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For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.
Verse Takeaways
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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8
18th Century
Presbyterian
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…
Anguish (συνοχης). Ablative case after εκ (out of). Old word from συνεχω, to hold together. So contraction of heart (Cicero, co…
19th Century
Anglican
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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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…
16th Century
Protestant
For out of much affliction here he presents another reason in order to soften the harshness he had employed. For those who smilingly take …
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart Being greatly pressed in his spirit, and grieved at his heart, for t…
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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…
13th Century
Catholic
After giving a general reason for his delay in visiting the Corinthians, the Apostle now explains the specific cause of his delay and how he spared…