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2
Corinthians Chapter Two
2 Corinthians 2
But had there been any lightness in his decisions
since
as he now informed them
he had intended to visit them on his way to Macedonia
(where he was at the moment of writing this letter)
and then a second time on
his return from that country? In no wise; they were not intentions lightly
formed
according to the flesh
and then abandoned. It was his affection
it
was to spare them. He could not bear the idea of going with a rod to those whom
he loved. Observe in what manner
although shewing his affection and
tenderness
he maintains his authority; and they needed the exercise of this
authority. And while reminding them of his authority
he displays all his
tenderness. They were not Cretans
perhaps
whom it was necessary to rebuke
sharply; but there was a laxity of. morals which required delicacy and care
lest they should become restive
but also authority and a bridle
lest
in
giving them liberty
they should fall into all sorts of bad ways. But he turns
immediately to the certainty which was in Christ
the basis of all his own. He
would not press too much upon the chord he had touched at the beginning. He
lets his authority be known as that which might have been exercised
and he
does not employ it. The groundwork of Christianity was needed
in order to put
their souls into a condition to judge themselves healthily. They were quite
disposed
through the intrigues of false teachers and their habit of schools of
philosophy
to separate from the apostle
and
in spirit
from Christ. He
brings them back to the foundation
to the sure doctrine that was common to all
those that had laboured among them at the beginning. He would give Satan no
occasion to detach them from him (see chap 2:11).
He establishes therefore the great principles of christian joy and
assurance. I do not speak of the blood
the only source of peace of conscience
before God as a judge
but of the manner in which we are placed by the power of
God in His presence
in the position and state into which that power introduces
us according to the counsels of His grace. Simple certainty was in Christ
according to that which had been said. It was not first Yea
and then Nay: the
yea remained always yea-a principle of immense importance
but for the establishment
of which there was needed the power and the firmness and even perfection
and
the wisdom
of God; for to assure and make stedfast that which was not wise and
perfect would certainly not have been worthy of Him.
It will be seen that the question was
whether Paul had
lightly changed his purpose. He says that he had not; but he leaves the thought
of that which concerned him personally to speak of that which pre-occupied his
thoughts-of Christ; and to him
in fact
to live was Christ. But there was a difficulty
to solve
when the immutability of God's promises was the question. It is that
we are not in a state to profit by that which was immutable on account of our
weakness and inconstancy. He solves this difficulty by setting forth the mighty
operations of God in grace.
There are two points therefore:-the establishment of all
the promises in Christ
and the enjoyment
by us
of the effect of these
promises. The thing is
as we have seen
not merely to say
to promise
something; but not to change one's intentions
not to depart from what was
said
but to keep one's word. Now there had been promises. God had made
promises
whether to Abraham unconditionally
or to Israel at Sinai under the
condition of obedience. But in Christ there was
not promises
but the Amen to
God's promises
the verity and realisation of them. Whatever promises there had
been on God's part
the Yea was in Him
and the Amen in Him. God has
established-deposited
so to speak-the fulfilment of all His promises in the
Person of Christ. Life
glory
righteousness
pardon
the gift of the Spirit
all is in Him; it is in Him that all is we-Yea and Amen. We cannot have the
effect of any promise whatsoever out of Him. But this is not all: we
believers
are the objects of these counsels of God. They are to the glory of
God by us.
But
in the first place
the glory of God is that of Him
whoever glorifies Himself in His ways of sovereign grace towards us; for it is
in these ways that He unfolds and displays what He is. The Yea and Amen
therefore of the promises of God
the accomplishment and the realisation of the
promises of God
for His glory by us
are in Christ.
But how can we participate in it
if all is Christ and in Christ? It
is here that the Holy Ghost presents the second part of the ways of grace. We
are in Christ
and we are in Him not according to the instability of the will
of man
and the weakness that characterises him in his transitory and
changeable works. He who was firmly established us in Christ is God Himself.
The accomplishment of all the promises is in Him. Under the law
and under
conditions the fulfilment of which depended on the stability of man
the effect
of the promise was never attained; the thing promised eluded the pursuit of
man
because man needed to be in a state capable of attaining it by
righteousness
and he was not in that state; the accomplishment of the promise
therefore was always suspended; it would have its effect if-but the
"if" was not accomplished
and the Yea and Amen did not come. But all
that God has promised is in Christ. The second part is the "by us
"
and how far we enjoy it. We are firmly established by God in Christ
in whom
all the promises subsist
so that we securely possess in Him all that is
promised us. But we do not enjoy it as that which subsists in our own hands.
But
further
God Himself has anointed us. We have by
Jesus received the Holy Ghost. God has taken care that we should understand by
the Spirit that which is freely given us in Christ. But the Spirit is given to
us
according to the counsels of God
for other things than understanding
merely His gifts in Christ. He who has received Him is sealed. God has marked
him with His seal
even as He marked Christ with His seal when He anointed Him
after His baptism by John. Moreover the Spirit becomes the earnest
in our own
hearts
of that which we shall fully possess hereafter in Christ. We understand
the things that are given us in the glory; we are marked by the seal of God to
enjoy them; we have the earnest of them in our hearts-our affections are
engaged by them. Established in Christ
we have the Holy Ghost
who seals us
when we believe
to bring us into the enjoyment
even while here below
of that
which is in Christ.
Having again spoken of the care which manifested his
affection for them
he expresses his conviction that that which had pained him
had pained them also; and this was demonstrated by the way in which they had
treated the transgressor. He exhorts them to receive again and comfort the poor
guilty one
who was in danger of being entirely overwhelmed by the discipline
that had been exercised towards him by the mass of the Christians; adding
that
if the Christians forgave him his fault
he forgave it likewise. He would not
that Satan should get any advantage through this case to bring in dissension
between himself and the Corinthians; for Paul well knew what the enemy aimed
at
the object with which he made use of this affair.
This gives him occasion to shew how much he had them
always in his heart. Coming to Troas for the gospel
and a wide door being
opened to him
nevertheless he could not remain there
because he had not found
Titus; and he left Troas and continued his journey into Macedonia. It will be
remembered that
instead of passing by the western shores of the Archipelago
in order to visit Macedonia
taking Corinth on his way
and then returning by
the same route
the apostle had sent Titus with his first letter
and had gone
by way of Asia Minor
or the eastern coast of the sea
which led him to Troas
where Titus was to meet him. But not finding him at Troas
and being uneasy
with regard to the Corinthians
he could not be satisfied with there being a
work to be done at Troas
but journeyed on to meet Titus and repaired to
Macedonia. There he found him
as we shall see presently. But this thought of
having left Troas affected him
for in fact it is a serious thing
and painful
to the heart
to miss an opportunity of preaching Christ
and the more so when
people are disposed to receive Him
or at least to hear of Him. To have left
Troas was indeed a proof of his affection for the Corinthians; and the apostle
recalls the circumstance as a strong demonstration of that affection. He
comforts himself for having missed this work of evangelisation by the thought
that after all God led him as in triumph (not "caused him to
triumph"). The gospel which he carried with him
the testimony of Christ
was like the perfume caused by burning aromatic drugs in triumphal
processions-a token of death to some of the captives
of life to others. And
this perfume of the gospel was pure in his hands. The apostle was not like some
who adulterated the wine they furnished; he laboured in christian integrity
before God.
── John Darby《Synopsis of 2 Corinthians》
2 Corinthians 2
Chapter Contents
Reasons for the apostle not coming to Corinth. (1-4)
Directions about restoring the repentant offender. (5-11) An account of his
labours and success in spreading the gospel of Christ. (12-17)
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:1-4
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:1-4)
The apostle desired to have a cheerful meeting with them;
and he had written in confidence of their doing what was to their benefit and
his comfort; and that therefore they would be glad to remove every cause of
disquiet from him. We should always give pain unwillingly
even when duty
requires that it must be given.
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.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Corinthians》
2 Corinthians 2
Verse 1
[1] But
I determined this with myself
that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
In grief —
Either on account of the particular offender
or of the church in general.
Verse 2
[2] For if I make you sorry
who is he then that maketh me glad
but the same
which is made sorry by me?
For if I grieve you
who is he that cheereth
me
but he that is grieved by me — That is
I cannot be
comforted myself till his grief is removed.
Verse 3
[3] And
I wrote this same unto you
lest
when I came
I should have sorrow from them
of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all
that my joy is the
joy of you all.
And I wrote thus to you — I wrote to you before in this determination
not to come to you in
grief.
Verse 4
[4] For
out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears;
not that ye should be grieved
but that ye might know the love which I have
more abundantly unto you.
From much anguish I wrote to you
not so much
that ye might be grieved
as that ye might know by my faithful admonition my
abundant love toward you.
Verse 5
[5] But if any have caused grief
he hath not grieved me
but in part: that I
may not overcharge you all.
He hath grieved me but in part — Who still rejoice over the greater part of you. Otherwise I might burden
you all.
Verse 6
[6]
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment
which was inflicted of many.
Sufficient for such an one — With what a remarkable tenderness does St. Paul treat this offender! He
never once mentions his name. Nor does he here so much as mention his crime.
By many —
Not only by the rulers of the church: the whole congregation acquiesced in the
sentence.
Verse 10
[10] To
whom ye forgive any thing
I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing
to whom
I forgave it
for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
To whom ye forgive — He
makes no question of their complying with his direction.
Anything — So
mildly does he speak even of that heinous sin
after it was repented of.
In the person of Christ — By the authority wherewith he has invested me.
Verse 11
[11] Lest
Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Lest Satan — To
whom he had been delivered
and who sought to destroy not only his flesh
but
his soul also.
Get an advantage over us — For the loss of one soul is a common loss.
Verse 12
[12]
Furthermore
when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel
and a door was
opened unto me of the Lord
Now when I came to Troas — It seems
in that passage from Asia to Macedonia
of which a short account
is given
Acts 20:1
2. Even though a door was opened to me
- That is
there was free liberty to speak
and many were willing to hear: yet
Verse 13
[13] I
had no rest in my spirit
because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my
leave of them
I went from thence into Macedonia.
I had no rest in my spirit — From an earnest desire to know how my letter had been received.
Because I did not find Titus — In his return from you.
So I went forth into Macedonia — Where being much nearer
I might more easily be informed concerning you.
The apostle resumes the thread of his discourse
2 Corinthians 7:2
interposing an admirable
digression concerning what he had done and suffered elsewhere
the profit of
which he by this means derives to the Corinthians also; and as a prelude to his
apology against the false apostles.
Verse 14
[14] Now
thanks be unto God
which always causeth us to triumph in Christ
and maketh
manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
To triumph
implies not only victory
but an
open manifestation of it. And as in triumphal processions
especially in the
east
incense and perfumes were burned near the conqueror
the apostle
beautifully alludes to this circumstance in the following verse: as likewise to
the different effects which strong perfumes have upon different persons; some
of whom they revive
while they throw others into the most violent disorders.
Verse 15
[15] For
we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ
in them that are saved
and in them
that perish:
For we —
The preachers of the gospel.
Are to God a sweet odour of Christ — God is well-pleased with this perfume diffused by us
both in them that
believe and are saved
treated of
2 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 4:2; and in them that obstinately
disbelieve and
consequently
perish
treated of
2 Corinthians 4:3-6.
Verse 16
[16] To
the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of
life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
And who is sufficient for these things — No man living
but by the power of God's Spirit.
Verse 17
[17] For
we are not as many
which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity
but as
of God
in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
For we are not as many
who adulterate the
word of God — Like those vintners (so the Greek word
implies) who mix their wines with baser liquors.
But as of sincerity —
Without any mixture.
But as from God —
This rises higher still; transmitting his pure word
not our own.
In the sight of God —
Whom we regard as always present
and noting every word of our tongue.
Speak we —
The tongue is ours
but the power is God's.
In Christ —
Words which he gives
approves
and blesses.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 2 Corinthians》
Chapter 2. The Intention to Exhort
The Smell of
Death
The Fragrance of Life
I.
Interrelation Among Members
II. Forgiveness
in the Body
III. Spread the
Fragrance of Christ
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Two general Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the attitudes Paul had in writing his first epistle 2) To understand the need for proper follow-up toward one who has reacted favorably to church discipline 3) To see the different effects the gospel can have on people SUMMARY
Paul continues to defend his integrity by explaining that his change ofplans was an effort to prevent his coming to them in sorrow. Indeed
his previous letter was written for the same reason
and with muchanguish of heart (1-4). Speaking of grief
he reminds them that theone who caused most of it had properly repented after theirdisciplinary actions
and they should be careful to forgive and comfortthe person. Paul himself was willing to forgive the penitent offender
because he knew how Satan could easily take advantage of theirsituation (5-11). He then reveals the anxiety of trying to find Titus
which prompted hisleaving an "open door" in Troas to go on to Macedonia return to the subject of finding Titus and the comfort he received upondoing so (7:5-7)
but at this point Paul begins vindicating his ministry as an apostle of Christ. With thanks to God
Paul describes the "triumphant" nature of his ministry
in which God leads him as in avictory procession. Carrying the imagery of a victory procession alittle further (in which it was common to have incense as part of the parade)
Paul views himself and his work as the "fragrance of Christ" which to those being saved is an "aroma of life"
but to those who areperishing it is an "aroma of death" (14-16b). Realizing his own insufficiency for such things
he speaks not as those who "peddle" the Word of God
but with sincerity and with an awareness that it comes from God
and is in the sight of God (16c -17). OUTLINE
I. PAUL'S DEFENSE OF HIS INTEGRITY CONTINUES (1-13)
A. THE REASON FOR HIS DELAY (1-4) 1. He was determined not to come to them in sorrow (1-2) 2. His previous letter he wrote in sorrow
lest when he came there would be sorrow and not joy for both him and them (3-4) B. FORGIVENESS FOR THE OFFENDER (5-11) 1. Speaking of sorrow
much of their grief was caused by one man (5) 2. However
their discipline was effective and the penitent offender should be forgiven and reassured of their love for him (6-8) 3. His previous letter was a test of their obedience
and he is willing to forgive those they have forgiven
lest Satan take advantage of their situation (9-11) C. HIS CONCERN FOR THEM (12-13) 1. In Troas
the Lord had given him an "open door" to preach the gospel (12) 2. But with no word from Titus
anxiety for their situation prompted him to leave for Macedonia II. THE "TRIUMPHANT" NATURE OF PAUL'S MINISTRY (14-17)
A. ALWAYS LED IN TRIUMPH BY GOD IN CHRIST (14a ) 1. Paul expresses thanksgiving to God 2. The reason: for leading them in a triumphal procession similar to that enjoyed by a military leader after a victory B. THROUGH THEM "FRAGRANCE" IS DIFFUSED (14b-16) 1. God diffuses the "fragrance of His knowledge" in every place (14b) 2. To God
they are the "fragrance of Christ" (15) a. To those who are perishing
they are an "aroma of death" (16a ) b. To those who are being saved
they are an "aroma of life" (16b) 3. He realizes his dependency upon God for sufficiency to be such things (16c -17) a. Unlike many
who "peddle" the Word of God (17a ) b. In contrast
he speaks sincerely
as from God
and in the sight of God (17b) REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Paul's defense of his integrity continues (1-13) - The "triumphant" nature of Paul's ministry (14-17) 2) What was Paul determined not to do? (1)
- To come to them in sorrow 3) Why did he write his previous letter? (3)
- Lest when he came he would have sorrow over those who ought to give him joy 4) How did Paul write as he penned his letter? (4)
- Out of much affliction and anguish of heart
and with many tears 5) What did Paul want them to do with the man who had sinned
yet repented after their disciplinary action toward him? (7-8)
- To forgive and comfort him - To reaffirm their love to him 6) What was one purpose in writing to them as Paul had done? (9)
- To test their obedience 7) Why was Paul so willing to forgive the offender once the Corinthianshad forgiven him? (10-11)
- Lest Satan take advantage of the situation