A Study in 2nd Corinthians
23—Consolation
Consolation means this: “The comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.”
2 Corinthians 7:13 (NLT) 13We have been greatly encouraged by this. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was about the way all of you welcomed him and set his mind at ease.
Paul, Titus and the Church people at Corinth were all encouraged when the instructions they gave were obeyed. The true repentance was on full display by changed lives.
If they had NOT repented and put away the evil, the consequences to them would have been deep distress. But instead, they were now blessed and happy.
We should be comforted by one another’s comforts and hurt by one another’s sorrows and grief.
2 Corinthians 7:14 (NLT) 14I had told him how proud I was of you—and you didn’t disappoint me. I have always told you the truth, and now my boasting to Titus has also proved true!
Paul had spoken before of their faults and he speaks true of their good qualities as well.
2 Corinthians 7:15 (NLT) 15Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect.
2 Corinthians 6:12 (NLT) 12There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us.
2 Corinthians 7:12 (NLT) 12My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us.
The Church received Titus with great humility, admiration and respect as a minister of the Gospel and one sent by the apostle to them.
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NLT) 11Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
2 Corinthians 7:16 (NLT) 16I am very happy now because I have complete confidence in you.
Paul now knows that this Church as a whole has matured to the place where he has plenty of proof that they’re willing to obey God and set aside everything that is offensive to the Lord.
Whenever there is a misunderstanding between people, the best remedy is a direct and open request for an explanation.
Matthew 18:15-20 (NLT) 15“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. 18“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid£ on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. 19“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
