John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 7:8

"For though I made you sorry with my epistle, I do not regret it: though I did regret [it] (for I see that that epistle made you sorry, though but for a season)," — 2 Corinthians 7:8 (ASV)

For though I grieved you. He now begins to apologize to the Corinthians for having handled them somewhat roughly in the previous Epistle. We must now observe the variety of ways he deals with them, so that it might seem as if he assumed different roles. The reason is that his discourse was directed to the entire Church.

Some there held an unfavorable view of him — others held him, as he deserved, in the highest esteem. Some were doubtful, others confident; some were teachable, others obstinate. Because of this diversity, he needed to direct his discourse sometimes in one way, sometimes in another, to adapt himself to all.

Now he lessens, or rather completely removes, any cause for offense regarding the severity he had used, because it turned out to promote their welfare. “Your welfare,” he says, “is so dear to me that I am delighted to see I have benefited you.” This softening approach is permissible only when the teacher has achieved the necessary good through his reproofs. For if he had found that the Corinthians’ minds still remained obstinate, and if he had perceived that an advantage was arising from the discipline he had attempted, he would undoubtedly have lessened none of his former severity. It should be noted, however, that he rejoices to have been a cause of grief to those whom he loved, because he was more eager to benefit them than to please them.

But what does he mean when he adds — though I did repent? For if we admit that Paul had felt dissatisfied with what he had written, a significant inconsistency would follow — that the previous Epistle had been written under a rash impulse rather than under the guidance of the Spirit. I answer that the word repent is used here in a broad sense to mean being grieved. For while he made the Corinthians sad, he himself also shared in the grief and, in a way, inflicted grief upon himself at the same time. “Though I caused you pain against my inclination, and it grieved me to be under the necessity of being harsh to you, I am no longer grieved on that account when I see that it has been of advantage to you.” Let us take an example from the case of a father: a father feels grief in connection with his severity when he chastises his son, but he approves of it nonetheless, because he sees that it is beneficial for his son. Similarly, Paul could feel no pleasure in upsetting the Corinthians; but, being aware of the motive that influenced his conduct, he preferred duty to inclination.

For I see. The transition is abrupt, but that does not at all weaken the clarity of the meaning. In the first place, he says that he had fully ascertained by its effect that the previous Epistle, though unwelcome for a time, had nevertheless eventually been of advantage; and secondly, that he rejoiced because of that advantage.