So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So insteadThis phrase indicates a shift in approach or action. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church's response to a member who has sinned. The Greek word for "instead" (Greek: ἀλλά) is often used to contrast two actions or attitudes. Here, Paul is urging the Corinthians to move from a stance of discipline to one of restoration. This reflects the Christian principle of grace, where believers are called to reflect God's mercy and forgiveness. you ought to forgive and comfort him so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, addressing the church in Corinth with guidance on how to handle a situation involving a repentant sinner. 2. The Corinthian Church The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth dealing with issues of sin and forgiveness within their congregation. 3. The Offender An unnamed individual in the Corinthian church who had sinned and was subject to church discipline, now seeking forgiveness and restoration. 4. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and moral challenges, which influenced the issues faced by the church there. 5. Forgiveness and Comfort Key themes in this passage, emphasizing the need for the church to extend grace and support to the repentant sinner. Teaching Points The Necessity of ForgivenessForgiveness is not optional for Christians; it is a command. Just as God forgives us, we are called to forgive others, reflecting His grace and mercy. The Role of Comfort in Restoration Comforting the repentant sinner is crucial to their healing and restoration. It prevents them from being overwhelmed by sorrow and encourages their reintegration into the community. Avoiding Excessive Sorrow Excessive sorrow can lead to despair and alienation. By forgiving and comforting, we help prevent the destructive cycle of guilt and shame. The Power of Community in Healing The church community plays a vital role in the healing process. Through collective forgiveness and support, the community reflects Christ's love and fosters spiritual growth. The Greek Root of Forgive (charizomai) The Greek word used for "forgive" implies a gracious act, freely given. It underscores the unmerited favor we are to extend to others, just as God extends His grace to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2:7 challenge your current understanding of dealing with those who have wronged you?2. In what ways can the church today ensure that a repentant sinner is not overwhelmed by excessive sorrow? 3. How do the teachings in Matthew 18:21-22 and Ephesians 4:32 complement the message of 2 Corinthians 2:7? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced forgiveness and comfort from others. How did it impact your spiritual journey? 5. How can you apply the principle of "charizomai" in your daily interactions with others, especially those who have hurt you? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 18:21-22Jesus teaches about the importance of forgiveness, instructing Peter to forgive "seventy times seven" times, highlighting the boundless nature of Christian forgiveness. Galatians 6:1 Paul advises believers to restore someone caught in sin gently, emphasizing the spirit of meekness and the importance of restoration. Ephesians 4:32 Paul encourages believers to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other just as God forgave them in Christ, reinforcing the call to forgiveness. Luke 15:11-32 The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the joy and necessity of forgiving and restoring a repentant sinner, mirroring the call in 2 Corinthians 2:7. Psalm 103:12 Describes God's forgiveness, removing our transgressions as far as the east is from the west, serving as a model for how we should forgive others.
People Corinthians, Paul, TitusPlaces Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia, TroasTopics Abundant, Comfort, Contrariwise, Contrary, Course, Despair, Driven, Encourage, Excess, Excessive, Fear, Forgive, Forgiveness, Grace, Grief, Lest, Opposite, Otherwise, Ought, Over-great, Overmuch, Overwhelmed, Perhaps, Rather, Shew, Sorrow, Swallowed, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 2:7 5805 comfort 6655 forgiveness, application 5809 compassion, human Library The Triumphal Procession'Thanks be unto God, which always leadeth us in triumph in Christ and maketh manifest through us the savour of His knowledge in every place.'--2 COR. ii. 14 (R.V.) I suppose most of us have some knowledge of what a Roman Triumph was, and can picture to ourselves the long procession, the victorious general in his chariot with its white horses, the laurelled soldiers, the sullen captives, with suppressed hate flashing in their sunken eyes, the wreathing clouds of incense that went up into the blue … Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V) The Two Effects of the Gospel Since These Things are So, Because it were Too Long to Treat Thoroughly Of... "But if Ye have Bitter Envying," &C. There Resulteth Then from all These this Sentence... On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity. Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils. Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul. How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. The Preparatory Service; Sometimes Called the Confessional Service. The Comforts Belonging to Mourners Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. Things Pertaining to the Kingdom. Elucidations. Letter cxx. To Hedibia. And for Your Fearlessness against them Hold this Sure Sign -- Whenever There Is... Links 2 Corinthians 2:7 NIV2 Corinthians 2:7 NLT 2 Corinthians 2:7 ESV 2 Corinthians 2:7 NASB 2 Corinthians 2:7 KJV 2 Corinthians 2:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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