2 Corinthians 7:14-15; With Fear and Trembling Ye Received Him
2 Corinthians 7:14-15 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
The Apostle Paul sent Titus to deliver a letter to the Corinthian church. When Titus arrived, there was a warm reception of him as a messenger from the Lord sending an important message to them. Titus observed the spiritual demeanour of a meek spirit, ready to listen and do the will of God. To this, Titus testified that he was touched by what he saw. But what made an impression to him was that he was received with fear and trembling. There was a godly fear that is evident in their reception of him. They understood the way of forgiveness and cleansing before God – 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. There was a readiness to make redress as they stand to be examined.
The psalmist articulated such a heart in Psalm 103:1-5 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Their conduct was characterised by obedience, not disobedience. It speaks of a cultivated spirit, of spiritual maturation yet knowing that there yet spiritual progress to be made.
It is not the constant thought of their sins, but the vision of the holiness of God that makes the saints aware of their own sinfulness. [Archbishop Anthony Bloom (1914- )]¹
¹Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World.