The Corinthian church held a special place in the heart of the evangelist and apostle Paul. No doubt this was, in part, because he and Timothy were co-laborers together with God in sowing the seed of the Gospel in that part of Achaia during the middle of the 1st century A.D. (1 Corinthians 3:9). Paul was thrilled God had given the increase (3:6-7). In consideration of the rank idolatry and gross immorality so prevalent in that strategic commercial city, it is hard to imagine any ancient city needing the prevailing benefit of the Gospel any more than did they. Now they were washed, justified and sanctified!
While Paul was later evangelizing the city of Ephesus, he learned of plenty perplexing problems through both oral and written means of communication. He experienced heartache and deep sadness prompting his tears to flow as he penned what we know as 1 Corinthians. About a year or so later, he would give the Corinthian saints insight into his emotions as he penned the earlier epistle. “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (2 Corinthians 2:4).
The epistle of 2 Corinthians informs us how Paul “believed in the Corinthians” that they would do what was right in a number of areas needing attention. Apparently, Titus had been less optimistic. However, Paul was proven that his confidence was not misplaced. The majority of the brethren in Corinth repented, causing Paul to feel relief and tremendous joy. Can God have similar confidence in us today? Can God rejoice over us?
