2 Corinthians 7:15
And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
The verse stands within the practical instruction of chapters 5 through 11 and forms part of the graphic portrayal of true repentance in chapter 7. The chapter shows how the apostle's reproof led the person addressed in the first epistle to repentance. It belongs to the account of effectual work among the Corinthians, where pointed preaching made them sore and sorry, their sorrow led to repentance, and their repentance brought joy. The Corinthians' heeding of the reproof is evidence of true repentance.
"Fear and trembling" describes the way the Corinthians received Titus. The expression can range from terror to religious reverence or respect, and here it does not necessarily mean terror but can describe deep solicitude or apprehension. Titus's inward affection grew more abundant toward the Corinthians as he remembered their obedience. He remembered how warmly and reverently, with fear and trembling, they had welcomed and received him. Paul's affection also grew as he remembered that they had all received Titus with fear and trembling, and their response marks them as a church worthy of confidence.