2 Corinthians 2 explained: Tears, Forgiveness and a Victory Parade

Why Paul stayed away (vv. 1-4)

Paul had planned to visit Corinth but chose not to, because another visit would have been painful for him and for them. Instead he wrote a letter in tears to show his love; older readers took this to be 1 Corinthians, while many modern scholars think it was a letter now lost.

Take the man back (vv. 5-8)

Paul does not name the man who caused the hurt; older readers linked him to the case in 1 Corinthians 5, while many modern scholars think he had openly opposed Paul. Most of the church had disciplined him, probably by shutting him out, and Paul says that is enough and asks them to welcome and comfort him before sorrow crushes him.

Forgiveness as a test (vv. 9-11)

Paul says his letter also tested whether they would follow his lead, and now he joins them in forgiving the man. Refusing to forgive would give Satan, the enemy of God's people, an opening, perhaps by driving the man to despair or by making the church harsh and divided.

Restless in Troas (vv. 12-13)

In Troas, a port in what is now northwest Turkey, people were open to Paul's message, but he was too anxious for news from Titus, his co-worker who had gone to Corinth. So he moved on to Macedonia in northern Greece, and he only picks up this part of the story again in chapter 7.

The scent of the parade (vv. 14-16)

Paul pictures God as a general leading a Roman victory parade, with Paul in the line, possibly as a captive, though scholars debate what role he means. The scent may be the incense often burned during such parades or the smell of a sacrifice offered to God, and either way his message smells of life to some and of death to others.

Not dealing in the message (v. 17)

Paul contrasts himself with the many who, as some translations put it, sell God's message for profit, or as others put it, corrupt it; the Greek word pictures a street trader, which may carry both ideas. He claims to speak honestly, as someone sent by God and answerable to God.

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 2:7

Where Christians differ

Readers differ on who the offender was and which letter Paul means, whether 1 Corinthians or a lost tearful letter, and this changes how the whole conflict in the chapter is pictured.

Something to think about

When someone has done real harm and been held to account, what helps you decide when it is time to let them back in?