2 Corinthians 2

This chapter continues Paul's discussion about his dealings and emotional state concerning the Corinthian church. The chapter delves into his decisions regarding his travel plans and the reasons behind his not visiting Corinth as previously intended. It also covers his guidance on forgiveness for a repentant sinner in the church, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and comfort to prevent overwhelming despair. The latter part of the chapter discusses the sincerity of Paul's message and his role as a pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are saved and those who are perishing.

2 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NKJV) But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?

Paul explains his decision to not visit the Corinthians again if it would only cause mutual sorrow. His intention is to avoid causing pain to those whose well-being and joy are closely tied to his own happiness.

2 Corinthians 2:3 (NKJV) And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.

Paul refers to a previous letter, likely expressing concerns that could cause distress. He writes with the expectation that addressing these issues beforehand would prevent discomfort during his visit, hoping his joy would reflect their mutual joy, stemming from their spiritual growth and reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 2:4 (NKJV) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

This verse reveals Paul's deep emotional investment in the Corinthian believers. His stern words were not meant to hurt them but to show his abundant love and concern for their spiritual well-being, underlined by his personal distress and tears.

2 Corinthians 2:5-6 (NKJV) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man,

Paul shifts focus to a specific individual who caused grief within the church, likely referring to a disciplinary action taken by the congregation. He acknowledges the collective impact of the grief caused and suggests that the punishment already administered by the majority should suffice.

2 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NKJV) so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.

Here, Paul advocates for forgiveness and comfort toward the individual who was disciplined, emphasizing the risk of causing excessive sorrow. He urges the church to reaffirm their love to help restore the person's spirit and maintain unity within the community.

2 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV) For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

Paul explains that his previous writings were partly to test the Corinthians' obedience to Christian teachings on forgiveness. He aligns himself with their decisions, emphasizing that his forgiveness mirrors theirs and is done in the sight of Christ, underscoring the spiritual dimension of their actions.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV) lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

He concludes with a warning about the dangers of unforgiveness, which can give Satan an opportunity to create division and hardship. Paul highlights the importance of being aware and vigilant against such tactics to maintain the integrity and unity of the church.

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 (NKJV) Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.

Paul shifts the narrative to his travels, noting that even amid opportunities in Troas, his concern for the Corinthian church and the absence of Titus, his fellow worker, caused him unease. This led him to leave Troas and head to Macedonia in search of Titus to get news about the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJV) Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Paul expresses gratitude for the triumph given through Christ, likening their ministry to a fragrance that spreads God’s knowledge. This metaphor depicts the dual impact of their gospel preaching: life to those accepting Christ and death to those rejecting him. Paul humbly questions who is truly adequate for such a profound task, emphasizing the gravity and divine nature of their mission.

2 Corinthians 2:17 (NKJV) For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

Concluding the chapter, Paul contrasts his sincere and honest preaching of the gospel with those who commercialize God's word for personal gain. He asserts that his message is delivered in the presence of God, underlining his accountability and commitment to truth as he represents Christ.