Forgiveness is the message of the Gospel: (Chap.-2)
Paul’s delay in visiting has benefitted them: (2:1-4):
The apostle Paul carrying on the thought from chapter-1, says that some church members were perhaps criticizing him because he changed his travel plans, and did not come as planned. They used this change of plans to say of Paul, “He is unreliable and untrustworthy. We don’t need to listen to him at all.” But Paul explains there were many reasons why he did not come as planned.
- Paul’s was not happy with his first visit: His first visit was full of conflict and unpleasantness. So, he determined that he would not have another “sorrowful” visit with the Corinthians. Paul knew that the constant conflict with the Corinthians could really damage his relationship with them. So he thought of giving them some time in order to repent and settle the matter. So instead of making a visit, Paul wrote a letter to them.
- Paul sends a letter (3rd-letter): Out of much affliction and anguish, Paul writes his 3rd letter (2:3-4) with many tears because he loved the Corinthians very much. He thought that the letter would be wise in such a situation. But that letter was either lost or not considered as the inspired word and the Holy Spirit didn’t make it available to the world. We can trust that what Paul wrote was perfect for the Corinthian Christians at that time, but not perfect for us or else God would have preserved it. We shouldn’t think that everything Paul or the other Bible writers wrote was automatically Scripture.
- Paul writes the letter with much pain: Paul’s great desire was that the church might obey the Word, discipline the offender, and bring purity and peace to the congregation. As parents rebuke the children, Paul had rebuked them in his letter so that they would not harm themselves by going ashtray. Paul did not enjoy confronting the Corinthians because it was hard for him. So with many tears he wrote. “St. Paul’s Epistles were written rather with tears than with ink.” (Trapp)
Forgiveness must be the key of the church: (2:5-11):
The world views forgiveness not as a vice or weakness. We think of killer instinct and vengeful and this what our great heroes have practiced. There are so many teachings and books on self esteem, self confidence and whatever problems one faces, they are all due to others. But one must know that unforgiveness produces hatred, bitterness, animosity, anger and retribution. Refusing to forgive people imprisons them and they carry heavy mental wrights in their hearts. When bitterness takes root control, it clogs the arteries and even lead to higher diseases like hypertension, heart-attacks etc. Unforgiveness makes the person to lose his joy and peace.
On the other hand, forgiveness frees people from the past. It is liberating, exhilarating, and healthy. Forgiveness relieves tension, brings peace and joy, and restores relationships.
- The transgressor: Here the Apostle Paul speaking probably the same as he confronted in (1 Cor. 5:1-13) of a person having an incestuous affair and living immorally with his stepmother. The phrase may also be due to some person who had sinned by insulting Paul on the face during his painful visit.