Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 7:5

"For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, but [we were] afflicted on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears." — 2 Corinthians 7:5 (ASV)

For, when we were come into Macedonia. For the reasons that led Paul to go into Macedonia, see the comments on 2 Corinthians 1:16.

Compare the comments on 2 Corinthians 2:12 and 2 Corinthians 2:13.

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 from any source. We were obliged to enter into harassing labors and conflicts there, and we were full of anxiety regarding you.

Without were fightings. He probably refers here to fierce opposition, which he met with in pursuing his work of preaching the gospel. He met there, as he did everywhere, with opposition from pagans, Jews, and false brethren. Tumults were usually stirred up wherever he went, and he commonly preached the gospel amidst violent opposition.

Within were fears, referring probably to the anxiety he had regarding the success of the epistle he had sent to the church at Corinth. He felt great solicitude on this subject.

He had sent Titus there to see the state of the church and to witness the effect of his instructions. Titus had not come to him at Troas as he had expected (2 Corinthians 2:13), and he felt the deepest anxiety regarding him and the success of his epistle.

His fears were probably that they would be unwilling to exercise discipline on the offender; or lest the severity of the required discipline should alienate them from him; or lest the party under the influence of the false teachers should prevail. All was uncertainty, and his mind was filled with the deepest apprehension.