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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 2:5–11.
In these verses the apostle treats concerning the incestuous person who had been excommunicated, which seems to be one principal cause of his writing this epistle. Here observe, 1. He tells them that the crime of that person had grieved him in part; and that he was grieved also with a part of them, who, notwithstanding this scandal had been found among them, were puffed up and had not mourned, Co1 5:2. However, he was unwilling to lay too heavy a charge upon the whole church, especially seeing they had cleared themselves in that matter by observing the directions he had formerly given them. 2. He tells them that the punishment which had been inflicted upon this offender was sufficient, Co2 2:6. The desired effect was obtained, for the man was humbled, and they had shown the proof of their obedience to his directions. 3. He therefore directs them, with all speed, to restore the excommunicated person, or to receive him again to their communion, Co2 2:7, Co2 2:8. This is expressed several ways. He beseeches them to forgive him, that is, to release him from church-censures, for they could not remit the guilt or offence against God; and also to comfort him, for in many cases the comfort of penitents depends upon their reconciliation not only with God, but with men also, whom they have scandalized or injured. They must also confirm their love to him; that is, they should show that their reproofs and censures proceeded from love to his person, as well as hatred to his sin, and that their design was to reform, not to ruin him. Or thus: If his fall had weakened their love to him, that they could not take such satisfaction in him as formerly; yet, now that he was recovered by repentance, they must renew and confirm their love to him. 4. He uses several weighty arguments to persuade them to do thus, as, (1.) The case of the penitent called for this; for he was in danger of being swallowed up with over-much sorrow, Co2 2:7. He was so sensible of this fault, and so much afflicted under his punishment, that he was in danger of falling into despair. When sorrow is excessive it does hurt; and even sorrow for sin is too great when it unfits for other duties, and drives men to despair. (2.) They had shown obedience to his directions in passing a censure upon the offender and now he would have them comply with his desire to restore him, Co2 2:9. (3.) He mentions his readiness to forgive this penitent, and concur with them in this matter. "To whom you forgive I forgive also, Co2 2:10. I will readily concur with you in forgiving him." And this he would do for their sakes, for love to them and for their advantage; and for Christ's sake, or in his name, as his apostle, and in conformity to his doctrine and example, which are so full of kindness and tender mercy towards all those who truly repent. (4.) He gives another weighty reason (Co2 2:11): Lest Satan get an advantage against us. Not only was there danger lest Satan should get an advantage against the penitent, by driving him to despair; but against the churches also, and the apostles or ministers of Christ, by representing them as too rigid and severe, and so frightening people from coming among them. In this, as in other things, wisdom is profitable to direct, so to manage according as the case may be that the ministry may not be blamed, for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Note, Satan is a subtle enemy, and uses many stratagems to deceive us; and we should not be ignorant of his devices: he is also a watchful adversary, ready to take all advantages against us, and we should be very cautious lest we give him any occasion so to do.
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The Father, on the other hand, alone, without copulation, has produced (an offspring). She wished to emulate the Father,
Paul did not want this brother, being filled with sorrow and being rigorously excluded from the love of the church, to despair of himself. The devil, who is always subtle in his tricks, would then see that this man’s mind was an easy prey, approach him and suggest that at least he should enjoy the things of the present, given that he has been denied any hope of future reward. Thus the brother would perish, being possessed by the devil, even though an opportunity for repentance had been given him.
The problem is not merely to recognize Satan’s designs but to play into them. Paul knows their dynamics, not so as to be engaged in them but so as not to be entrapped by them.
"That no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
Seest thou how he both committeth the power to them and again taketh away that by that he may soften them, by this eradicate their self will. But this is not all that he provides for by this, but shows also that should they be disobedient the harm would reach to all, just as he did at the outset also. For then too he said, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." And here again, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us." And throughout, he maketh this forgiveness the joint act of himself and them.
And tell me not that this one only becomes the wild beast's prey, but consider this also, that the number of the herd is diminished, and now especially when it might recover what it had lost. "For we are not ignorant of his devices," That he destroys even under the show of piety. For not only by leading into fornication can he destroy, but even by the contrary, the unmeasured sorrow following on the repentance for it. When then besides his own he taketh ours too, when both by bidding to sin, he destroys; and when we bid repent, violently seizeth; how is not this case getting "advantage?" For he is not content with striking down by sin, but even by repentance he doth this except we be vigilant.
Wherefore also with reason did he call it getting advantage, when he even conquereth our own weapons. For to take by sin is his proper work; by repentance, however, is no more his; for ours, not his, is that weapon. When then even by this he is able to take, think how disgraceful the defeat, how he will laugh at and run us down as weak and pitiful, if he is to subdue us with our own weapons. For it were matter for exceeding scorn and of the last disgrace, that he should inflict wounds on us through our own remedies. Therefore he said, "for we are not ignorant of his devices," exposing his versatility, his craftiness, his evil devices, his malice, his capacity to injure under a show of piety.
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Summary
In this verse, the Apostle Paul delivers a crucial warning to the Corinthian believers, urging them to exercise wisdom and discernment in their communal life, particularly concerning the restoration of an offending member. This verse underscores the necessity of spiritual vigilance, revealing that Satan actively seeks opportunities to exploit human weaknesses, such as unforgiveness or excessive sorrow, to gain a strategic advantage and disrupt the unity and well-being of the church. Paul's admonition serves as a timeless reminder that believers are not to be ignorant of the adversary's calculated schemes.
Context
Literary Context
This verse concludes a significant section in 2 Corinthians 2 where Paul addresses a painful issue within the Corinthian church. Following his stern letter (often referred to as the "severe letter"), Paul had commanded the church to discipline an individual who had caused significant grief, likely by challenging Paul's authority or engaging in immoral conduct (though the specific offense is not explicitly detailed in 2 Corinthians). In 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Paul now urges the Corinthians to forgive and restore this repentant individual, lest he be "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow." Verse 11, therefore, provides the theological rationale for this swift and compassionate restoration, highlighting the spiritual danger of allowing prolonged bitterness, unforgiveness, or despair to fester, as these emotional states create open doors for Satan's destructive influence within the community.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Corinthian church was notoriously fraught with internal divisions, moral laxity, and challenges to apostolic authority, as evidenced throughout 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. Paul's relationship with them was complex, marked by both deep affection and necessary confrontation. In the Greco-Roman world, public shame and social exclusion were powerful tools of community discipline. While Paul employed church discipline, his ultimate goal was always restoration, not permanent ostracization. His concern in 2 Corinthians 2:11 reflects an understanding that spiritual warfare is not merely an individual battle but also a communal one. A divided or unforgiving church, consumed by internal strife, would be vulnerable to external spiritual attack, hindering its witness and mission in a pagan society.
Key Themes
The immediate context of 2 Corinthians 2:11 introduces several crucial themes. Firstly, Forgiveness and Restoration are paramount, emphasized as vital for the health of both the individual and the community. Paul's command to "forgive him, and comfort him" in 2 Corinthians 2:7 directly precedes the warning about Satan, indicating that these acts are spiritual defenses. Secondly, Spiritual Vigilance and Discernment are highlighted, as believers are expected to be aware of the adversary's tactics. This theme resonates with Paul's broader teachings on spiritual warfare, such as in Ephesians 6:10-18. Thirdly, the verse underscores Satan's Opportunistic Nature, revealing his desire to "get an advantage" by exploiting human weaknesses like unforgiveness, bitterness, or excessive sorrow, which can lead to division and despair within the body of Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a Chaldee origin, this word directly translates to "the accuser" or "adversary." In this context, it refers to the chief spiritual enemy of God and humanity, a malevolent being who actively works against God's purposes and seeks to undermine believers and the church. Paul's use here highlights the personal, active, and malevolent nature of this spiritual foe.
This verb means "to be covetous," "to over-reach," "to take unfair advantage of," or "to defraud." It implies a desire for more than one's share, often through exploitation or deceit. When applied to Satan, it signifies his predatory nature, seeking to seize an opportunity or exploit a weakness within the community or an individual to gain control or inflict harm. He is not merely present but actively seeking to exploit situations.
Derived from the verb "to perceive" or "to think," this noun refers to a "perception," "purpose," "intellect," "disposition," "mind," or "thought." In a negative sense, as used here, it denotes "schemes," "plots," "designs," or "calculated intentions." This word reveals that Satan's actions are not random or impulsive but are deliberate, intelligent, and strategic plans aimed at deception, division, and destruction. Believers are called to understand these calculated tactics.
Verse Breakdown
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us"
This clause presents the primary warning and the motivation behind Paul's preceding counsel on forgiveness and restoration. The Greek phrase hína mḗ (lest, in order that not) emphasizes the preventative nature of the warning. Paul is concerned that if the Corinthians fail to forgive and comfort the repentant brother, allowing bitterness or excessive sorrow to prevail, Satan will seize this opportunity. The term "get an advantage" (Greek, pleonektéō) vividly portrays Satan as an opportunistic predator, ready to exploit any weakness, division, or unresolved conflict within the church to his own destructive ends. His goal is to gain an upper hand, to defraud the community of its unity, peace, and witness.
"for we are not ignorant of his devices"
This second clause provides the basis for the warning and implies a call to spiritual maturity and discernment. The conjunction "for" (Greek, gár) introduces the reason or justification for Paul's concern. Paul asserts that he, and by extension, the mature believers in Corinth, possess knowledge of Satan's methods. The phrase "not ignorant" (Greek, ou agnoéō) suggests a conscious awareness and understanding of the adversary's "devices" (Greek, nóēma). These "devices" are not random acts but calculated strategies, schemes, and cunning plots designed to sow discord, promote unforgiveness, induce despair, and ultimately undermine the work of God among His people. This knowledge empowers believers to actively resist and counteract his plans.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in 2 Corinthians 2:11 to emphasize his urgent warning. Personification is evident as Satan is depicted as an active agent with intentions and strategies, capable of "getting an advantage" over believers. This portrays him not as an abstract force but as a personal, malevolent adversary. The term "devices" itself functions as a Metaphor for Satan's cunning and deceptive schemes, suggesting intricate and well-planned traps rather than overt attacks. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Proleptic Warning, anticipating a potential negative outcome (Satan gaining advantage) if the Corinthians fail to heed Paul's instruction regarding forgiveness. This creates a sense of urgency and highlights the spiritual stakes involved in their communal decisions. The phrase "we are not ignorant" also carries an element of Irony or Understatement, as Paul is implicitly challenging the Corinthians to live up to this claim by acting wisely, implying that while they should know, they might still fall prey if not vigilant.
Theological and Thematic Connections
2 Corinthians 2:11 is deeply rooted in the broader biblical understanding of spiritual warfare and the nature of the adversary. It highlights that Satan's primary aim is to disrupt God's work, particularly through disunity and despair within the body of Christ. The verse underscores the theological truth that while Satan is a formidable foe, believers are not left helpless or uninformed; rather, they are equipped with awareness and the means to resist him, primarily through obedience to Christ's commands, such as forgiveness. This passage reinforces the idea that our personal and communal spiritual health directly impacts our vulnerability to demonic influence, making reconciliation not just a relational necessity but a spiritual defense.
Reflection and Application
This verse serves as a powerful call to spiritual alertness and intentional living for every believer and church community. It compels us to recognize that our internal relational dynamics, particularly how we handle conflict, offense, and reconciliation, have profound spiritual implications. Unforgiveness, bitterness, prolonged grief, or unresolved conflict do not merely affect our emotional state; they can become strategic entry points for the adversary. To be "not ignorant of his devices" means actively cultivating a spirit of forgiveness, seeking swift reconciliation, and extending comfort to those who repent. It means understanding that Satan thrives on division, despair, and isolation, and that our unity in Christ, expressed through love and grace, is a potent weapon against his schemes. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and engage in the hard work of genuine, Christ-like restoration, knowing that in doing so, we are actively thwarting the enemy's plans and protecting the spiritual integrity of the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What are Satan's "devices" that Paul refers to?
Satan's "devices" (Greek, nóēma) refer to his cunning, calculated schemes, strategies, and evil intentions designed to deceive, disrupt, and destroy. In the immediate context of 2 Corinthians 2:11, these devices specifically include exploiting unforgiveness, bitterness, prolonged sorrow, and division within the church. He seeks to turn a disciplinary action into a destructive force by pushing the repentant individual into despair or by allowing the community to remain fragmented by a lack of grace. More broadly, his devices include temptation, deception (as seen in Genesis 3), accusation (as in Revelation 12:10), sowing discord, promoting pride, and instigating doubt against God's character or Word. The goal is always to separate believers from God and from each other.
How does forgiveness protect us from Satan's schemes?
Forgiveness is a powerful spiritual weapon against Satan's schemes because it directly counteracts his primary strategies of division and despair. When we withhold forgiveness, we allow bitterness, resentment, and anger to fester, creating an open door for Satan to sow discord, isolate individuals, and paralyze the community. Paul warns against allowing the repentant person to be "swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" in 2 Corinthians 2:7, indicating that excessive grief or guilt, if not met with grace, can also be exploited by the enemy. By extending forgiveness, we close these doors, restore unity, bring healing and comfort to the offended and the offender, and demonstrate the transforming power of Christ's love. This act of grace thwarts Satan's attempts to gain an "advantage" by maintaining division and fostering despair within the body of Christ.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Corinthians 2:11 warns about Satan's devices, its ultimate fulfillment and the believer's victory over these schemes are found solely in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate example of overcoming the adversary, having triumphed over temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), casting out demons throughout His ministry (Mark 1:34), and ultimately defeating Satan's power through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). It is through Christ's finished work that believers are given authority to resist the devil (James 4:7) and are no longer ignorant of his devices, for the Spirit of Christ illuminates truth. The forgiveness Paul urges in 2 Corinthians 2:7 is a direct outflow of the boundless forgiveness we have received in Christ (Ephesians 4:32). Thus, our ability to thwart Satan's schemes by extending grace and maintaining unity is not a human effort but a participation in Christ's victory, empowered by His Spirit, reflecting His character, and anticipating the day when Satan will be finally crushed under our feet (Romans 16:20).