ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Corinthians 2

2 Cor. 2:1–2 painful visit. Paul’s visit turned out to be “painful” because of the church’s open rebellion against him (see vv. 5–8; 7:8–13; 11:4).

2 Cor. 2:4 Paul wrote a severe letter that called the Corinthians to repentance (see 7:8–9).

2 Cor. 2:5–11 The majority in Corinth had expressed their repentance by punishing the leader of the rebellion against Paul. Paul now calls them to follow his own Christlike example toward them by extending mercy to the offender, lest Satan have his way once again in the church.

2 Cor. 2:6 punishment. Mostly likely exclusion from the fellowship of the church (compare 1 Cor. 5:2, 5, 13).

2 Cor. 2:11 Satan’s designs are to destroy the mutual forgiveness, love, and unity that is to characterize God’s people (see 5:16–6:2).

2 Cor. 2:12–17 These verses explain some of Paul’s actions behind writing 2 Corinthians (vv. 12–13; see also 7:5–16). They also reintroduce the letter’s main theme (2:14–17).

2 Cor. 2:12–13 Paul came to Troas after leaving Ephesus for Macedonia, hoping to meet sooner with his coworker Titus. He had sent Titus to Corinth to present the “tearful letter” (vv. 3–4; see ch. 7). Despite a good response to the gospel in Troas (a door was opened for me in the Lord), when Titus failed to show up, Paul’s spirit was not at rest. He was concerned over the welfare of Titus and the church in Corinth (see 7:5–7; 11:28).

2 Cor. 2:14 leads us in triumphal procession. Most interpreters think this refers to the grand victory parades celebrated in Rome after great battles. Here God is portrayed as the sovereign victor. Christ is the general, leading the victory procession. Paul is “captured” by Christ but now joyfully follows him. This picture reflects an ongoing theme throughout 2 Corinthians: the contrast between the believer’s apparent defeat and his actual (spiritual) victory.

2 Cor. 2:15–16a aroma . . . fragrance. Some believe this refers to the incense spread along the streets during the triumphal procession (see note on v. 14). However, the terms used here are used often in the Greek OT to refer to the aroma of a sacrifice pleasing to God (e.g., Ex. 29:25). Christ is pictured as the primary sacrifice. Paul’s offering of his entire life to God (compare Rom. 12:1; Heb. 13:15–16) can then be seen as an extension of Christ’s death (see 2 Cor. 1:5). It is the aroma of Christ to God. from death to death . . . from life to life. Some dislike Paul’s life and message. This leads to their own condemnation. Others are attracted by the Christlike beauty seen in Paul and his message. Their acceptance of his message leads to their own eternal life.

2 Cor. 2:16b–17 Who is sufficient for these things? The implied answer clearly is “No one.” Our “sufficiency” comes only from God by means of his grace. Some of Paul’s opponents demanded payment for their ministries as if they were peddlers of God’s word (see 11:7–15; 12:13–16). In contrast, Paul’s commitment to support himself brought with him many hardships (see 1 Cor. 4:11–13; 15:10; 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:23).