For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
Confirmation of 2 Corinthians 7:10 from the Corinthians' own experience.
Carefulness - solicitude х spoudeen (G4710)], 'diligence:' opposed to their past negligence.
In you - so C G g, Vulgate. But B Delta 'Aleph (') omit "in:" 'for you.'
Yea - not only "carefulness," BUT ALSO х alla (G243)] "clearing of (apology for) yourselves" - namely, to me anxiety to show you disapproved of the deed.
Indignation - against the offender.
Fear - of the wrath of God, and of sinning anymore (1 Corinthians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 4:19-21).
Vehement desire - longing for restoration to my favour through amendment х epipotheesin (G1972), as in 2 Corinthians 7:7]. "Fear" is in spite of one's self. 'Longing desire' is spontaneous, and implies love. "Desire" for the presence of Paul is included, as he had given them the hope of it (1 Corinthians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:5).
Zeal - for right and for God's honour against wrong.
Revenge, х ekdikeesin (G1557)] - 'exacting of punishment' (1 Corinthians 5:2-3). In all - the respects just stated.
Clear, х hagnous (G53), chaste] - 'pure;' namely, from complicity.
Approved - Greek, 'commended yourselves.' Whatever suspicion of complicity rested on you (1 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Corinthians 5:6) through former remissness, you have cleared off by your present strenuousness in reprobating the deed.