Paul affirms the Church as genuine one: (7:12-16):
Paul felt that there was no need to go through the past to recount upon the sins of the Church. He did not want to make a mess of taking sides of disputes of the sorrowful letter which he wrote to them. His purpose was simple to demonstrate his concern and care for them. As is said: “from all appearance there was never a Church less worthy of an apostle’s affections than this Corinthian Church was at this time; and yet no one ever more beloved.” (Clarke)
The Corinthians were very respectful to Titus and have given him warm welcome. Earlier they were not so gracious to Timothy (I Cor.4:17) when Paul sent him. Because Timothy’s visit was a failure, Paul sent Titus a matured and tough person to them. Paul was overjoyed at their gesture. To receive Titus so warmly, was the same as receiving him. Paul says the same thing to Philemon regarding Onesimus (Phi.17). Paul knew that his next visit to Corinth would be an enjoyable one. In fact, Paul spoke very high of Corinthian church to Titus, and Titus felt no embarrassment when he visited them. It appears that the Corinthians had received Titus with “fear and trembling.” This is because they had received God’s Word from Paul and were willing to obey it. They respected Titus as God’s servant and received his leadership as from the Lord. “Obey them that have the spiritual rule over you.”(Heb. 13:17). The way we treat God’s faithful servants is the way we treat Christ, for His servants represent Him (2 Cor.5:20; Jn.13:20). Now Titus developed a great affection towards the Corinthian Church.
Further Paul was trying to encourage the Corinthians, showing them that he is convinced of their genuine repentance. He praises them that they are in a place of victory. This is all happened because the Church had experienced a real repentance. For Paul, people and ministry are equally important. He wanted to maintain his relationship with people to lead them to Christ.
It is a lesson for all ministers. Paul in spite of all the disappointments he faced from this church, he still loved the church and took them to greater spiritual heights.