2:5 {1} But if any have caused grief, he hath not {c} grieved me, but {d} in part: that I may not {e} overcharge you all.
(1) He passes to another part of this epistle: which nonetheless is put among the first, and to which he returns afterwards: and he handles the releasing and unloosing of the incestuous person, because he seemed to have been given sufficient testimony of his repentance. And this shows the true use of excommunication, that is, that it proceeds not from hatred, but from love, and so end, lest if we keep it up, we serve Satan the devil.
(c) As if he said, All that sorrow is so completely wiped away, that I have never felt it.
(d) As for me, says Paul, I have no more to do with him.
(e) Lest I should overcharge him who is burdened enough as it is, which burden I would be glad if it were taken from him.
2:5 If any have caused grief. The reference in this indirect way is to the incestuous person named in 1Co 5:1.
He hath grieved me, but in part. It was not Paul, only in part, that this man had injured and grieved, but the whole church.
That I may not overcharge you all. Lay too heavy charges on you.
2:5 He hath grieved me but in part - Who still rejoice over the greater part of you. Otherwise I might burden you all.
2:5-11 The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.
