'2Co 2:5-11

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Forgiveness for the offender (2Co 2:5-11)

In this section Paul speaks about an offender and his offence, and although we do not know to whom or what he was referring, the Corinthians did. The offence seems to have concerned Paul personally (perhaps a denial of his apostolic authority), and was one reason for Paul’s severe letter. The issue caused sorrow for the church and for Paul (2Co 2:5).

The church finally dealt with the offender, probably by excluding him from the fellowship for a period (2Co 2:6).

Paul now has to warn the Corinthians not to be hard and unforgiving. The man had shown sorrow and repentance for his sin, and the church should now lovingly welcome him back. If they continue to treat him harshly, their action could have bad results instead of good, through driving the man away from God in bitterness and sorrow (2Co 2:7-8).

The Corinthians had demonstrated their unity with Paul in dealing with the offender. He wants them to demonstrate that unity again, by forgiving the man and receiving him back (2Co 2:9-10).

If they fail to forgive, Satan may use the opportunity to do further damage, both to the man and to the church (2Co 2:11).