2 Corinthians 7:13

13. Here again some texts (KL, Copt.) have ὑμῶν for ἡμῶν. The omission of δέ after ἐπί and insertion after περισσοτέρως (Rec.) has little authority (37, Pesh. Aeth.).

13. διαʼ τοῦτο παρακεκλήμεθα. For this cause (because you behaved so well and our purpose was conscientious) we have been comforted, and remain so. These words, with a full stop after them, should be the conclusion of 2 Corinthians 7:12. They sum up 2 Corinthians 7:11-12.

Ἐπὶ δὲ τῇ παρακλήσει ἡμῶν κ.τ.λ. See critical note. But besides our comfort, we joyed the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus. The comfort was one joy; on the top of which came joy at the joy of Titus περισσοτέρως (2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:4) μᾶλλον (2 Corinthians 3:9).

ὅτι�. Because his spirit hath been refreshed by you all. Comp. Philemon 1:7; Philemon 1:20. The πάντων here and 2 Corinthians 7:15 confirms the explanation given of ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων (2 Corinthians 2:6). That majority, which inflicted punishment on the offender, is contrasted with a minority; and the minority was not a rebellious minority, contending that no punishment ought to be inflicted (in which case πάντων ὑμῶν, here and 2 Corinthians 7:15, would not be true), but an ultra-loyal minority, contending that the punishment was inadequate as a vindication of the Apostle’s authority. But most were in favour of some penalty, and the rest in favour of a more severe one, so that the πάντων ὑμῶν in both verses is quite true. ‘Hath been refreshed and remains so’: Titus returned to S. Paul in this frame of mind. For ἀπό = ‘at the hands of’ comp. Luke 7:35; James 1:13.