2 Corinthians 2:1-4

Trying to avoid sorrow 2 Corinthians 2:1-4: Paul so much wanted to visit Corinth again. However he did not want it to be a painful visit. Just the writing of First Corinthians had caused Paul pain in writing and it caused these brethren pain in being brought face to face with sin and error. Paul would be so sad to have to come to Corinth if the brethren did not correct the wrongs that were going on there. He would feel sad but the brethren would also be saddened by the severeity of corrective apostolic discipline.

Paul wanted the brethren to have ample time to profit from the first letter. There is sorrow in wrong doing. Both the evil doer and the one doing the rebuking feel a deep sadness. The only way for the one that is rebuking the wrong to find joy is for the sinful person to repent. That is why Paul delayed in going to Corinth. He wanted them to have time to meditate on his letter and to correct their sinful situations. He did not desire to make them feel sad when they brought him so much joy. Like a loving parent Paul wrote to show his concern and love with reference to their spiritual welfare.