John Chrysostom

"Wherefore I beseech you to confirm your love toward him." He no longer commands but beseeches, not as a teacher but as an equal; and having seated them on the judgment seat he placed himself in the rank of an advocate; for having succeeded in his object, for joy he adopts without restraint the tone of supplication. And what can it be that thou beseechest? Tell me. "To confirm your love toward him." That is, "make it strong," not simply have intercourse with him, nor any how. …

Homily 4 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

He no longer commands as a teacher, but as an advocate asks the judges "to show him love," that is, to receive him with firm love, and not simply and casually. He also shows their virtue, for those very people who previously loved the man so much that they boasted of him, now because of his sin conceived such an aversion to him that Paul himself intercedes on his behalf.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then the Apostle urges them not only by reason, but from other causes to do this, when he says, so I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. And he urges them in three ways: first, by his appeal, saying, so, i.e., that he not be overwhelmed, I, who can command, beg you: "Though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you" (Phlm. 1:8-9). Evil prelates do the opposite: "With force and harshness you have ruled them" (Ez. 34:4). …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗