What happensPermalink
Paul urges the Corinthians to work toward complete holiness. He found comfort in Macedonia when Titus arrived with good news: the Corinthians had received Paul’s severe letter with repentance and renewed affection. Godly grief leads to repentance and life; worldly grief centers on self and ends in death. Paul rejoices that his confidence in them—and his praise of them to Titus—has been fully vindicated.
Why it mattersPermalink
Paul resumes his story from chapter 2, showing that repentance restores joy and unity. Their response renews his trust in them, preparing both sides for the partnership of generosity in the next chapters
Key versePermalink
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.