2 Corinthians · Chapter 2
2 Corinthians 2
Berean Standard Bible · Public domain · Source credits
Reaffirm Your Love
1So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
2For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?
3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
4For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.
5Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you—to some degree, not to overstate it.
6The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.
7So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.
9My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake,
11in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Triumph in Christ
12Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,
13I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
14But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.
15For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
16To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?*
17For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Source notes
- 2:16 Literally To the one, indeed, an aroma from death to death; but to the other, an aroma from life to life.
Old Testament references
References from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Text from the Berean Standard Bible.
Leviticus 19:17You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.
Leviticus 19:18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Psalms 119:136My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
Proverbs 27:5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
Proverbs 27:6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Jeremiah 13:15Listen and give heed. Do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken.
Jeremiah 13:16Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the dusky mountains. You wait for light, but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness.
Jeremiah 13:17But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.
Proverbs 17:25A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him.
2 Samuel 20:19I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?”
2 Samuel 20:20“Far be it!” Joab declared. “Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy!
Psalms 21:9You will place them in a fiery furnace at the time of Your appearing. In His wrath the LORD will engulf them, and the fire will consume them.