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Introduction to 2 Corinthians Chapter 2
In 2 Corinthians Chapter 2, Paul defends his apostleship and explains why his travel plans to Corinth changed. Earlier, he informed the Corinthians he skipped his visit to spare them (2 Cor. 1:23). In this chapter, Paul explains his deep love for the Corinthians led him to avoid causing them more pain (2 Cor. 2:2-4). He then focused on the importance of forgiveness and restoration within the church.
Paul assures them his change of plans was due to following God, not a lack of sincerity or integrity. He concludes that we can be confident of triumph wherever God leads us because we are ‘in Christ.’ Let’s break down each of these sections further.
Understanding Paul’s Change of Plans
The reasons for Paul’s change in plans are uncertain. After Timothy, Paul’s son in the faith, visited the Corinthians, he delivered news that may have prompted Paul to visit earlier than planned. Though details are unclear, Paul describes this visit as “painful,” leading him to write a letter that caused great sorrow for the Corinthians and himself. Paul explained that he wrote the letter to see whether they would “stand the test and be obedient in everything” (2 Cor. 2:9). Afterward, Paul decided to give the Corinthians space to consider what he wrote and repent (2 Cor. 1:24). He avoided visiting again until he knew their response to his letter. Later, we learn that the Corinthians repented because of this ‘letter of tears’ (2 Cor. 7:8-9).
Acting in Love: Paul’s Motivations
Paul’s actions demonstrate his genuine love for the Corinthians. Sometimes, we must risk offense to preserve relationships. We must follow the Holy Spirit and not fear confronting painful issues. At the same time, we need God’s wisdom to know when to step back and give others space to process and grow. By doing so, we allow them the opportunity to breathe and genuinely repent without feeling overwhelmed.
The Importance of Forgiveness and Restoration
While Paul does not tell us what happened during the visit he penned as “painful,” it is clear that someone caused pain to Paul and the Corinthian church. Some believe the offense challenged Paul’s authority, while others think it involved the man accused of incest in 1 Corinthians 5. Whatever the offense, it hurt Paul and the Corinthians and led the Corinthians to discipline the offender. However, in their discipline, the Corinthians overlooked the crucial role of forgiveness in repentance and restoration (1 Cor. 5:5, Gal. 6:1). Paul reminded the Corinthians that forgiving a believer is essential to restoring them, and they must not neglect this principle.
Balancing Discipline with Forgiveness
Sometimes, in our offense and hurt, we fail to forgive. Yet, we are called to forgive as the Lord forgave us (Col. 3:13). A church that disciplines but then closes the door on forgiveness and restoration of the repentant sinner not only leaves the sinner vulnerable to the devil’s schemes but also sends an unloving and hypocritical message to the outside world, one that is deaf to the cries of “practice what you preach.”
Lessons for the Church Today From 2 Corinthians Chapter 2
The importance of forgiveness, repentance, and restoration cannot be overstated when addressing offenses within the church. While discipline may be necessary, it should always be coupled with a spirit of forgiveness and a genuine effort toward restoring the sinner. By cultivating a culture of grace and reconciliation, a church demonstrates the love and mercy of Christ, both to its members and the outside world.
Triumph In Christ: A Victory Parade
Paul clarifies that he didn’t change his plans impulsively, as some believed, but adjusted them to follow God’s lead. First, he went to Troas to preach the Gospel, but when he arrived, he didn’t have peace in his spirit, so he went to Macedonia. However, more trouble awaited him there. Paul couldn’t catch a break. He describes this trouble later in the letter, saying, “Our bodies had no rest…we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within” (2 Cor. 7:5). Despite the hardships Paul faced while preaching the Gospel, he could still praise God. He knew that by following God’s lead, he could be confident of triumph in Christ. Paul then paints a vivid picture for the Corinthians of what it looks like to be led by God in Christ:
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Paul borrowed imagery from the Roman culture surrounding him, specifically the Triumph—a grand procession through the streets of Rome that celebrated a Roman general’s victory over his enemies. During a Triumph, fragrant garlands lined the streets, and incense was burned as the victors and captives were paraded for all to see. Paul applies this imagery to the Christian experience, depicting Jesus as the victorious general and us as part of His triumphal procession, celebrating His victory over sin and death. This victory in Christ empowers us and fills us with hope, reminding us that we are victorious no matter the troubles we encounter.
The Fragrance of the Gospel
Paul then says that through us, God spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him to the world. But there is more. Not only do we spread the knowledge of God, but to God, we are also the sweet aroma of Christ among both believers and unbelievers. The Greek word used for aroma, “euódia,” is the same word used in the Greek Old Testament to describe the sweet smell of sacrifices that pleased God (Ex. 29:18, Lev. 1:9, 13). When we share God’s truth, we become a sweet smell of sacrifice, pleasing to God.
In the Roman Triumph analogy, the aroma of the garlands and incense evoked a starkly different reaction in the victors compared to the captives. For the captives, this aroma symbolized death, as they knew they would be killed. For the victors, this same aroma symbolized victory and celebration. Paul uses this imagery in 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV) to show how the Gospel’s fragrance is perceived: “To one, we are the aroma of death leading to death; and to the other, the aroma of life leading to life.”
When we preach the Gospel, some will receive it joyfully, while others will reject it with hardened hearts. Regardless of the outcome, we know we have pleased God by simply preaching it.
Sharing in Christ’s Victory
Although Paul’s plans changed – he didn’t get to preach the Gospel in Troas, and things went south in Macedonia—he still pleased God. Ultimately, he is still a victor in Christ’s triumphant procession, and so are we as fellow believers in Christ.
Conclusion: Confidence in God’s Lead
In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul further clarifies why his travel plans changed. He reassures the Corinthians that his actions were motivated by love and a desire to avoid causing further pain to the Corinthians. He teaches that discipline within the church, while necessary, should always be accompanied by a spirit of forgiveness and a commitment to restoring those who repent.
Paul’s depiction of the triumphant procession vividly illustrates the victory we have in Christ. Despite his troubles, Paul remained confident that God would lead him triumphantly. This imagery reminds us that, as followers of Christ, we share in His victory over sin and death, even when we face trouble.
Ultimately, Paul’s example encourages us to trust God and follow His lead despite obstacles and opposition we might face. We can find assurance and hope in knowing that our efforts to share the Gospel are pleasing to God, no matter the outcome. We are victorious through our union with Christ.
