Titus had been commissioned by the Apostle to go from Ephesus to Corinth to enforce the instructions of the first Epistle. See 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13; 8:6. For some reason his return had been delayed, a circumstance that caused Paul great anziety. In the meamchile the tumult at Ephesus had compelled the Apostle to leave that city, and he went to Treas to await his friend. When Titus did not arrive, Paul went on to Macedonia, where they met.

On the whole, the report was encouraging. The majority in the Corinthian church had accepted Paul’s instructions and had acted upon them. They were for the most part tenderly attached to him, though a party still resisted his authority, demanded letters of commendation from Jerusalem, accused him of vacillation, and boasted their pure Hebrew descent. It was largely for these that the Epistle was prepared; but we may be thankful for the criticisms which called it into existence. It is an wunrivaled revelation of tenderness, self-sacrifice, and triumphant hope.