How did Paul feel about the problems in the Corinthian church?

Les explains that Paul did not avoid Corinth for frivolous reasons. He did not come personally so that he would not be more stringent in his reproof, and a letter would be a better, kinder way of doing it. Paul knew the time was not ripe for him to make a personal appearance among this congregation, especially remembering all the problems and necessary reproofs brought upon that congregation in 1 Corinthians. The Apostle was uptight, grieved, and brokenhearted over what was taking place at Corinth. This was in the back of his mind, and of course under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In verse 24, Paul says he did not have dominion over their faith but was a helper of their joy, for by faith they stand. Les points out that Paul was not overlording them like a totalitarian dictator. He was their Apostle and teacher, the one who brought them out of pagan idolatry, but he was not standing over them with a heavy whip or in a totalitarian way; he was simply a helper of their joy, made possible by faith.