This verse from 2 Corinthians 7:6, "Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus," is packed with meaning, especially when understood within the context of the entire passage and Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church. Here's a breakdown:
"Nevertheless": This word acts as a contrast. Paul is likely contrasting a period of anxiety, hardship, or distress that he and his companions were experiencing.
"He who comforts the lowly, God": This part emphasizes a key attribute of God: He provides comfort and encouragement to those who are humble, afflicted, or feeling downcast. It's a statement of faith and trust in God's character. The term "lowly" (ταπεινός, tapeinos) can also mean humble, afflicted, or discouraged. God's characteristic is to specifically minister comfort to those who are in a state of humility or suffering.
"comforted us": This is the key action. Paul and his fellow ministers received comfort. It wasn't something they generated themselves.
"by the coming of Titus": This specifies how God provided the comfort. Titus's arrival was the means through which God delivered solace and encouragement to Paul and his companions.
Therefore, the whole verse is saying:
Despite the hardships we were facing, God, who always comforts those who are downcast and humble, brought relief and encouragement to us through the arrival of Titus.
Here's why Titus's arrival was so significant:
Titus was a trusted messenger: Titus had been sent by Paul to Corinth to address some issues within the church, specifically related to their previous rebuke and correction. Paul was anxious to hear about the outcome of Titus's visit.
Titus brought good news: Titus's arrival meant he had successfully delivered Paul's message, and more importantly, he brought back positive news about the Corinthian church's repentance, obedience, and renewed affection for Paul. This news relieved Paul's anxiety and gave him great comfort.
Relief from anxiety: Paul was deeply concerned about the Corinthian church. He had written a stern letter, and he worried about how they would receive it. Titus's presence confirmed that the church had responded positively, alleviating Paul's anxiety and uncertainty.
In essence, the verse is a testament to:
God's comforting nature: God is depicted as the one who actively comforts those in need.
God's use of people: God often uses people (like Titus) as instruments to bring comfort and encouragement to others.
The importance of relationships: The verse highlights the value of strong, healthy relationships and the impact they can have on our emotional well-being.
The power of good news: Positive news, especially after a period of anxiety, can be a tremendous source of comfort and encouragement.
In short, Paul expresses gratitude to God for relieving his anxiety through the arrival and good news of Titus, demonstrating God's character as a comforter of the afflicted.
This verse from 2 Corinthians 7:6, "Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus," is packed with meaning, especially when understood within the context of the entire passage and Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church. Here's a breakdown:
"Nevertheless": This word acts as a contrast. Paul is likely contrasting a period of anxiety, hardship, or distress that he and his companions were experiencing.
"He who comforts the lowly, God": This part emphasizes a key attribute of God: He provides comfort and encouragement to those who are humble, afflicted, or feeling downcast. It's a statement of faith and trust in God's character. The term "lowly" (ταπεινός, tapeinos) can also mean humble, afflicted, or discouraged. God's characteristic is to specifically minister comfort to those who are in a state of humility or suffering.
"comforted us": This is the key action. Paul and his fellow ministers received comfort. It wasn't something they generated themselves.
"by the coming of Titus": This specifies how God provided the comfort. Titus's arrival was the means through which God delivered solace and encouragement to Paul and his companions.
Therefore, the whole verse is saying:
Despite the hardships we were facing, God, who always comforts those who are downcast and humble, brought relief and encouragement to us through the arrival of Titus.
Here's why Titus's arrival was so significant:
Titus was a trusted messenger: Titus had been sent by Paul to Corinth to address some issues within the church, specifically related to their previous rebuke and correction. Paul was anxious to hear about the outcome of Titus's visit.
Titus brought good news: Titus's arrival meant he had successfully delivered Paul's message, and more importantly, he brought back positive news about the Corinthian church's repentance, obedience, and renewed affection for Paul. This news relieved Paul's anxiety and gave him great comfort.
Relief from anxiety: Paul was deeply concerned about the Corinthian church. He had written a stern letter, and he worried about how they would receive it. Titus's presence confirmed that the church had responded positively, alleviating Paul's anxiety and uncertainty.
In essence, the verse is a testament to:
God's comforting nature: God is depicted as the one who actively comforts those in need.
God's use of people: God often uses people (like Titus) as instruments to bring comfort and encouragement to others.
The importance of relationships: The verse highlights the value of strong, healthy relationships and the impact they can have on our emotional well-being.
The power of good news: Positive news, especially after a period of anxiety, can be a tremendous source of comfort and encouragement.
In short, Paul expresses gratitude to God for relieving his anxiety through the arrival and good news of Titus, demonstrating God's character as a comforter of the afflicted.