His inward affection. — The margin gives the literal meaning of the Greek, which is used here with the same meaning as in 2 Corinthians 6:12. Perhaps “heart,” or “feelings,” would be the best English equivalent. The recollection of what had passed at Corinth had bound him by ties of closest sympathy with the disciples there.
With fear and trembling. — The combination is a favourite one with St. Paul. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 2:3; Ephesians 6:5; Philippians 2:12.) What it means is that Titus had been received, not, as he feared, with petulant resistance, but with respectful reverence, not without an element of fear.