2 Corinthians2

Paul explains his decision to write a letter instead of making a sorrowful visit, aiming for their correction out of love. He then urges the Corinthians to forgive and comfort an offending brother, lest he be overwhelmed by sorrow and to prevent Satan's advantage. Finally, Paul expresses gratitude to God, who leads them in triumph and makes them a sweet savour of Christ, contrasting his sincere ministry with those who corrupt God's word.
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The Purpose of the Severe Letter

1
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. ​
2
For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
3
And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. ​
4
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. ​

Forgiveness and Restoration of the Offender

5
But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. ​
6
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. ​
7
So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. ​
8
Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
9
For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. ​
10
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; ​
11
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. ​

Anxiety and the Journey to Macedonia

12
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, ​
13
I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. ​

The Triumph of Christ's Ministry

14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. ​
15
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: ​
16
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? ​
17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. ​

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 2

Verse 1

Paul explains his decision to cancel a planned second visit (the 'painful visit'), choosing instead to communicate difficult matters through a letter (the 'severe letter,' now lost) to avoid unnecessary grief upon arrival.

Verse 3

The severe letter was written not out of malice, but to ensure that when Paul did visit, their reunion would be characterized by mutual joy, not sorrow caused by unresolved issues.

Verse 4

Paul emphasizes the immense personal cost of writing the severe letter ('many tears'), highlighting that the ultimate motivation was a deep, abundant love for the Corinthian believers, not a desire to inflict pain.

Verse 5

Paul addresses the specific individual who caused the grief (likely the man disciplined for a serious offense, possibly related to 1 Cor 5 or an insult to Paul). Paul minimizes the personal injury to focus the community on reconciliation.

Verse 6

The disciplinary action taken by the majority of the church was sufficient. Paul affirms the church’s authority in carrying out necessary discipline.

Verse 7

The church must move quickly from judgment to mercy. The danger is that excessive sorrow or despair might 'swallow up' the offender, preventing repentance and restoration.

Verse 9

Paul states that one of the reasons he wrote the severe letter was to test their obedience and unity, demonstrating whether they would follow his apostolic instruction concerning discipline and forgiveness.

Verse 10

Paul validates the church's decision to forgive the man. To forgive 'in the person of Christ' means Paul acts as Christ’s authorized representative, ensuring the reconciliation is divinely sanctioned.

Verse 11

Paul warns that unforgiveness and prolonged bitterness provide Satan an opportunity (an 'advantage') to cause division, despair, and ultimately destroy the unity of the church.

Verse 12

Paul arrived in Troas, a major port city, and found great opportunity for ministry ('a door was opened'). However, personal anxiety took precedence over the open door.

Verse 13

Paul’s deep concern for the Corinthian church and his need to hear news of their response to the severe letter (via Titus) caused him such distress that he could not remain in Troas, compelling him to travel to Macedonia.

Verse 14

Paul shifts abruptly to a triumphant affirmation of his ministry, using the powerful image of a Roman Triumphal Procession, where Christ is the conquering General leading his followers in victory.

Verse 15

The 'sweet savour' (aroma) refers to the incense burned during the Roman triumph, which was also associated with acceptable sacrifices to God. Paul’s ministry is pleasing to God, regardless of whether people accept or reject the message.

Verse 16

The Gospel has a dual effect: it is 'life unto life' for believers, but 'death unto death' for those who reject it, leading to judgment. This profound responsibility prompts Paul's rhetorical question about his own sufficiency for such a task.

Verse 17

Paul contrasts his genuine, God-centered ministry with false teachers ('many') who 'corrupt' or 'peddle' the word of God for financial gain or personal advantage. Paul affirms his sincerity and divine authorization.

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