The text here consists of two main points. The first is that Paul determined to deal with the issues with the Corinthians through writing them, instead of coming personally. Most probably he thought the letter would be a more advantageous way to bring them to repentance, and joy. They were at present at odds because of their carnality, but he wanted to be joyful, and for them to be joyful so he wrote them with “much affliction and anguish of heart,… with many tears” (4).
The second point is regarding the call to withdraw from an immoral man in 1 Corinthians 5. They had done so, which had led to sorrow and repentance on his part. Now, rather than continuing the punishment, Paul encouraged the church to take him back and comfort him, as it is possible for such sorrow to eventually be destructive.
To forgive is the responsibility of the church, based upon the repentance, and was also done by Paul. His reason? “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
