2 Corinthians 2:9

9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

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2 Corinthians 2:9 in Other Translations

KJV

9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.

ESV

9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.

NLT

9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions.

MSG

9 The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church.

CSB

9 It was for this purpose I wrote: so I may know your proven character, if you are obedient in everything.

2 Corinthians 2:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 2:9

For to this end also did I write
Or "I have written", both in this and in his former epistle to them, and in both with this view,

that I might know the proof of you;
that he might try, prove, and know them:

whether ye be obedient in all things;
he wrote unto them in his former epistle, to put away that wicked man from them; which he did not do, merely to reproach the man, and fix a brand of infamy on him; nor merely to grieve and afflict their minds; nor only to show his own power and authority, which he as an apostle had received from Christ, but to make trial of their obedience; and he had had a proof of it in their rejection of him; and now he writes unto them, that since this man was truly humbled for his sin, and had repentance unto life not to be repented of, that they would as cheerfully receive him, and restore him to his place; that as the apostle had a proof of their obedience in the one, he might also have in the other, and so in all things: hence it appears, that though it belongs to the whole church, and that only, to reject or receive members, yet as ministers of the Gospel are set over the churches, to govern, guide, direct, and go before in matters of discipline; so whatever they propose, according to the rule of God's word, ought to be carefully attended to and obeyed.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

2 Corinthians 2:9 In-Context

7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.

10 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake,

11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.