2 Corinthians 2
AOSN2 Corinthians 2:1
Paul's earlier visit was very painful and caused him great distress. This visit is not recorded in Acts. It likely happened during Paul's three-year ministry in Ephesus (see Acts 19:8–22). During that visit, Paul strongly criticized the church (2 Corinthians 1:23) and an unnamed man insulted him (2:5–11).
2 Corinthians 2:3-4
After his painful visit (2:1), Paul wrote a letter with great anguish and many tears. It was meant for the Corinthians' benefit. That letter (see also 7:8–10) seems to have been lost. However, it effectively brought about the needed repentance and change.
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
These verses result from Paul's earlier visit and the insult he received. After Paul's severe but tearful letter, the church condemned the man's behavior and disciplined him (2:6). The man repented, so now it was time to forgive and comfort him, as Paul had already done.
2 Corinthians 2:11
If we practice forgiveness like Paul, Satan will not trick us into being too lenient on sin or too harsh on offenders.
we are not unaware of his schemes: Compare 11:3, 14; Ephesians 6:11.
2 Corinthians 2:12-13
After the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1), Paul traveled to the seaport of Troas (Acts 20:5). He was eager to hear from Titus about the outcome of the serious but emotional letter (2 Corinthians 2:4), so he went to Macedonia in northern Greece to meet him.
2 Corinthians 2:14
At this point, the story about finding Titus stops and will continue at 7:5. Paul shifts to talk about his work as an apostle sharing the good news about Jesus.
Like captives in a Roman general’s victory parade, Paul was part of Christ’s triumphal procession (compare 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 4:7–11), showing signs of willing service (see Romans 1:1; Galatians 6:17).
2 Corinthians 2:15-16
Incense was scattered along the parade route of a victorious Roman general, and people received it in two ways. For the captives heading to the arena and death, it smelled like death and doom. For the victors, it was a life-giving perfume. This is similar to those who share the good news about Jesus. It either leads to eternal life or seals the fate of those who reject it (compare 1 Corinthians 1:18).
2 Corinthians 2:17
Paul compares his service to that of his opponents.
They preach for personal gain and distort the truth, like merchants in Paul's time who sold poor-quality goods or innkeepers who diluted wine. In contrast, Paul preached sincerely and with Christ's authority (compare 1:12; 4:2). Paul denies having selfish motives again in 11:1–12:21.
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