Bible Study 2 Corinthians 2
‹ 2 Corinthians

2 Corinthians 2 · WEB

Forgiveness and the Aroma of Christ

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But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.
2For if I make you sorry, then who will make me glad but he who is made sorry by me?
3And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came, I wouldn't have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all that my joy would be shared by all of you.
4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.
5But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.
6This punishment which was inflicted by the many is sufficient for such a one;
7so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.
8Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him.
9For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.
10Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
11that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
12Now when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord,
13I had no relief for my spirit, because I didn't find Titus, my brother, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia.
14Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.
15For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved and in those who perish:
16to the one a stench from death to death, to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
17For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
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Summary

Paul explains why he delayed visiting Corinth — he wanted to spare them another painful encounter. He urges the church to forgive and restore the man they had disciplined, so that Satan cannot exploit excessive sorrow. Anxious for news from Titus, Paul left an open door in Troas to find him in Macedonia, then bursts into thanksgiving: God leads his ministers in a triumphal procession, and through them spreads the fragrance of Christ — life to some, death to others.

Themes

  • Forgiveness and restoration of the repentant
  • Satan's schemes and spiritual vigilance
  • Triumphal procession in Christ
  • The aroma of Christ — life or death
  • Sincerity versus peddling the gospel

Key verses

  • 2 Cor 2:11 — “that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.”
  • 2 Cor 2:14 — “Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.”
  • 2 Cor 2:15 — “For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved and in those who perish.”
  • 2 Cor 2:17 — “For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.”

Context & background

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians c. AD 55-57 from Macedonia (modern northern Greece) after his "severe letter" had stirred painful but godly repentance at Corinth (modern southern Greece, on the isthmus connecting the Peloponnese to mainland). Troas (northwestern Turkey, near ancient Troy) was a key seaport where Paul hoped to meet Titus returning from Corinth. The "triumphal procession" image draws on the Roman triumph — a victorious general parading through Rome with prisoners and clouds of incense, where the same aroma meant celebration for the victors and execution for the conquered.

Cross-references

Check your reading

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  1. Observe

    According to 2 Corinthians 2:11, why does Paul urge the church to forgive the disciplined man?

  2. Observe

    In verses 15-16, Paul says the aroma of Christ works in two opposite ways. What are they?

  3. Interpret

    What does Paul mean when he says God "always leads us in triumph in Christ" (v. 14)?

  4. Interpret

    In verse 17, Paul contrasts himself with those who "peddle the word of God." What does this contrast reveal about authentic ministry?

  5. Apply

    Paul forgave the offender "in the presence of Christ" to prevent Satan from gaining an advantage. What does this teach about the spiritual stakes of withholding forgiveness in a community?

  6. Apply

    Paul left an open door in Troas because he was anxious about Titus, yet he still gives thanks for God's triumph (vv. 12-14). What does this teach about operating in ministry amid personal anxiety?

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