in their concern for him when he faced serious difficulties in Macedonia (vv. 5-7), then they understood him correctly and did not take offence at reproaches that were entirely justified in this case. Paul can therefore rest assured that if there is no offence, then the problem has evidently been recognised and there is repentance for the sin to which the apostle had drawn the Corinthian church's attention.

Of course, no one can take pleasure in having such a thing pointed out to them, but the outcome can differ depending on the reaction of those whose sin is identified, and Paul is glad that on this occasion the reaction was appropriate (vv. 8-9). The point is probably not only that they listened to his words and followed his advice, but that in doing so the Corinthian brothers bore witness to their trust in the apostle, both spiritually and on the purely human level.

Indeed, one can heed criticism only if, first, one trusts the experience and knowledge of the person offering it, assuming that he can be relied upon in this regard, and second, which is no less important, one trusts him as a person, being certain that his advice and criticism are prompted neither by self-interest nor by a desire for self-assertion, but by concern for one's neighbours. The relationships formed between the inhabitants of the Kingdom certainly allow for criticism, but in every case they presuppose the sincerity, integrity, and goodwill of the person offering it. Thus for Paul, the appropriate response of the Corinthian brothers becomes a sign that they received his words as Christians receiving them from a Christian, in the manner proper to the inhabitants of the Kingdom.