2 Corinthians 7:5-8

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.

Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.

For even after we came into Macedonia our frail humanity experienced no relaxing from the oppression and tension of tribulation, but I was having pressure brought to bear upon me from every side, on the outside, contentions [with adversaries], within, fears. Nevertheless, He who encourages those who are downcast, encouraged us, our God, in the coming and personal presence of Titus, and not only in his coming and personal presence but also by the encouragement with which he was encouraged over you, bringing back tidings to us of your longing [to see me], your mourning [at the rebuke I sent you], your zeal on my behalf, so that I rejoiced yet more; for though I caused you grief by my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it, for I see that that letter caused you to grieve, though but for a season. — Wuest, pages 426-427.

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Titus was a buoyant, refreshing person, but in this case it was more than Titus’ appearance that encouraged Paul; it was the news that Titus brought from Corinth. When Paul had come into Macedonia and had failed to find Titus he was “troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears,” for the apostate Jews continued to hound him wherever he went. Ah, but finally Titus appeared and Paul was “comforted,” “not by his coming only” but by the news from Corinth. Their “earnest desire,” their “mourning” and their “fervent mind” toward him had caused his heart to rejoice. — Stam, page 165.

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What a difference between the repentance of the believer and the remorse of an unbeliever! Believers who have fallen into sin and have repented thereof have changed their attitude. This, indeed, is what the word “repentance” means. But the lost can only look back with guilty remorse at their sinful past. Thus Paul could say in effect, “I’m glad no damage was done by that letter of rebuke, it evidently did a great deal of good.” — Stam, page 165-166

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