What does 2 Corinthians 7:4 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 7:4 is a verse where the Apostle Paul expresses a profound sense of confidence and pride towards the believers in Corinth.

Literally, Paul is telling the Corinthians that he has a great deal of openness (boldness of speech) when communicating with them, which reflects a close relationship.

He also mentions his "glorying" of them, boasting or taking pride in their faithfulness and accomplishments as a church.

Despite facing hardships ("tribulation"), he speaks of being "filled with comfort" and "exceeding joyful." The deeper meaning here is one of spiritual resilience; Paul finds joy and comfort in the midst of suffering, and this is related to the strong bond and mutual support between him and the Corinthian church.

Historical Context

When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he was addressing various issues within the Corinthian church, including challenges to his apostolic authority, misunderstandings about the Christian life, and concerns about the behavior and commitment of some believers within the church.

The epistle reflects the socio-religious context of 1st-century Corinth, a city known for its cultural diversity and moral complexities.

Against this background, the letter illustrates Paul's pastoral care despite distances and his strong desire to maintain a connection with the congregation.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Paul's expression in 2 Corinthians 7:4 intersects with several key Christian principles:

• Suffering and Comfort: Paul often teaches about the role of suffering in Christian life, suggesting that tribulations can lead to spiritual growth and consolation from God.
• Community and Interdependence: The mutual relationship between Paul and the Corinthians suggests a theology of the church where believers are called to support, encourage, and take pride in one another.
• Joy in Affliction: The counterintuitive notion of being joyful in hard times speaks to a profound sense of inner peace and hope that is central to Christian theology.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to be candid and supportive of each other in their faith communities.

It suggests that pride in the achievements of fellow Christians and finding comfort in the community can provide joy despite personal or collective tribulations.

The practical application might be to seek out and nurture such spiritually enriching relationships and to face hardships with a sense of hope and community support.

Cross-References

• Romans 5:3-5: "And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;"
• 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20: "For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy."
• 2 Corinthians 1:4: "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words stand out for their deeper meanings:

• "Boldness" (παρρησία - parrēsia) often implies confidence, openness, or assurance.
• "Glorying" (καύχησις - kauchēsis) can be translated as boasting, exulting, or rejoicing.
• "Comfort" (παράκλησις - paraklēsis) carries with it the idea of consolation or encouragement.
• "Exceeding joyful" (περισσεύω - perisseuō) indicates an abundance or overflowing joy.

Understanding these terms in the original language gives depth to Paul's sentiments, highlighting an abundant emotional and spiritual state despite challenges.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, boasting was often associated with one's achievements or the valor of one's ancestors or nation.

However, in the Judaic-Christian tradition, boasting in the Lord or in the faith of others was more valued.

This sets Paul's glorying in the Corinthians apart from the secular boasting of his time.

This differentiation is also evident when comparing with other religions of the time, which may have promoted individual or national pride differently.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific ideas, modern psychology might offer a perspective on the concepts of social support, resilience, and finding joy in adversity, themes present in this verse.

Research in these areas confirms that strong social bonds and a positive community can significantly impact an individual's ability to cope with stress and hardship.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse, offering various interpretations:

• John Chrysostom highlighted Paul's apostolic care and lavish affection toward the Corinthians, along with his concurrent joy in facing afflictions for the sake of the church.
• John Calvin commented on Paul's paradoxical joy, emphasizing that it springs from godly rather than worldly sources.
• Contemporary scholars often focus on the significance of Paul's relationship with his converts and how it provides a model for pastoral ministry and community within the church.

They also underline the interplay between hardship and comfort, and how the Christian's reliance on God and his people provides a buffer against the full weight of suffering.