Lesson 2082

(Lesson 2082)(07-15-17) 2 Corinthians 2:1-9

"But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things."

Today's quote is, to me, confusing in that it doesn't seem to quite fit as a sequel to Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Herein, Paul seems to be almost apologizing for something that has been done within, or to, the church at Corinth. But, he doesn't specify what was done or who did it. Therefore, it appears to me that this quote may not be from his second letter to the Corinthians. Possibly a part of a third letter? I readily admit, I'm only speculating. And, even if Paul's actual second letter is missing, it makes no difference to his overall message as it concerns us today.~