Titus Brings Good News from Corinth
7:5 to 9:15
The location of this section in the structure of the letter should be noted. These verses pick up the personal defense of his ministry broken off at Troas (2:12-13) to develop Paul’s lengthy digression of his B’rit Chadashah ministry (to see link click Ar – Paul Reflects on His Ministry). It is likely that Paul delayed the expression of confidence in his “severe letter” (see Bl – The Effects of the Severe Letter) until he had completed the defense of his ministry in the extended digression. This section resumes that personal defense from Macedonia (see Aq – Paul’s Anxiety in Troas). It is not merely a review, but serves to lead the reader through the remainder of the letter. In Chapters 9 through 13, Paul repeatedly speaks of his intention to come to Corinth (9:4, 10:2 and 6, 12:14 and 20-21, 13:1-2 and 10, 11:9). The joyous confidence expressed in the positive response to Paul and to Titus as a result of the “severe letter” laid the pastoral foundation from which to address matters that the Corinthians needed to rectify.175
The first of which was the collection. This was not the first time the Corinthians had heard of the collection for the poor Jews in Jerusalem (see the commentary on First Corinthians Dz – Giving to God’s Work). Paul gave them certain information and directions about the project they had probably requested in their earlier letter. First Corinthians 16:1 points to a topic discussed in the Corinthians’ letter to Paul. Therefore, when the apostle sent Titus to deliver and reinforce the effects of the “severe letter,” Paul probably requested that he attempt to revive the languishing collection if the Corinthian church responded favorably to the letter (8:6a). No significant progress seemed to have been made, although there had been some giving (8:10). Now, with the firm evidence from Titus of the Corinthians’ loyalty to him, Paul could discuss the project again and press for its early completion.176
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