2 Corinthians 2:4

ἀλλὰ τὴν�. Strong emphasis on τὴν�. No doubt some had called his severe letter cruel. But had he not loved them so much, he either would have done nothing, or would not have abstained from coming and inflicting heavy punishment.

ἥν ἔχω περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς. Not only are they dear to him; few of his converts are so dear: and he wishes them to know this. Βούλεται γὰρ αὐτοὺς καὶ ταύτῃ ἐπισπάσασθαι, τῷ δεῖξαι ὅτι πλέον πάντων αὐτοὺς φιλεῖ, καὶ ὡς περὶ ἐξαιρέτους μαθητὰς διάκειται (Chrysostom).