Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 2:3

"And I wrote this very thing, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all." — 2 Corinthians 2:3 (ASV)

And I wrote this same unto you. The words "this same" (touto auto) refer to what he had written to them in the former letter, particularly to what he had written regarding the incestuous person, requiring them to excommunicate him. Probably the expression also includes the commands in his former letter 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, etc. For fear that I would 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. For fear that I would have grief in the church; for fear that the conduct of the church, and the abuses which prevailed in it, would give me sorrow. I would be grieved by the existence of these evils, and I would be obliged to resort to measures that would be painful to me and to the whole church. Paul sought to avoid this by persuading them before he came to exercise the discipline themselves, and to put away the evil practices which prevailed among them.

Having confidence in you all. Having confidence that this is your general character, that whatever adds to my joy, or promotes my happiness, would give joy to you all.

Paul had enemies in Corinth; he knew that there were some there whose minds were alienated from him, and who were endeavoring to do him injury. Yet he did not doubt that it was the general character of the church that they wished him well, and would desire to make him happy; that what would tend to promote his happiness would also promote theirs; and, therefore, that they would be willing to do anything that would make his visit agreeable to him when he came among them.

He was therefore persuaded that if he wrote them an affectionate letter, they would listen to his injunctions, so that in this way all that was painful might be avoided when he came among them.