11. CORINTHIANS V, 11. 185

which had been regarded as of little account, are apprehended in their true character ; and deep feeling takes the place of unconcern. Yea^ ichat clearing of yourselves. The particle dAAa is here and through the verse rendered yea. It is used, as in 1, 9, to indicate a gradation — still more. 'Not only so- licitude, but moreover clearing of yourselves^'' (dTroAoytW.) Their sorrow led them earnestly to apologize for the sin which they had committed. Not to extenuate their guilt, but to acknowledge it and to seek forgiveness. The apology for sin to which repentance leads, includes acknowledgment and deprecation. This apology was addressed to the apostle. They endeavoured to regain his good opinion. Moreover, indignation., either at the offence or at themselves that such an offence should have been allowed. They felt angry at themselves for their past misconduct. This is one of the most marked experiences of every sincere penitent. The unreason- ableness, the meanness, the wickedness of his conduct rouse his indignation; he desires to seek vengeance on himself. Bengel says the word ayavaKT-qcn^ is chosen with special pro- priety, as it denotes a pain of which a man has the cause in himself. What fear. Whether fearful apprehension of God's displeasure, or fear of the apostle, depends on the context. The idea is expressed indefinitely. Their repentance was at- tended by fear of punishment. Doubtless the two sentiments were mingled in the minds of the Corinthians. They had a fear of the wrath of God, and at the same time a fear of the apostle's coming among them displeased and armed with the spiritual power which belonged to his office. The context is in favour of making the latter the prominent idea. What ve- hement desire^ either for the correction of the evil complained of, or for the apostle's presence and approbation. In the lat- ter case this clause is a modification of the preceding. It was not so much fear of the apostle as an earnest and affectionate desire towards and for him, that their godly sorrow had pro- duced. As in V. 7 Titus had repeated to the apostle the earnest desire (eViTrd^T/o-tv, the same word as here) of the Co- rinthians for him, it is probable that the same is here meant. What zeal. In v. 7 the zeal spoken of is hmited or explained by the words (v^rep e/xov) for me. Without that addition they may be so understood here ; zeal or zealous interest in behalf of the apostle manifested by their taking sides with him. The connection, however, with what follows favours the assump- tion that here the zeal meant is that of which the offender was