2 Corinthians 7:11; Yea, What Clearing of Yourselves

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The phrase “clearing of yourselves” is the word “ἀπολογία” (apologia), from which we get the word “apologetics”. It means “a speech in defence”. The Corinthian Christians were eager to repent and make redress for every wrong committed. It does not mean they were eager to defend their wrongdoing rather they were eager to seek a right way to correct their wrongdoing.

They were like a Zacchaeus:

Luke 19:5-9 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 

Truly, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Amen.