2 Corinthians 7:15 Meaning: Why Fear and Trembling Made Titus Love More
His affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him.
And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
And his affection is more abundantly toward you, while he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
and his tender affection is more abundantly toward you, remembering the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye did receive him;
and his affections are more abundantly towards you, calling to mind the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul explains that the Corinthians' reverent welcome of Titus deepened his affection for them. Discover why 'fear and trembling' is a sign of godly repentance.
Context
Paul is writing from Macedonia, where he has just received good news from Titus. The Corinthians had responded to Paul's severe letter with genuine grief and repentance. Titus visited them and was welcomed with obedience and deep respect. In this verse, Paul tells the Corinthians that Titus's love for them has grown even more as he remembers how they received him. This is part of a larger passage where Paul rejoices that his confidence in them is restored.
Key Words
The Greek word translated 'inward affection' or 'bowels' is splagchna (σπλάγχνα). In the ancient world, the bowels were seen as the seat of the deepest emotions, compassion, love, yearning. So when Paul says Titus's splagchna are 'more abundantly' toward you, he means a gut-level, unforced love that has grown even stronger.
That adverb 'more abundantly' (perissoterōs) means beyond measure, exceedingly. This is not a small increase; Titus's heart overflowed toward them.
The phrase 'fear and trembling' (phobos and tromos) might sound negative, but in the Bible it describes reverent awe, the kind of trembling a person feels when standing before something holy. The Corinthians welcomed Titus not with terror, but with the humble eagerness of those who want to get everything right. Their 'obedience' (hupakoē) was a listening-under, a willing submission to the message he brought. That posture of humble receptivity is what moved Titus so deeply.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen the 'fear and trembling' as a positive response. John Calvin, in the Reformed tradition, said that Titus was 'vehemently stirred up to love them, from the innermost affections of his heart.' Adam Clarke, a Wesleyan commentator, wrote that the Corinthians 'reverenced his authority' and 'dreaded lest anything should be undone.' The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the translation 'inward affection' (Tyndale's) captures the force of the original. All agree that this fear is not terror but reverence, a holy attentiveness to God's word through his servant.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume that 'fear and trembling' means the Corinthians were terrified of Titus, as though he intimidated them. In fact, the phrase in this context describes reverent respect and a deep desire to obey God's message. They were not afraid of Titus as a person; they trembled at the weight of his words, knowing that he came with apostolic authority from Christ.
Living This Out
Think about someone in your life who speaks truth to you, a pastor, a mentor, a friend who challenges you. How do you receive them? The Corinthians' example shows that a humble, reverent welcome deepens the love between you. This week, when you hear a hard word from someone who cares for your soul, try setting aside defensiveness. Receive it with the same 'fear and trembling' that says, 'I want to get this right.' You might find that your respect for that person grows, and their love for you does too.
Main takeaway: Reverent welcome of God's messengers deepens mutual love and testifies to genuine repentance.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
When someone from God comes to help you, it’s good to listen carefully and say thank you. That makes them happy and helps you learn.
For ages 9, 12
The Corinthians showed respect to Titus even when he brought a hard message. Their humble obedience made his love for them grow even more. This week, when a parent, teacher, or pastor gives you advice, even if it's hard to hear, try receiving it with a respectful heart. It shows you trust God, and it strengthens your relationships.
Questions People Ask
Who is 'his' in 2 Corinthians 7:15?
The 'his' refers to Titus, Paul's companion who had visited the Corinthian church. Paul is describing how Titus's affection for them increased because of their response to him.
What does 'fear and trembling' mean in this verse?
It means reverent awe and deep respect, not terror. The Corinthians welcomed Titus with a humble eagerness to obey God's message through him. This phrase appears elsewhere in Paul's letters to describe a proper attitude toward God and those who represent Him.
Why did Titus's affection increase?
Titus remembered the Corinthians' obedience and the way they received him with fear and trembling. Their humble response to his ministry moved him deeply and made his love for them grow even stronger.
What 'obedience' is Paul talking about?
Paul refers to the Corinthians' obedience to his instructions in his earlier letter. They had disciplined the man who committed the incestuous sin (2 Corinthians 2:9) and demonstrated their earnest care for Paul and the purity of the church.
How does this verse relate to church discipline?
It shows a positive outcome of church discipline: the congregation repented and welcomed the minister with reverence, which strengthened the bond between them. This is a model of how correction, received properly, can deepen love rather than destroy it.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study