2 Corinthians 2 Study Notes

2:10 The first verb (forgive) is in a form implying that forgiveness is a process (Gk present tense); the second verb (have forgiven) implies that forgiveness can be completed (Gk perfect tense).

2:11 Behind the sin and discord in the Corinthian church Paul saw Satan, the evil one. His schemes always include thwarting the unity of believers for which Jesus so fervently prayed (Jn 17).

2:12-13 Troas was a coastal city in the northern part of the province of Asia. Paul went there after the riot in Ephesus (Ac 19:23-41) on his way to Macedonia (Ac 20:1-2). Titus is not mentioned in Acts. He was Paul’s proof that Gentiles could be converted without works of the law such as circumcision (Gl 2:3). That Paul (the Jew) called both Timothy and Titus brother (1:1) shows that his primary identity was as a Christian rather than as a Jew. Titus was effective as Paul’s ambassador in dealing with the Corinthian crisis. Later he represented the apostle to Christians in Crete (Ti 1:4).

2:14 In antiquity, victorious generals paraded into their capital city toward the king’s palace with human captives and treasure displayed behind them. Sweet incense was offered. The citizens saw and smelled evidence of victory. Here, Christ is leading Paul and all other believers into the eternal city where God is king.

2:15-16 In these verses two pairs of opposites are crafted so that the inner two elements are negative and the outer two are positive. The same scent produces different results. Those who receive the knowledge of Christ through the gospel message live. All others perish.

2:17 Those who market the word refers to the false apostles in Corinth whose motive was primarily financial (11:13). Paul’s policy was to serve the churches without charge even though he approved of Christians supporting ministers financially (1Co 9:12-15). Accountability for the message lay with the one who was the source of the message.