2 Corinthians 2
2 Corinthians is part of the letter that Paul sent to the Corinthian church for the second time, and it clearly reveals his feelings and pastoral concerns. First, he expresses his love and pain for the church in Corinth. From verses 1 to 4, his decision to avoid causing sorrow to the members through his visit, and his sincere heart within it, are emphasized. Next, there is advice on forgiving and comforting a person who caused problems within the church (likely someone who had previously committed a serious wrongdoing) (verses 5–11). In the final portion (verses 12–17), reflections continue on his ministry and the proclamation of the gospel, including its triumph and the “fragrance” of the gospel.
1verseBut I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.
2verseFor if I make you grieve, then who will make me glad but he who is made to grieve by me?
3verseAnd I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all that my joy would be shared by all of you.
4verseFor out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made to grieve, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.
5verseBut if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.
6verseThis punishment which was inflicted by the many is sufficient for such a one;
7verseso that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow.
8verseTherefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him.
9verseFor to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.
10verseNow I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
11versethat no advantage may be gained over us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
12verseNow when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord,
13verseI had no relief for my spirit, because I didn’t find Titus my brother, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia.
14verseNow thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place.
15verseFor we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God in those who are being saved and in those who perish:
16verseto the one a stench from death to death, to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
17verseFor we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
Key Message and Overall Meaning
The central message emphasized in 2 Corinthians chapter 2 is forgiveness and comfort, as well as the mission of the gospel. Paul first explains that it is important to restore what has been hurt within the community through forgiveness and love, rather than through an attitude that is too strict or excessively punitive (verses 7–8). He also warns that refusing to forgive can lead one into the schemes of the evil one (verse 11). In addition, Paul himself emphasizes that, as a messenger whose task is to spread the fragrance of the gospel, he is like a letter of Christ to the people. This is not only something for ministers of the gospel, but also something that every believer should have—the beautiful fragrance of the gospel should be their life as well.
Points for Reflection
- While injuries and mistakes may happen within the church and the community, we consider how we can rebuild them again with forgiveness and love.
- I reflect on what kind of image I am giving to people around me as a fragrance of the gospel, as a letter from Christ.
- I reflect on whether our decisions or actions are causing pain to someone and whether we are carrying them out with sincere love.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- If there is someone whom I could not forgive or who I have grown distant from, I think about whether I can approach them with love and patience, and with a broader heart.
- Through my life, I put into practice what kind of attitude and choices I will make so that the fragrance of Christ is naturally revealed.
