Pam Padgett ... teacher
When Paul came to Macedonia, he faced much trouble, fighting, and fears. But God comforted Paul when he was cast down, by Titus coming to Paul and the report Titus brought about the church in Corinth ...
2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into
Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side;
without were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that
comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of
Titus; 7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he
was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your
mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
The church at Corinth had dealt in godly sorrow, repentance, and doing that which was good and clearing themselves in a matter Paul had brought to their attention ...
2 Corinthians 7:8
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I
did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry,
though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made
sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a
godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For
godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but
the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame
thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought
in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea,
what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!
In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that
had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our
care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
This report brought comfort to Paul who cared for the church. Great joy also resulted in seeing that Titus had been refreshed by the church at Corinth ...
2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the
more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by
you all. 14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not
ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our
boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward
affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the
obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I
rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
While Paul was dealing with many troubles in Macedonia, God comforted Paul, bringing Titus and a good report about the church of Corinth. The godly manner in which the church at Corinth dealt with the problem Paul previously brought to their attention, together with the way they received Titus, their love toward Paul, and their obedience, brought comfort and joy to Paul.