2 Cor. 2:9-11 Is Unforgiveness a Device of Satan?

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KeithW

Puritan Board Freshman
2 Cor. 2:9-11 (KJV) For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.​

When I read this the immediate context of verse 11 seemed to be verse 10. When I read it the following day I wasn't sure if Paul was referring to the man the church had put out of the church and had repented (v.9), or to that if the church does not forgive the repentant man (v.10) that this unforgiveness is one of the devices of Satan (v.11). Or maybe Paul is referring to both. Our own unforgiveness being a device of Satan sounds like it should follow from Scripture, especially after all of the places God commands us to forgive others who repent of the wrongs they have committed against us. But I am looking for a more solid argument one way or the other. Does anyone know of such an argument from respected sources?

I have checked a couple of commentaries: Calvin, Matthew Henry, George Whitfield, and am still unsure. A Google search shows a whole ton of articles saying unforgiveness is a device of Satan, but I don't recognize any of those sources.
 
Keith, I believe the key is to back up a little further into the context.

In verse six, the apostle Paul establishes that the punishment inflicted by the majority on this incestuous man is sufficient. Now that he has repented, Paul encourages the Corinthians to forgive him and to comfort him (with the assurance of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ) as verse seven indicates. Indeed, the people are to show their love to him (verse 8).

A failure to do this—to love this man and to receive him again as a brother—would give Satan the advantage. Inciting within us an unforgiving spirit is one of Satan's devices. Stirring us up to overly harsh in our punishments when a brother has already repented is another one of Satan's devices.

Thus, Paul urges them to forgive this man (verse 10), which implies being done with Christian discipline.
 
Keith, I believe the key is to back up a little further into the context.
Thanks, Matt. This has had me thinking. My context for asking the question is I am doing a word study on the word forgive in the New Testament, not in the Gospel context of where God forgives sins, but in the context where God commands us to forgive others. I now think it is best to look at the entire story instead of just focusing on this one chapter up through verse 11.
 
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