Font Size
7:8 Paul’s “severe letter” (no longer extant) was written to rebuke the Corinthians for their conduct during his earlier visit (2:3, 4 notes and Introduction: Date and Occasion). The problem was probably their failure as a church to defend Paul against the person who had wronged him. This verse shows clearly that a loving pastor must sometimes cause sorrow to those he cares for, if they fall into sin.