Pride as an apostle

Paul had temporarily departed from the flow of his discussion to address the theme of “pursuing a holy life.” This was the parenthetical section from 6:14 to 7:1. Today’s passage should be read as connected to 6:13. He wanted the Corinthian believers to open their hearts to him, and here he emphasizes this once again. (1) There were criticisms that “Paul is evangelizing for financial gain” and that “he is taking advantage of the Corinthian believers.” (2) In response, Paul defends himself by saying that, as he looks back on his past conduct, he has done nothing that violates his conscience. “We have wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one” is the substance of Paul’s defense. (3) Here again, Paul makes his defense by appealing to his own conscience and to the testimony of the Corinthian believers who had witnessed his conduct.

Paul’s joy

The present condition of the Corinthian church was still far from perfect. Nevertheless, Paul trusted the Corinthian believers, was proud of them, and was filled with joy. Why? The reason will become clear in the next passage (v 5-7), but to anticipate it, it was because Titus had returned to Paul, who was waiting in Macedonia, bringing good news. The good news was that the “sorrowful letter” Paul had entrusted to Titus had produced results, and the Corinthian church had begun to change. When Paul heard this, his heart was filled with great joy. In 2:13, Paul writes that he left Troas and went on to Macedonia. In terms of the flow of the narrative, today’s passage connects directly with 2:13. When a sinner repents, great joy arises in heaven. Those who work with Christ can share in that joy. Paul was a man who knew that joy.