ThereforeThe word "therefore" indicates a conclusion or a result based on previous statements. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth regarding a situation involving church discipline. This connects back to the earlier verses where Paul discusses forgiveness and the importance of restoring a repentant sinner. The use of "therefore" suggests that the action Paul is about to recommend is a necessary step following the repentance and forgiveness process.
I urge you
Paul's use of "I urge you" reflects his pastoral concern and authority. It is a strong appeal rather than a command, showing his deep care for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church. This phrase indicates the importance of the action he is recommending and reflects Paul's role as an apostle who guides and nurtures the early Christian communities. It also highlights the relational aspect of his leadership, as he appeals to the Corinthians' sense of love and responsibility.
to reaffirm
The term "reaffirm" suggests a renewal or confirmation of something previously established. In this context, it implies that the Corinthians had once shown love and acceptance to the individual in question, and now, after his repentance, they are to renew that commitment. This reflects the biblical principle of restoration and reconciliation, which is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments. It aligns with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and the parable of the prodigal son, where the father reaffirms his love for the returning son.
your love
"Your love" emphasizes the personal responsibility of the Corinthian believers to demonstrate genuine Christian love. This love is agape, a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others. It is the same love that Paul describes in1 Corinthians 13, which is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs. The call to love is central to Christian ethics and is rooted in the love of Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us (Ephesians 5:2).
for him
The phrase "for him" refers to the individual who had been disciplined by the church. This person is likely the same one mentioned in1 Corinthians 5, who had been involved in serious sin. The call to reaffirm love for him underscores the goal of church discipline, which is not punishment but restoration. It reflects the heart of the gospel, which is about reconciliation and the restoration of relationships. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive work through Christ, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter, addressing the church in Corinth. He is urging the believers to act in love and forgiveness.
2.
The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth dealing with issues of discipline and reconciliation.
3.
The OffenderAn unnamed individual in the Corinthian church who had caused grief, likely the same person mentioned in
1 Corinthians 5, who had been disciplined by the church.
4.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and moral challenges, where the church was established.
5.
Reconciliation EventThe context of the passage involves the process of forgiving and restoring a member who had previously been disciplined.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ForgivenessForgiveness is a central tenet of Christian faith, reflecting God's forgiveness towards us. It is essential for healing and unity within the church.
Reaffirming LoveReaffirming love is not just a feeling but an action. It involves actively welcoming and restoring those who have repented.
The Role of Church DisciplineDiscipline is meant to be redemptive, not punitive. The goal is always restoration and reconciliation, not exclusion.
The Power of ReconciliationReconciliation strengthens the church community and reflects the heart of the Gospel, which is about restoring broken relationships.
Living Out the GospelOur actions towards others should mirror the grace and love we have received from Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 2:8?
2.How can we "reaffirm our love" for others in our daily lives?
3.Why is forgiveness essential in maintaining unity within the church community?
4.How does 2 Corinthians 2:8 connect with Jesus' teachings on love and forgiveness?
5.What practical steps can we take to show love to those who hurt us?
6.How does reaffirming love reflect Christ's love for us in our relationships?
7.What does 2 Corinthians 2:8 reveal about the nature of Christian forgiveness and love?
8.How does 2 Corinthians 2:8 challenge our understanding of reconciliation within the church?
9.In what ways does 2 Corinthians 2:8 emphasize the importance of reaffirming love?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 2?
11.Does knowledge inflate while love strengthens?
12.What does the Bible say about food offered to idols?
13.Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?
14.In 2 Corinthians 2:5–7, does Paul’s instruction to forgive the offender contradict Jesus’s approach to dealing with sin in Matthew 18?What Does 2 Corinthians 2:8 Mean
Therefore• The word signals Paul’s flow of thought from the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 2:6-7), where he speaks of a brother who had been disciplined: “The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. So now you should rather forgive and comfort him…”
• By using “therefore,” Paul roots his appeal in what God had already accomplished through corrective discipline—restoring order and prompting genuine sorrow (see1 Corinthians 5:4-5;Galatians 6:1).
• The transition reminds us that Christian correction always aims toward restoration, not alienation, echoing Jesus’ pattern inMatthew 18:15-17.
I urge you• “Urge” shows pastoral intensity. Paul doesn’t casually suggest; he earnestly pleads, just as he does inRomans 12:1 (“I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God…”) and Philemon 8-9 (“though in Christ I could be bold… yet I appeal to you on the basis of love”).
• His apostolic authority pairs with heartfelt concern, demonstrating how leadership should function—firm yet affectionate.
To reaffirm• Reaffirm speaks of confirming something already present. Their love existed; it now needed fresh expression after a season of discipline.
• Practical ways they could reaffirm:
– Welcome him back into fellowship (Romans 15:7).
– Speak words of forgiveness and encouragement (Ephesians 4:32).
– Restore him to service as he proves faithful (2 Timothy 2:21).
• Love is validated by action, not sentiment alone (1 John 3:18;James 2:15-16).
Your love• Christian love is self-giving and steadfast: “Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
• It “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8) while never compromising truth.
• Paul reminds the whole congregation that love is their collective responsibility; nobody is allowed to sit on the sidelines.
For him• The focus is the repentant offender. Restoration centers on the individual, mirroring the father’s embrace of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20).
• Paul guards against excessive sorrow: “you should rather forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7).
• Even in corrective moments, believers are to “admonish him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:15) and “restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1).
summary2 Corinthians 2:8 calls believers to turn disciplined confrontation into active restoration. Flowing from necessary correction (“therefore”), Paul passionately urges the church to confirm again the love they already possess. This love must be demonstrated through tangible acceptance, encouragement, and reinstatement of the repentant brother. In doing so, the church mirrors Christ’s own forgiving heart and protects the restoration process from drifting into lingering condemnation.
(8)
That ye would confirm your love.--The word for "confirm" (better, perhaps,
ratify--comp.
Galatians 3:15) suggests the thought of an act as formal and public as the rebuke had been. The excommunicated man was to be re-admitted to fellowship by a collective act of the Church.
Verse 8. -
To confirm your love toward him; literally, to
ratify towards him, love.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Thereforeδιὸ(dio)Conjunction
Strong's 1352:Wherefore, on which account, therefore. From dia and hos; through which thing, i.e. Consequently.I urgeπαρακαλῶ(parakalō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.to reaffirmκυρῶσαι(kyrōsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2964:To ratify, confirm, make valid, reaffirm, assure. From the same as kurios; to make authoritative, i.e. Ratify.[your] loveἀγάπην(agapēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 26:From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.him.αὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:8 Therefore I beg you to confirm your (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
