A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 2

That I would not come again to you with sorrow (το μη παλιν εν λυπη προς υμας ελθειν). Articular second aorist active infinitive with negative μη in apposition with τουτο (this) preceding. What does Paul mean by "again" (παλιν)? Had he paid another visit besides that described in Ac 18 which was in sorrow (εν λυπη)? Or does he mean that having had one joyful visit (that in Ac 18) he does not wish the second one to be in sorrow? Either interpretation is possible as the Greek stands and scholars disagree. So in 12:14 "The third time I am ready to come" may refer to the proposed second visit (1:15f.) and the present plan (a third). And so as to 13:1. There is absolutely no way to tell clearly whether Paul had already made a second visit. If he had done so, it is a bit odd that he did not plainly say so in 1:15f. when he is apologizing for not having made the proposed visit ("a second benefit").

Who then? (κα τισ?). For this use of κα see on Mr 10:26; John 9:36. The κα accepts the condition (first class ει--λυπω) and shows the paradox that follows. Λυπεω is old word from λυπη (sorrow) in causative sense, to make sorry.

Maketh glad (ευφραινων). Present active participle of old word from ευ, well, and φρην, mind, to make joyful, causative idea like λυπεω.

I wrote this very thing (εγραψα τουτο αυτο). Is this (and εγραψα in verses 4,9,12) the epistolary aorist referring to the present letter? In itself that is possible as the epistolary aorist does occur in the N.T. as in 8:18; 9:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 854f.). If not epistolary aorist as seems improbable from the context and from 7:8-12, to what Epistle does he refer? To 1Colossians 5 or to a lost letter? It is possible, of course, that, when Paul decided not to come to Corinth, he sent a letter. The language that follows in verses 3,4; 7:8-12 can hardly apply to I Corinthians.

Should have sorrow (λυπην σχω). Second aorist (ingressive) active subjunctive of εχω, should get sorrow, after ινα μη negative final particles.

From them of whom (αφ' ων). Antecedent omitted, απο τουτων αφ' ων (from those from whom).

I ought (εδε με). Imperfect for unrealized present obligation as often and like English.

Having confidence (πεποιθως). Second perfect active participle of πειθω (1:9).

Anguish (συνοχης). Ablative case after εκ (out of). Old word from συνεχω, to hold together. So contraction of heart (Cicero, contractio animi), a spiritual angina pectoris. In N.T. only here and Lu 21:25.

With many tears (δια πολλων δακρυων). He dictated that letter "through tears" (accompanied by tears). Paul was a man of heart. He writes to the Philippians with weeping (κλαιων) over the enemies of the Cross of Christ . He twice mentions his tears in his speech at Miletus (Acts 20:19–31).

But that ye might know the love (αλλα την αγαπην ινα γνωτε). Proleptic position of αγαπην and ingressive second aorist active subjunctive γνωτε, come to know.

If any (ε τις). Scholars disagree whether Paul refers to 1 Corinthians 5:1, where he also employs τισ, τοιουτος, and Σατανας as here, or to the ringleader of the opposition to him. Either view is possible. In both cases Paul shows delicacy of feeling by not mentioning the name.

But in part (αλλα απο μερους). "But to some extent to you all." The whole Corinthian Church has been injured in part by this man's wrongdoing. There is a parenthesis (that I press not too heavily , ινα μη επιβαρω) that interrupts the flow of ideas. Επιβαρεω, to put a burden on (επι, βαρος), is a late word, only in Paul in N.T. (here and 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8). He does not wish to give pain by too severe language.