2 Corinthians 2:3

“And I wrote this same unto you, etc..] Not what he had written in the preceding verse, or in (<470123>2 Corinthians 1:23), where he says, that his not coming to them as yet was to spare them; but what he had written to them in his former epistle, concerning the excommunication of the incestuous man, which had so much grieved both him and them; and this the apostle chose rather to order by writing, than in person; hoping to hear of their repentance and amendment, before he came among them: lest, says he, when I came, or should come, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; some copies and the Complutensian edition read, “sorrow upon sorrow”; and so does the Vulgate Latin…”

“I wrote this same unto you--namely, that I would not come to you then (Co2 2:1), as, if I were to come then, it would have to be "in heaviness" (causing sorrow both to him and them, owing to their impenitent state). He refers to the first Epistle (compare Co1 16:7; compare Co1 4:19, Co1 4:21; Co1 5:2-7, Co1 5:13). sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice--that is, sorrow from their impenitence, when he ought, on the contrary, to have joy from their penitent obedience. The latter happy effect was produced by his first Epistle, whereas the former would have been the result, had he then visited them as he had originally proposed. having confidence . . . that my joy is the joy of you…”

“And I wrote this same unto you - The words “this same” (τοῦτο αὐτὸ (touto auto) refer to what he had written to them in the former Epistle, particularly to what he had written in regard to the incestuous person, requiring them to excommunicate him. Probably the expression also includes the commands in his former Epistle to reform their conduct in general, and to put away the abuses and evil practices which prevailed in the church there. Lest when I came ... - Lest I should be obliged if I came personally to exercise the severity of discipline, and thus to diffuse sorrow throughout the entire church. I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice - Lest I should have grief in…”

“And I wrote thus to you - I wrote to you before in this determination, not to come to you in grief. 2 Corinthians 2:4”

“2:3-4 After his painful visit (2:1), Paul then wrote a letter with great anguish . . . and many tears that was intended for the Corinthians’ good. That letter (see also 7:8-10) has evidently been lost. But it was effective in bringing about the needed repentance and change.”

“I wrote: Co1 4:21, Co1 5:1-13 lest: Co2 12:21, Co2 13:1, Co2 13:2 I ought: Co2 12:11 having: Co2 1:15, Co2 7:6, Co2 8:22; Gal 5:10; Plm 1:21 2 Corinthians 2:4”