2 Corinthians 7:5

“For when we were come into Macedonia, etc..] Whither Paul went in quest of Titus, not finding him at Troas, (<470212>2 Corinthians 2:12,13) and where he met with him, and had the agreeable account from him of the state of this church; but here, as elsewhere, they had their troubles: our flesh had no rest; that is, their outward man, their bodies; they were continually fatigued with preaching, disputing, fighting; what with false teachers, and violent persecutors, they had no rest in their bodies; though, in their souls, they had divine support and spiritual consolation; and it was no small addition to their joy to hear of the flourishing condition of this church: but were troubled on every…”

“Greek, "For also" (for "even"). This verse is thus connected with Co2 2:12-13, "When I came to Troas, I had no rest in my spirit"; so "also" now, when I came to Macedonia, my "flesh" had no rest (he, by the term "flesh," excepts his spiritual consolations) from "fightings" with adversaries "without" (Co1 5:12), and from fears for the Corinthian believers "within" the Church, owing to "false brethren" (Co2 11:26). Compare Co2 4:8; Deu 32:25, to which he seems to allude.”

“For when we were come into Macedonia - For the reasons which induced Paul to go into Macedonia; see the notes on 2 Corinthians 1:16; compare the notes, 2 Corinthians 2:12-13. Our flesh had no rest - We were exceedingly distressed and agitated. We had no rest. The causes of his distress he immediately states. But we were troubled on every side - In every way. We had no rest in any quarter. We were obliged to enter into harassing labors and strifes there, and we were full of anxiety in regard to you. Without were fightings - Probably he here refers to fierce opposition, which he met with in prosecuting his work of preaching the gospel. He met there, as he did everywhere, with opposition from…”

“Our flesh - That is, we ourselves. Had no rest from without - From the heathens. Were fightings - Furious and cruel oppositions. From within - From our brethren. Were fears - Lest they should be seduced. 2 Corinthians 7:7”

“7:5-7 Paul’s joy leads him to tell about his recent meeting with Titus, whose presence was a joy when he joined Paul in Macedonia (see study note on 2:14–7:4; Acts 20:1-2). • Initially, Paul had no rest (this Greek word is used in 2 Cor 2:13, where it is rendered “peace of mind”) but only conflict, battles, and fear. Paul was deeply discouraged, but he received encouragement from God, who encourages those who are discouraged (cp. Ps 42:5-6). Titus arrived from Corinth with the news that Paul’s letter (see 2 Cor 2:3-4) had done its work (7:8-16). This was the chief cause of Paul’s joy.”

“when: Co2 1:16, Co2 1:17, Co2 2:13; Act 20:1; Co1 16:5 our: Co2 4:8-12, Co2 11:23-30; Gen 8:9; Isa 33:12; Jer 8:18, Jer 45:3; Mat 11:28-30 troubled: Co2 4:8; Job 18:11; Jer 6:25, Jer 20:10 without: Deu 32:25; Co1 15:31 fears: Co2 2:3, Co2 2:9, Co2 11:29, Co2 12:20, Co2 12:21; Gal 4:11, Gal 4:19, Gal 4:20; Th1 3:5 2 Corinthians 7:6”