2 Corinthians 2:3-11

Discipline that Worked

Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth in an effort to get them to change. Specifically, he was concerned that they were tolerating sin. He directed them to withdraw from the disorderly brother in an effort to save his soul. He warned them to change and confidently believed they would make him rejoice. He had not rejoiced in the evil that was present in the church but was brought to a state of anguish (1 Corinthians 4:21; 1 Corinthians 5:1). He demonstrated his love for them by correcting and disciplining them (2 Corinthians 2:3-4).

The fornicator Paul mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 had brought sorrow to Paul through his sinful acts. Paul saw his sorrow in the matter as nothing compared to the sorrow of the church. The apostle had encouraged them to withdraw fellowship from him in an effort to bring him to repentance. Apparently, they were successful in their actions and Paul pleaded with them to forgive the penitent man and accept him back lest his sorrow and shame drive him to Satan for lack of hope. Just as Paul had instructed them to discipline the fornicator, he wanted them to forgive him and publicly display their love for him (2 Corinthians 2:5-8).

Paul had used this case of fellowship as a test of their willingness to obey. They had proven faithful. He was in agreement with any action taken under God's direction. In fact, he indicated any action which is taken in accord with Christ's law is actually taken in conjunction with the Lord. The purpose of discipline is to save the sinner (1 Corinthians 5:3). In a similar manner, the apostle urged the church to forgive to defeat Satan. If we are unmerciful, or unforgiving, Satan can use that to completely harden the penitent sinner against the truth (2 Corinthians 2:9-11).