2 Corinthians 2:5-16

Forgiveness for the Offender

⁵ But if any has caused sorrow , he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree -in order not to say too much -to all of you. ⁶ Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority , ⁷ so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow . ⁸ Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. ⁹ For to this end also I wrote , so that I might put you to the test , whether you are obedient in all things . ¹⁰ But one whom you forgive anything , I forgive also ; for indeed what I have forgiven , if I have forgiven anything , I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ , ¹¹ so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan , for we are not ignorant of his schemes .

Paul's Anxiety at Troas

¹² Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord , ¹³ I had no rest for my spirit , not finding Titus my brother ; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia .

Triumphant in Christ

¹⁴ But thanks be to God , who always leads us in triumph in Christ , and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place . ¹⁵ For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing ; ¹⁶ to the one an aroma from death to death , to the other an aroma from life to life . And who is adequate for these things ?

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Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:5-16

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

(Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11)

The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, 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. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

(Read 2 Corinthians 2:12-17)

A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so the name and salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a sweet savour diffused in every place. Unto some, the gospel is a savour of death unto death. They reject it to their ruin. Unto others, the gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it quickened them at first when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. Observe the awful impressions this matter made upon the apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity, as in the sight of God, is not of God, does not come from him, and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in this matter; and seek the testimony of our consciences, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak we in Christ and of Christ.