Paul felt joy when he met Titus, whose presence was uplifting when he joined Paul in Macedonia (see study note on 2:14–7:4; Acts 20:1–2).
Initially, Paul found no rest (this Greek word is used in 2 Corinthians 2:13, where it means "peace of mind") and faced only conflict, battles, and fear. Paul felt deeply discouraged, but God, who comforts the discouraged, encouraged him (compare Psalms 42:5–6). Titus arrived from Corinth with news that Paul's letter (see 2 Corinthians 2:3–4) had achieved its purpose (7:8–16). This news was the main reason for Paul's joy.