2 Corinthians 2:5-16
Forgiveness for the Offender
5 And if any one hath caused sorrow, he hath not caused sorrow to me, but in part, that I may not burden you all; 6 sufficient to such a one is this punishment, that 'is' by the more part, 7 so that, on the contrary, 'it is' rather for you to forgive and to comfort, lest by over abundant sorrow such a one may be swallowed up; 8 wherefore, I call upon you to confirm love to him, 9 for, for this also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether in regard to all things ye are obedient. 10 And to whom ye forgive anything—I also; for I also, if I have forgiven anything, to whom I have forgiven 'it', because of you—in the person of Christ—'I forgive it,' 11 that we may not be over-reached by the Adversary, for of his devices we are not ignorant.
Paul's Anxiety at Troas
12 And having come to Troas for the good news of the Christ, and a door to me having been opened in the Lord, 13 I have not had rest to my spirit, on my not finding Titus my brother, but having taken leave of them, I went forth to Macedonia;
Triumphant in Christ
14 and to God 'are' thanks, who at all times is leading us in triumph in the Christ, and the fragrance of His knowledge He is manifesting through us in every place, 15 because of Christ a sweet fragrance we are to God, in those being saved, and in those being lost; 16 to the one, indeed, a fragrance of death to death, and to the other, a fragrance of life to life; and for these things who is sufficient?
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.