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1
The Pain Behind the Pen
Commentators emphasize that Paul's 'severe letter' was not written from a place of anger or superiority, but 'out of much affliction and anguish of heart.' Scholars describe his state as a 'spiritual angina pectoris'—a painful constriction of the heart. His many tears show that delivering necessary correction was deeply painful for him, revealing his tender, fatherly heart.
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Book Overview
2 Corinthians
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On 2 Corinthians 2:4
18th Century
Theologian
For out of much affliction. Possibly Paul's enemies had charged him with being harsh and overbearing. They may have said that there was mu…
AT Robertson
On 2 Corinthians 2:4
Anguish (συνοχης). Ablative case after εκ (out of). Old word from συνεχω, to hold together. So contraction of heart (Cicero, co…
Charles Ellicott
On 2 Corinthians 2:4
19th Century
Bishop
Out of much affliction and anguish.—Some might think that it cost him little to write sharp words like those he has in mind. He re…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On 2 Corinthians 2:4
In place of a second painful visit to Corinth, Paul wrote the Corinthians a letter that has come to be known as the “severe letter” (see the introd…
John Calvin
On 2 Corinthians 2:4
16th Century
Theologian
For out of much affliction here he presents another reason in order to soften the harshness he had employed. For those who smilingly take …
John Gill
On 2 Corinthians 2:4
17th Century
Pastor
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
Being greatly pressed in his spirit, and grieved at his heart, for t…
Matthew Henry
On 2 Corinthians 2:1–4
17th Century
Minister
The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them; he had written in confidence that they would do what was for their benefit and his comfor…