2 Corinthians 7:11; Yea, What Fear

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.

Hendriksen observed well, “Paul uses the word fear five times in this epistle, of which four are in this chapter (v. 1, 5, 11, 15; 5:11). He uses “fear” in the sense of reverence and respect for God and man, so that we may conclude that the word signifies reverence for God and respect for Paul. That is, the Corinthians respect Paul as God’s representative and bringer of divine revelation.”¹

The church in Corinth had a deep regard for the Apostle Paul as such, his letter was serious read, considered and heeded. It was heartening for him to know that. He has been seeking the Lord that the church may make progress, maturing in the ways of God. The good report from Titus confirmed the church received well his letter of admonition. A letter that was needful. Yet there could be a possibility that the hearts have been turned away from God so that his admonition will be spurned.

Indeed, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (Proverbs 9:1) Amen.

¹ Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 19, p. 257). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.