John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 2:6

"Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was [inflicted] by the many;" — 2 Corinthians 2:6 (ASV)

Sufficient. He now extends kindness even to the man who had sinned more grievously than the others, and on whose account his anger had been kindled against them all, since they had connived at his crime. In his showing indulgence even to one who was deserving of severer punishment, the Corinthians have a striking example to convince them of how much he disliked excessive harshness. It is true that he does not act this way merely for the sake of the Corinthians, but because he was naturally of a forgiving temper; but still, in this instance of mildness, the Corinthians could not help but perceive his remarkable kind disposition. In addition to this, he does not merely show himself indulgent, but exhorts others to receive him into favor, with the same mildness.

Let us, however, consider these things in a little more detail. He refers to the man who had defiled himself by an incestuous marriage with his mother-in-law. As the iniquity was not to be tolerated, Paul had ordered that the man be excommunicated. He had also severely reproved the Corinthians because they had for so long encouraged that enormity by their concealment and tolerance. It appears from this passage that he had been brought to repentance after being admonished by the Church. Therefore, Paul orders that he be forgiven and also supported with consolation.

This passage should be carefully observed, as it shows us with what equity and clemency the discipline of the Church should be regulated, so that there is no undue severity. Strictness is needed, so that the wicked are not made more daring by impunity, which is rightly called an enticement to vice.

But on the other hand, as there is a danger of the person who is chastised becoming discouraged, moderation must be used in this—so that the Church will be prepared to extend forgiveness as soon as it is fully satisfied with his penitence. In this area, I find that the ancient bishops lacked wisdom; and indeed they should not be excused, but on the contrary, we should instead note their error, so that we may learn to avoid it.

Paul is satisfied with the repentance of the offender, so that a reconciliation may take place with the Church. They, on the other hand, by disregarding his repentance, have issued canons regarding repentance for three years, for seven years, and in some cases for life. By these canons, they exclude poor, unhappy men from the fellowship of the Church.

And, in this way, the offender is either further alienated from the Church or is induced to practice hypocrisy. But even if the enactment were more plausible, this consideration would, in my view, be enough to condemn it—that it is contrary to the rule of the Holy Spirit, which the Apostle prescribes here.