2 Corinthians 7

2 Corinthians 7:1-16 . SELF-PURIFICATION THEIR DUTY RESULTING FROM THE FOREGOING. HIS LOVE TO THEM, AND JOY AT THE GOOD EFFECTS ON THEM OF HIS FORMER EPISTLE, AS REPORTED BY TITUS.

1. cleanse ourselves--This is the conclusion of the exhortation ( 2 Corinthians 6:1 2 Corinthians 6:14 , 1 John 3:3 , Revelation 22:11 ).
filthiness--"the unclean thing" ( 2 Corinthians 6:17 ).
of the flesh--for instance, fornication, prevalent at Corinth ( 1 Corinthians 6:15-18 ).
and spirit--for instance, idolatry, direct or indirect ( 1 Corinthians 6:9 , 1 Corinthians 8:1 1 Corinthians 8:7 , 1 Corinthians 10:7 1 Corinthians 10:21 1 Corinthians 10:22 ). The spirit ( Psalms 32:2 ) receives pollution through the flesh, the instrument of uncleanness.
perfecting holiness--The cleansing away impurity is a positive step towards holiness ( 2 Corinthians 6:17 ). It is not enough to begin; the end crowns the work ( Galatians 3:3 , 5:7 , Philippians 1:6 ).
fear of God--often conjoined with the consideration of the most glorious promises ( 2 Corinthians 5:11 , Hebrews 4:1 ). Privilege and promise go hand in hand.

2. Receive us--with enlarged hearts ( 2 Corinthians 6:13 ).
we have wronged . . . corrupter . . . defrauded no man--(compare 2 Corinthians 7:9 ). This is the ground on which he asks their reception of (making room for) him in their hearts. We wronged none by an undue exercise of apostolic authority; 2 Corinthians 7:13 gives an instance in point. We have corrupted none, namely, by beguilements and flatteries, while preaching "another Gospel," as the false teachers did ( 2 Corinthians 11:3 2 Corinthians 11:4 ). We have defrauded none by "making a gain" of you ( 2 Corinthians 12:17 ). Modestly he leaves them to supply the positive good which he had done; suffering all things himself that they might be benefited ( 2 Corinthians 7:9 2 Corinthians 7:12 , 2 Corinthians 12:13 ).

3. In excusing myself, I do not accuse you, as though you suspected me of such things [MENOCHIUS], or as though you were guilty of such things; for I speak only of the false apostles [ESTIUS and Greek commentators]. Rather, "as though you were ungrateful and treacherous" [BEZA].
I have said before--in 2 Corinthians 6:11 2 Corinthians 6:12 ; compare Philippians 1:7 .
die and live with you--the height of friendship. I am ready to die and live with you and for you ( Philippians 1:7 Philippians 1:20 Philippians 1:24 , Philippians 2:17 Philippians 2:18 ). Compare as to Christ, John 10:11 .