John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 7:15

"And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him." — 2 Corinthians 7:15 (ASV)

His bowels more abundantly. As the bowels are the seat of the affections, the term is for that reason used to denote compassion, love, and every pious affection. He wished, however, to express emphatically the idea that while Titus had loved the Corinthians previously, he had been, at that time, more vehemently stirred up to love them, and that from the innermost affections of his heart. Now, by these words he endears Titus to the Corinthians, as it is beneficial that the servants of Christ should be loved, so that they are able to do more good. He at the same time encourages them to continue doing well, that they may make themselves beloved by all good people.

With fear and trembling. By these two words he sometimes expresses simply respect, (Ephesians 6:5), and this perhaps would not be unsuitable for this passage, though I would have no objection to viewing the trembling as mentioned particularly to mean that, being aware of having acted wrongly, they were afraid to face him.

It is true that even those who are resolute in their iniquities tremble at the sight of the judge, but voluntary trembling, which proceeds from sincere shame, is a sign of repentance. Whichever interpretation you may choose, this passage teaches what constitutes a proper reception for the ministers of Christ.

Assuredly, it is not sumptuous banquets, it is not splendid apparel, it is not courteous and honorable salutations, nor the applause of the crowd, that gratify the upright and faithful pastor. He experiences, on the other hand, an overflowing of delight when the doctrine of salvation is received with reverence from his mouth, when he retains the authority that belongs to him for the edification of the Church, and when the people submit to his direction, to be guided by his ministry under Christ’s banner.

An example of this we see here in Titus. Finally, in closing, he reaffirms what he had previously stated—that he had never been offended to such an extent as to completely distrust the Corinthians.