Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 2:13

"I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia." — 2 Corinthians 2:13 (ASV)

I had no rest in my spirit. I was disappointed, sad, and deeply anxious. Although the work I was engaged in usually gives me my highest joy, my anxiety to learn about the situation in Corinth, the success of my letter, and to see Titus, whom I was expecting, was so great that I had comparatively no peace and no comfort.

But taking my leave of them. Although many considerations urged me to stay, and though there was such a promising field of labour, my anxiety to hear from you was so great that I left them.

I went from there into Macedonia. (See the notes on Acts 16:9.)

I went to where I expected to find Titus and to learn about the state of your affairs. This is one of the few instances in which Paul left an inviting field of labour, where there was a prospect of significant success, to go to another place.

It is adduced here to show the deep interest he had in the church at Corinth and his anxiety to learn about their condition. It shows that there may be cases where it is proper for ministers to leave a field of great and inviting usefulness to go to another field and engage in another part of the great vineyard.