5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, (2 Corinthians 7:5–6, NKJV)
Paul had traveled from Ephesus to Troas, where he hoped to reunite with Titus, and receive word from him concerning how the Corinthian church had received the epistle of reprimand he had written them from Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8-9). There were opportunities to preach the gospel in Troas, and evidently persecutors were also hot on Paul’s trail (“outside were conflicts”). Plus, he had “no rest in his spirit” when he did not find Titus there (2 Cor. 2:12-13). So, Paul traveled on to Macedonia, where Titus met him with the comforting news that the church had received and obeyed his teaching. Here is our lesson: Opportunities to do good are sure to bring external pressures from those who resist what is good. With doing good comes internal longings for the spiritual welfare of others. Whether in conflicts and fears, God comforts us, just as He comforted Paul upon Titus’ arrival. Knowing that others are being faithful to God renews our strength and assures us in the comfort of our God (2 Cor. 1:3-7).
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