Titus’ experience

Titus was the one who carried the “sorrowful letter,” but it appears that he had never visited the church in Corinth before. Even if he had, it seems to have been only a brief visit, and he did not know the Corinthian believers very well. For him, the information he had received from Paul was the only basis for forming his judgment. Titus must have carried the severe letter to the church in Corinth with considerable apprehension. The outcome was one that surprised even him. The Corinthian believers received Titus and showed him hospitality with deep care and love. How great Paul’s joy must have been when he saw Titus return rejoicing.

Paul’s joy

There were other reasons for Paul’s joy as well. (1) Paul had told Titus, “The Corinthian believers are wonderful people. Therefore, when they read this letter, they will surely correct their course in a positive direction.” Since that is exactly what happened, Paul rejoiced. (2) Paul had been defending himself, and the Corinthian believers acknowledged that everything he had said in his defense was true. In other words, they trusted Paul’s character. This was another reason for his joy. (3) Furthermore, the Corinthian believers acted just as Paul had boasted about them to Titus, and they did nothing to put Paul to shame. This was another reason for his joy. (4) Titus himself, remembering how warmly he had been welcomed by the Corinthian believers, came to have even greater affection for them than before. In verse 16, Paul writes, “I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.” On the basis of this relationship of trust, Paul now moves on to the next important theme, “giving” (chapters 8-9). For the work of the Lord, great works, to be accomplished, relationships of trust must be established among Christians. If there is an area where trust has been broken, let’s pray and take action to restore it. Let’s pray that the Lord will give us wisdom and a humble heart.