Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Corinthians 2

Paul had changed his travel plan. In 1 Corinthians 16:5, he hoped to visit Corinth after going through Macedonia. He had promised to visit Corinth earlier (perhaps in his “severe letter,” 2 Corinthians 7:8) on his way north. Now, he had to return to the original plan, and the earlier visit, which would have brought a double blessing, would not happen after all.

God as my witness: This mild oath shows he is telling the truth (see 1 Samuel 12:5; 20:12; Job 16:19; compare Ruth 1:17; 1 Samuel 14:44; 2 Samuel 3:35; 1 Kings 2:23; Jeremiah 42:5). Paul changed his travel plans to avoid giving them a severe rebuke (2 Corinthians 1:23) and to prevent another painful visit (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).

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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).

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).

• 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.