Note 4 at 2 Cor. 7:4: Paul is not discouraged about the Corinthians, regardless of any of their past behavior. He is proud of his children in the faith, and, regardless of the troubles Paul had gone through, he was greatly encouraged and joyful.

This is in stark contrast to some people's attitude today towards the Corinthians. They sight examples of the Corinthians being the most carnal church Paul wrote to, and therefore justify rejection of them and those who share similar gifts today. The Corinthians were never rejected by Paul, just corrected (see Spiritual Gifts in Introduction to the Book of 1 Corinthains, p. 857; see note 6 at 1 Cor. 1:8, p. 859).

Note 5 at 2 Cor. 7:4: What a statement! Most people are waiting for all their tribulations to be over so they can be exceedingly joyful. Paul was joyful IN the midst of his tribulations (see ref. j at this verse; Rom. 5:3-4).