I rejoice
Paul expresses his joy, a recurring theme in his letters, often linked to the spiritual growth and faithfulness of the believers. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated contentment rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit. In Philippians 4:4, Paul similarly exhorts believers to "rejoice in the Lord always," indicating that true joy is found in Christ and His work among His people.

that I can have complete confidence
Paul's confidence in the Corinthians is significant given the previous issues he addressed in his earlier letter. This confidence is not based on human assurance but on the transformative power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers. In 2 Corinthians 1:15, Paul speaks of his confidence in the Corinthians' understanding and response to his message, showing a consistent theme of trust in their spiritual maturity.

in you.
The "you" refers to the Corinthian church, a diverse group of believers in a city known for its moral and cultural challenges. Despite past difficulties, Paul acknowledges their progress and expresses trust in their continued growth. This reflects the biblical principle of seeing believers as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), emphasizing the potential for change and maturity in every Christian community.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He is expressing his joy and confidence in the Corinthians after hearing about their repentance and change of heart.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of the letter, the church in Corinth had previously been rebuked by Paul for various issues, but they have since shown signs of repentance and spiritual growth.

3. Titus
A fellow worker with Paul who had visited the Corinthians and brought back a positive report about their progress, which prompted Paul's expression of confidence.

4. Macedonia
The region where Paul was when he wrote this letter, experiencing both external conflicts and internal fears, yet finding comfort in the report from Titus.

5. Repentance and Reconciliation
The broader context of this passage involves the themes of repentance and reconciliation, as the Corinthians had responded positively to Paul's earlier rebuke.The Joy of Spiritual Growth
Paul’s joy is rooted in the spiritual progress of the Corinthians. As believers, we should find joy in the spiritual growth of others and encourage them in their journey.

The Importance of Trust in Christian Relationships
Trust is foundational in Christian relationships. Paul’s confidence in the Corinthians highlights the importance of building and maintaining trust within the body of Christ.

Repentance Leads to Reconciliation
The Corinthians’ repentance led to reconciliation with Paul. True repentance should lead to restored relationships and renewed confidence.

Encouragement from Positive Reports
Just as Paul was encouraged by Titus’ report, we should share positive reports of faith and growth to encourage others in their walk with Christ.

Confidence in God’s Work in Others
Paul’s confidence was ultimately in God’s work in the Corinthians. We should trust that God is at work in the lives of fellow believers, even when we cannot see immediate results.(16) I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.--Most of the better MSS. omit "therefore," which may have been inserted for the sake of connecting the verse. "I have confidence in you," though, in one sense, a literal translation of the Greek, fails to give its exact meaning. He does not mean, "I trust you," but "I am of good cheer, I take courage in you, being what you are." With this expression of thankfulness he leaves the painful subject of which he had been compelled to speak, and passes, probably after a pause of greater or less length, to another.

Verse 16. - I rejoice therefore. The "therefore" concludes the whole paragraph, but is omitted in many manuscripts. I have confidence in you; literally, I am bold in you; i.e. I feel courage about you. The phrase in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 expresses a calmer and less hazardous trust.

Parallel Commentaries ...

I rejoice
χαίρω (chairō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5463: A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

I can have complete confidence
θαρρῶ (tharrō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2292: To be courageous, confident, of good cheer. Another form for tharseo; to exercise courage.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you.
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice that in everything (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)