Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 7:5-11

"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. Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, [even] God, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort wherewith he was comforted in you, while he told us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced yet more. 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), I now rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye were made sorry unto repentance; for ye were made sorry after a godly sort, that ye might suffer loss by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation, [a repentance] which bringeth no regret: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold, this selfsame thing, that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what earnest care it wrought in you, yea what clearing of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea what fear, yea what longing, yea what zeal, yea what avenging! In everything ye approved yourselves to be pure in the matter." — 2 Corinthians 7:5-11 (ASV)

There were fightings outside, or continual contentions with, and opposition from Jews and Gentiles; and there were fears within, and great concern for those who had embraced the Christian faith. But God comforts those who are cast down. We should look above and beyond all means and instruments, to God, as the author of all the consolation and good we enjoy.

Sorrow according to the will of God, tending to the glory of God, and worked by the Spirit of God, renders the heart humble, contrite, submissive, disposed to mortify every sin, and to walk in newness of life. And this repentance is connected with saving faith in Christ, and a share in His atonement. There is a great difference between this godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world.

The happy fruits of true repentance are mentioned. When the heart is changed, the life and actions will be changed. It worked indignation at sin, at themselves, at the tempter and his instruments. It worked a watchful fear, and a cautious fear of sin. It worked a desire to be reconciled with God.

It worked zeal for duty and against sin. It worked revenge against sin and their own folly, by efforts to make satisfaction for injuries done by them. Deep humility before God, hatred of all sin, with faith in Christ, a new heart, and a new life, make repentance unto salvation. May the Lord bestow it on every one of us.