Why did Paul write to the Corinthians so that he wouldn't have sorrow when he came?
Paul wrote to the Corinthians so that, when he came, he would not have sorrow or grief from those who should have brought him joy. He did not want to hear things in the church that made him sorry instead of joyful.
Les explains that Paul’s concern was pastoral and personal. Paul wrote lest, when he came, he should have sorrow or grieve from them of whom he ought to rejoice; he would hear things taking place in the church that made him sorry instead of joyful. He had confidence in them that his joy was their joy, and he saw this carnal church at Corinth as able to grow and become real trophies of God’s grace despite pressure. Les notes these early Christians were under pressure from Jewish and pagan elements, and few came into Christian liberty. Paul wrote out of much affliction and anguish of heart, with many tears, because of what he was hearing from the congregation at Corinth.
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
What was Paul's confidence about the carnal church at Corinth?
Paul had genuine confidence that the carnal church at Corinth could grow and become real trophies of God’s grace, in spite of all the pressure. He also expressed confidence in them, saying his joy was the joy of them all.
Why did Paul write to the Corinthians instead of waiting to visit them?
Paul wrote to the Corinthians because he did not want to come and experience sorrow or grief from those who should have brought him joy. He feared hearing about problems in the church that would make him sorry rather than joyful, so he wrote with many tears and anguish of heart.
More Questions
Why did Paul write to the Corinthians the way he did in 2 Corinthians 2:3?
Paul wrote what he did in 2 Corinthians 2:3 so that when he came to Corinth he would not have sorrow — he did not want to hear things happening in the church that would make him sorry instead of hearing things that would make him joyful.