9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
9 The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church.
9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:9
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.