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2 Corinthians 7:12
Wherefore, though I wrote unto you,I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

2 Corinthians 2:4,5
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you…

2 Corinthians 13:10
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

for.

2 Corinthians 6:11,12
Oye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged…

ye.

2 Corinthians 3:2
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

2 Corinthians 11:11
Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.

2 Corinthians 12:15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

to die.

Ruth 1:16,17
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee,or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy peopleshall be my people, and thy God my God: …

1 Thessalonians 2:8
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

I have said before that you so occupy our hearts
Paul's deep affection for the Corinthian believers is evident here. The phrase indicates a strong emotional bond and commitment. This reflects the cultural context of the time, where relationships within the early church were often likened to familial ties. Paul's use of "our hearts" suggests a collective sentiment shared by his fellow workers, emphasizing unity and shared mission. This mirrors the communal nature of the early Christian communities, as seen inActs 2:44-47, where believers shared everything in common and supported one another.

that we live and die together with you.
This phrase underscores the depth of Paul's commitment to the Corinthians, indicating a willingness to share in both their joys and sufferings. It reflects the early Christian understanding of fellowship (koinonia), which involved sharing life deeply with one another. Historically, this was a radical departure from the individualism of Greco-Roman society. Paul's words echo the sentiment found inRomans 12:15, where believers are encouraged to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. This commitment to live and die together also points to the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13), serving as a model for Christian relationships.

Paul has just urged the Corinthians to cleanse themselves from every defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1). He quickly adds, “I do not say this to condemn you.”

• His tone is not judgmental; it is pastoral, reflecting Christ’s own approach: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:17).

• There is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Paul wants them assured that correction does not equal rejection.

• In1 Corinthians 4:14 he said, “I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you.” That same heart beats here—discipline aims at restoration, not disgrace.

Paul reminds them of earlier affirmations.

• Back in2 Corinthians 6:11-13 he declared, “Our hearts are open wide… open your hearts as well.” Repetition underscores sincerity.

•Philippians 3:1 shows Paul’s habit: “To write the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is safe for you.” Loving truth bears repeating.

• By restating his love, he defuses any fear that firm words signify a change of heart.

The apostle’s affection is intense and personal.

• Believers are “letters from Christ… written on our hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:2). Their spiritual welfare is permanently inscribed there.

•Philippians 1:7 echoes this: “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart.”

•1 Thessalonians 2:8 paints the picture: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” True ministry links hearts, not just heads.

Paul’s commitment spans the full spectrum of life and death.

• Whether “we live, we live for the Lord; and whether we die, we die for the Lord” (Romans 14:8). He invites the Corinthians into that same shared destiny.

•Philippians 1:20-24 shows Paul’s readiness for life or death, as long as Christ is honored and the church is helped.

• His daily burden for the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28-29) proves he would gladly “spend and be spent” for them (12:15).

•Acts 20:24 records his resolve: “Nor do I count my life of any value to myself, so that I may finish my course.” Life and death are secondary to the fellowship and progress of Christ’s body.

2 Corinthians 7:3 reveals a pastor’s heart: correction without condemnation, repetition fueled by affection, a congregation engraved on the heart, and a willingness to share both life and death for their sake. Paul’s words call believers today to the same Christ-like blend of truth and tenderness.

I have said before . . .--He had not used the form of expression before, as far as this letter is concerned, but the fact was implied in what he had said in2Corinthians 6:11 : "Our heart is enlarged." The words that follow are partly an almost proverbial expression for strong attachment, as in Horace (Odes, iii. 9): "Tecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens"--

"With thee I fain would live,

With thee I fain would die;"

partly with a profounder meaning, that, whether in death or life (the order of the words throws us back on "dying, but behold, we live," in2Corinthians 6:9), his heart and prayers would be with them and for them.