2 Corinthians 7:5-7 - God always brings encouragement

 

In verse 5, Paul picked up from where he left off in 2 Corinthians 2:13. He had arranged to meet Titus in Troas to find out how things were going with the church in Corinth. But he could not find Titus in Troas. Although there were evangelistic opportunities, he left and went to Macedonia hoping to find him there.

 

Here in verse 5 Paul talked about his anguish. He was besieged by troubles outside and mental torture within. He was physically fatigued. He said, “our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without and fears within.” Paul felt harassed as if he was a grain of wheat being crushed. From without his pressure came from the opposition he had been receiving, from within the Macedonian environment. It was a tough area for the apostle. At Philippi, described in Acts 16, he was beaten and jailed. At Thessalonica, he stayed only three weeks and was ordered out. Acts 17:9 tells us that there the Christians posted a bond, as if to guarantee that Paul would not come back into the city. When Paul went to Berea, some Jews from Thessalonica followed him to stir and agitate the crowds against him. These were his external pressures. His anxiety was also compounded by the fact that he could not find Titus there.

 

“But God” these two comforting words changed the whole outlook of his life. It is a timely reminder that God always shows up at the critical moment of our lives. And so Paul finally met Titus whom he had sent to Corinth and was greatly comforted. In verses 6-7 Paul went on to share how he was relieved by the report that Titus brought. Firstly he was encouraged by the reception Titus had from the Corinthians. Secondly he was comforted because Titus told him of the Corinthians’ longing to restore their good relationship with Paul. Thirdly he was encouraged by their mourning, implying that they had realized that they were at fault. And finally, he was encouraged by their renewed zeal toward him, although they had been highly critical of Paul. In these the apostle was greatly encouraged and he rejoiced greatly.

The arrival of Titus was a source of great comfort to Paul. In verse 6 we can sense that Paul was downcast. But when Titus, his co-worker met him, he brought along with him news that brought Paul great relief. As Christians we ought to be an encourager to one another. We should bear each other’s burden; stir up each other to good works and faith; and minister to each other’s needs. So when was the last time we were instrumental in positively impacting another brother or sister in the Lord with our encouragement?