While writing to the Corinthians, Paul had firmly controlled his feelings; but when the letter had been dispatched, a reaction came. He feared lest he should wound too deeply those whom he desired to benefit. He keenly dreaded a further alienation, and sometimes longed to recall his words. With trembling anxiety he waited to receive some tidings as to the reception of his message. {LP 171.4}

Da Paulus skrev til korinterne, kontrollerede han sine følelser fast; men da brevet var blevet afsendt, kom der en reaktion. Han var bange for at han skulle såre dem for dybt, som han ønskede at hjælpe. Han var helt klart bange for yderligere fremmedgørelse, og længes nogle gange efter at kalde sine ord tilbage. Han afventede med skælvende iver for at få nyhederne for at hans budskab var modtaget.