2 Corinthians 7:1-4, Paul's Joy

1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

2 Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.

The promises are from the Old Testament quotes we read yesterday. The Corinthians could have become defiled by being involved in pagan temple rituals in Corinth. They are to get on with progressive sanctification, turning their backs on past practices. Paul is helping them to establish the proper moral and social boundaries for their Christian community in the heart of their pagan city.

Paul is asking the Corinthians to be reconciled with him. In listing what he has not done, perhaps Paul is alluding to his detractors who have wronged, corrupted, and taken advantage of the church in Corinth. Paul always uses plain speech with them, not hiding his meaning in mystery. He feels so close to them that he will share living and dying with them. In general, Paul has been encouraged by them to the point of overflowing joy.

Reflection:

Grant to us, O Lord, the royalty of inward happiness, and the serenity which comes from living close to thee. Daily renew in us the sense of joy and let the eternal Spirit of the Father dwell in our souls and bodies, filling every corner of our hearts with light and grace; so that, bearing about with us the infection of good courage, we may be diffusers of life, and may meet all ills and cross accidents with gallant and high-hearted happiness, giving thee thanks always for all things.

– Robert Louis Stevenson, 1850-1894