2 Corinthians 7:13
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The real treasure here isn't just Paul's comfort, but his greater rejoicing in Titus's joy. It highlights that true spiritual leadership often finds its deepest satisfaction not in personal success, but in seeing others thrive because of genuine connection and encouragement.
Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church to express his relief and joy after receiving good news from Titus. Titus had visited them, and although there had been some difficult confrontation and discipline needed, the Corinthians had responded with genuine repentance and love. This letter is a follow-up, a way for Paul to affirm their positive response and to further strengthen their relationship, which he does by highlighting how Titus's spirit was refreshed by their actions.
Paul is sharing some incredible news, and it’s not just about his own relief. It's about how joy can be contagious, especially when it’s rooted in God.
The Comfort Comes From God
Paul starts by saying, "Therefore we are comforted." This isn't just a casual "we feel better." It's a direct result of what he's just described in the preceding verses – the Corinthians' repentance and their faithful response to his letter. God works through situations and through people to bring us comfort.
Shared Joy Amplifies Comfort
The real kicker is Paul's secondary joy: "we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus." Titus had clearly been a messenger of potentially difficult news, and the Corinthians’ positive reception and Titus's refreshed spirit brought Paul immense happiness. This shows us that our spiritual well-being is often tied to the well-being of those around us, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Who is this Titus, and why is his joy so important to Paul and the Corinthian church?
The Messenger and the Message
Titus was a key figure Paul relied on to minister to the church in Corinth. He likely carried Paul's previous, stern letter and was sent to gauge the Corinthians' response. His success meant reconciliation and restoration for a divided church.
Refreshment is Spiritual Health
Ask a follow-up
Paul emphasizes that Titus's "spirit has been refreshed." This wasn't just a vacation; it was a sign of spiritual health and encouragement. The Corinthians’ actions had validated Titus's ministry and, by extension, Paul’s. Their repentance brought relief and renewed hope, proving the power of God's grace working through their obedience.
Understand the original words
paraklēsis · Greek Noun
Encouragement, solace, or consolation provided by God or through others. It is the restoration of strength and hope to the weary or troubled spirit.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The inner state of a person, including their emotions, thoughts, and spiritual disposition. It represents the seat of one's consciousness and relationship with the divine.
anapauō · Greek Verb
To be given relief, rest, or spiritual renewal. It describes the state of being restored after a period of strain or exhaustion.
The profound relief Paul expresses in this verse stems from the Corinthian church's repentance after a period of severe disciplinary action and a painful letter he had sent them. Titus's report confirmed their positive response, refreshing not only Titus but also Paul, and demonstrating the effectiveness of apostolic discipline when met with genuine remorse.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent about 18 months ministering in Corinth, establishing a significant church community there amidst a city known for its wealth and immorality.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Facing divisions and issues within the Corinthian church, Paul wrote his first letter to them to address problems and offer guidance.
c. AD 56
A Painful Visit and Letter
Paul made what he describes as a 'painful visit' to Corinth. Following this, he wrote a severe letter (now lost) to confront deeper issues and express his sorrow.
c. AD 56— this verse
Titus Sent to Corinth
Paul sent his trusted co-worker, Titus, to Corinth with the severe letter, bearing the difficult task of assessing the church's response and reporting back.
c. AD 56
Titus's Return and Report
Titus returned to Paul, likely meeting him in Macedonia, and reported that the Corinthian church had indeed repented and responded positively to Paul's correction. This brought immense relief and joy to Paul.
This passage shows Paul's initial distress and anxiety when he didn't meet Titus in Troas, highlighting how much reassurance from Titus later brought him peace.
Philemon 1:7Paul expresses his deep joy and encouragement derived from Philemon's love and actions, mirroring the sentiment of being refreshed by others' obedience.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-7Timothy's report of the Thessalonians' steadfast faith brought Paul great comfort and encouragement, demonstrating how good news from believers can refresh a leader's spirit.
2 Corinthians 7:15-16This immediately following passage further elaborates on the Corinthians' obedience and receptiveness to Paul, explaining why Titus's report and Paul's subsequent comfort were so profound.
The real treasure here isn't just Paul's comfort, but his greater rejoicing in Titus's joy. It highlights that true spiritual leadership often finds its deepest satisfaction not in personal success, but in seeing others thrive because of genuine connection and encouragement.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church to express his relief and joy after receiving good news from Titus. Titus had visited them, and although there had been some difficult confrontation and discipline needed, the Corinthians had responded with genuine repentance and love. This letter is a follow-up, a way for Paul to affirm their positive response and to further strengthen their relationship, which he does by highlighting how Titus's spirit was refreshed by their actions.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church to express his relief and joy after receiving good news from Titus. Titus had visited them, and although there had been some difficult confrontation and discipline needed, the Corinthians had responded with genuine repentance and love. This letter is a follow-up, a way for Paul to affirm their positive response and to further strengthen their relationship, which he does by highlighting how Titus's spirit was refreshed by their actions.
"Therefore we are comforted.
And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all." — The real treasure here isn't just Paul's comfort, but his greater rejoicing in Titus's joy. It highlights that true spiritual leadership often finds its deepest satisfaction not in personal success…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
