Lately, I have come to passages in this letter that I find hard to apply or make fresh. This is one of them. Paul tends to repeat himself, as he does in 2-4. Added to that, the subject matter started in 2:12-13; Paul has deviated from it until now, when he returns to it in 7:5-7.
So, here is a synopsis of worthy points from verses 2-4: wrong no one, corrupt no one, exploit no one, and condemn no one. Opposing these are: live and die for others, have great confidence in believers, be greatly encouraged by another’s faith, and in all our troubles our joy knows no bounds.
Concerning the last declaration, “in all our troubles our joy knows no bounds,” Paul expands upon that in verses 5-7. Paul stated in 2:14-15 that after he wrote the first letter to the congregation at Corinth, he began his circular trip to the congregations to collect the aid offering for the poor in Jerusalem. He had no peace of mind then because he was hoping to get a report about Corinth’s reception of the first letter from Titus. However, Titus was not in Troas, so he lacked peace.
Also, he says his body had no rest, but was harassed on every turn (5). Yet, here Paul declares that, despite these and other troubles, his joy knows no bounds. This reminds me of the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). God comforts the downcast (6). The takeaway to personalize is a contradiction believers experience, as Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble… my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid… take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 14:27, 16:33)
