2 Corinthians
Chapter 2
Overview
Paul’s relationship with the community of Jesus’ followers in Corinth has been strained. He explains why he postponed another painful visit and reminds them that correction should aim at restoration, not endless shame. He asks the group to forgive and encourage a person they have disciplined. Then his thoughts turn to his anxious search for Titus and to the work of announcing the good news about Jesus the Messiah. The chapter moves from tears and forgiveness to a vivid image: God’s message spreading like a scent that people experience in sharply different ways.
1I decided that I would not visit you again under painful circumstances.
2For if I cause you pain, who will cheer me up except the very people I have hurt?
3That is why I wrote as I did. I did not want to come and be hurt by the very people who should make me glad. I was confident about all of you, because my joy is shared by all of you.
4I wrote to you in great distress and anguish of heart, with many tears. I did not mean to cause you pain, but to let you know how deeply I love you.
5If someone has caused sorrow, it is not me he has grieved, but to some extent all of you—not to put it too strongly.
6The punishment imposed on this person by most of you is enough.
7So now you should instead forgive and encourage him. Otherwise, his overwhelming sorrow may swallow him up.
8Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
9I also wrote to find out whether you would pass the test by obeying my instructions in every matter.
10Anyone you forgive, I forgive too. Indeed, whatever I have forgiven—if there was anything for me to forgive—I forgave for your sake in the presence of the Messiah.
11I did this so that Satan would not take advantage of us, because we are not unaware of his schemes.
12When I came to Troas to announce the good news about the Messiah, the Lord Jesus had opened an opportunity for my work there.
13Even so, I had no peace of mind because I did not find Titus, whom I regard as a brother. So I said goodbye to the people there and left for Macedonia.
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in the Messiah’s victory procession. Through us, God spreads everywhere the fragrance of knowing the Messiah.
15For we are the Messiah’s pleasing fragrance offered to God, both among those who are being rescued and among those who are being destroyed.
16To some, we are an odor that comes from death and leads to death. To others, we are a fragrance that comes from life and leads to life. Who is capable of doing such work?
17We are not like so many people who sell God’s message for profit. Instead, we speak sincerely as people sent from God. United with the Messiah, we speak in God’s presence.