Bullet Point Bible - 2 Corinthians 7

A Call to Complete Holiness

¹ Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that could defile the body and the spirit, and thus accomplish holiness out of reverence for God.

This verse serves as a concluding exhortation based on the promises of God's presence and covenant relationship outlined in 2 Cor 6:16-18.
The call to "cleanse ourselves" implies an active, ongoing participation by believers in their sanctification.
Holiness involves separation from both external actions ("defilement of the body") and internal attitudes/thoughts ("defilement of the spirit").
"Accomplish holiness" (or "perfecting holiness") signifies striving towards spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness, a continuous process rather than a state of sinless perfection.
The motivation for this pursuit is "reverence for God" (often translated "fear of God"), indicating profound respect, awe, and a desire not to displease Him.
It bridges the theological argument of chapter 6 with the personal appeals and relational issues addressed in chapter 7.
This verse encapsulates the practical outworking of being God's people and His dwelling place (2 Cor 6:16).

Paul's Plea for Acceptance

² Make room for us in your hearts; we have wronged no one, we have ruined no one, we have exploited no one.³ I do not say this to condemn you, for I told you before that you are in our hearts so that we die together and live together with you.⁴ I have great confidence in you; I take great pride on your behalf. I am filled with encouragement; I am overflowing with joy in the midst of all our suffering.

Paul's plea "Make room for us in your hearts" suggests the relationship had been strained, possibly due to the influence of opposing teachers in Corinth.
He defends his apostolic integrity by asserting he has not harmed the Corinthians in any way (financially, morally, or doctrinally).
Paul clarifies his defense is not meant as condemnation but arises from deep affection, emphasizing their inseparable bond ("die together and live together").
This intense language highlights the depth of Paul's pastoral love and commitment to the Corinthian believers.
Despite the difficulties and his previous "severe letter," Paul expresses renewed confidence and pride in them.
He experiences overflowing joy and encouragement *amidst* his afflictions, directly linking his emotional state to the positive report about them (detailed later).
This section reveals the intensely personal and emotional nature of Paul's ministry and his vulnerability before the Corinthians.

Affliction in Macedonia and Titus's Comforting Arrival

⁵ For even when we came into Macedonia, our body had no rest at all, but we were troubled in every wayâ€"struggles from the outside, fears from within.⁶ But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.⁷ We were encouraged not only by his arrival, but also by the encouragement you gave him, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your deep concern for me, so that I rejoiced more than ever.

Paul recounts his state upon arriving in Macedonia (after leaving Troas anxiously, cf. 2 Cor 2:12-13): severe distress without respite.
His affliction was comprehensive: external pressures ("conflicts without," possibly persecution or opposition) and internal anxieties ("fears within," likely concerning the Corinthians' response).
God is specifically acknowledged as the source of comfort, characterized as the one "who encourages the downcast."
The arrival of Titus was the specific means God used to bring Paul comfort and relief from his anxiety.
Paul's encouragement stemmed not just from seeing Titus, but primarily from the good news Titus brought *about* the Corinthians.
Titus reported the Corinthians' positive response to Paul's ministry and severe letter: their "longing" (desire for reconciliation), "mourning" (sorrow over sin/offense), and "deep concern" (zeal for Paul).
This report turned Paul's deep anxiety into overwhelming joy.
This passage illustrates the interconnectedness of the early church body and the profound impact believers had on Paul's emotional and spiritual well-being.

The Positive Outcome of Godly Sorrow

⁸ For even if I made you sad by my letter, I do not regret having written it (even though I did regret it, for I see that my letter made you sad, though only for a short time).⁹ Now I rejoice, not because you were made sad, but because you were made sad to the point of repentance. For you were made sad as God intended, so that you were not harmed in any way by us.¹⁰ For sadness as intended by God produces a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret, but worldly sadness brings about death.¹¹ For see what this very thing, this sadness as God intended, has produced in you: what eagerness, what defense of yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what deep concern, what punishment! In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

Paul reflects on the impact of his previous "severe letter" (content debated, but distinct from 1 Corinthians). He acknowledges it caused pain, which he momentarily regretted.
His current rejoicing is not in their sadness itself, but because their sadness was "according to God's will" (godly sorrow) and led to repentance.
He contrasts "godly sorrow" with "worldly sorrow." Godly sorrow originates from recognizing offense against God and leads to genuine change (repentance) and ultimately salvation, without lingering regret.
"Worldly sorrow," in contrast, focuses on consequences, embarrassment, or self-pity, lacking true heart change and leading ultimately to spiritual death.
Paul lists the tangible evidence of their godly sorrow: earnestness, defending themselves, indignation (against the sin), fear (of God/consequences), longing (for reconciliation), zeal (for Paul/righteousness), and readiness to see justice done ("punishment").
Their comprehensive response demonstrated their repentance and effectively cleared them ("proved yourselves innocent") regarding the issue addressed in the severe letter (perhaps tolerating an offender or opposition to Paul).
This passage provides a crucial theological definition of true repentance and its observable fruits.

Renewed Confidence and Mutual Joy

¹² So then, even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did wrong, or on account of the one who was wronged, but to reveal to you your eagerness on our behalf before God.¹³ Therefore we have been encouraged. And in addition to our own encouragement, we rejoiced even more at the joy of Titus, because all of you have refreshed his spirit.¹⁴ For if I have boasted to him about anything concerning you, I have not been embarrassed by you, but just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus about you has proved true as well.¹⁵ And his affection for you is much greater when he remembers the obedience of you all, how you welcomed him with fear and trembling.¹⁶ I rejoice because in everything I am fully confident in you.

Paul clarifies the ultimate purpose of his severe letter: less about the specific individuals involved (the offender and the victim) and more about revealing the Corinthians' underlying loyalty and care for Paul *to themselves* in God's presence.
This highlights Paul's pastoral goal: fostering their spiritual self-awareness and restoring the relationship.
Paul's encouragement was compounded by witnessing Titus's own joy and refreshment resulting from his visit to Corinth.
Titus's positive experience validated Paul's prior "boasting" (expressions of confidence) about the Corinthians to Titus. Paul was relieved not to be "put to shame."
Titus's affection for the Corinthians grew as he observed their obedience and respectful reception ("fear and trembling," indicating respect for apostolic authority represented by Titus).
The chapter concludes with Paul expressing full restoration of confidence in the Corinthian church.
This section underscores themes of reconciliation, mutual encouragement, the importance of faithful intermediaries (like Titus), and the joy found in restored relationships within the church.

The Bullet Point Bible

2 Corinthians 7