1. statui autem hoc ipse apud me ne iterum in tristitia venirem ad vos
2. si enim ego contristo vos et quis est qui me lætificet nisi qui contristatur ex me
3. et hoc ipsum scripsi ut non cum venero tristitiam super tristitiam habeam de quibus oportuerat me gaudere confidens in omnibus vobis quia meum gaudium omnium vestrum est
4. nam ex multa tribulatione et angustia cordis scripsi vobis per multas lacrimas non ut contristemini sed ut sciatis quam caritatem habeo abundantius in vobis
5. si quis autem contristavit non me contristavit sed ex parte ut non onerem omnes vos
6. sufficit illi qui ejusmodi est obiurgatio hæc quæ fit a pluribus
7. ita ut e contra magis donetis et consolemini ne forte abundantiori tristitia absorbeatur qui ejusmodi est
8. propter quod obsecro vos ut confirmetis in illum caritatem
9. ideo enim et scripsi ut cognoscam experimentum vestrum an in omnibus obœdientes sitis
10. cui autem aliquid donatis et ego nam et ego quod donavi si quid donavi propter vos in persona Christi
11. ut non circumveniamur a Satana non enim ignoramus cogitationes ejus
12. cum venissem autem Troadem propter evangelium Christi et ostium mihi apertum esset in Domino
13. non habui requiem spiritui meo eo quod non invenerim Titum fratrem meum sed valefaciens eis profectus sum in Macedoniam
14. Deo autem gratias qui semper triumphat nos in Christo Jesu et odorem notitiæ suæ manifestat per nos in omni loco
15. quia Christi bonus odor sumus Deo in his qui salvi fiunt et in his qui pereunt
16. aliis quidem odor mortis in mortem aliis autem odor vitæ in vitam et ad hæc quis tam idoneus
17. non enim sumus sicut plurimi adulterantes verbum Dei sed ex sinceritate sed sicut ex Deo coram Deo in Christo loquimur
Footnotes:
2:1-4 - Paul explains that he avoided a painful visit to the church, preferring a letter of exhortation so that pain might be turned into joy. This highlights the role of loving discipline and correction within the Christian community (see also 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and Hebrews 12:6).
2:5-8 - Paul asks the church to forgive a repentant member, showing that forgiveness is central to the Christian life. Restorative forgiveness reflects the grace of God, who forgives abundantly (see also Matthew 18:21-22 and Ephesians 4:32).
2:14-16 - Paul celebrates the triumph of Christ, who leads believers in a "triumphal process" and makes the gospel message a fragrance of life to the saved and of death to the lost. The Christian mission is inevitably polarizing (see also Colossians 2:15 and 1 Corinthians 1:18).
02:17 - Paul affirms that in preaching the Word of God, he and the other apostles do so not out of self-interest, but in sincerity, as those sent by God. The ministry of the gospel must be motivated by integrity and the will of God (see also 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 and 2 Corinthians 4:2).
Verses related to Epistula II ad Corinthios, 2:
2 Corinthians chapter 2 addresses forgiveness and the fragrance of Christ. How does Paul deal with repentance in the church? This compassionate text describes the restoration of a disciplined limb and the importance of forgiveness. The chapter explores themes such as apostolic authority, triumph in Christ, and the aroma of the knowledge of God. Paul also reveals his pastoral anxiety for Titus. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that correlate with the transformative themes of this pivotal chapter.
Matthew 18:15-17: "If your brother sins against you, go and, alone with him, show him his error. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two others with you, so that 'any accusation may be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to you, tell the church; and if he refuses to listen also to the church, treat him as a pagan or a tax collector." - This passage reflects the process of discipline and restoration mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11.
Galatians 6:1: "Brethren, if anyone is overtaken in any sin, you who are spiritual must restore him with meekness. But take care, each one, lest he be tempted either." - This verse complements Paul's instruction on forgiveness and restoration in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11.
1 Corinthians 5:5: "Hand this man over to Satan, so that his body may be destroyed and his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." - This passage relates to the discipline mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, showing the previous context.
Colossians 2:15: "And, having stripped the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them on the cross." - This verse echoes the theme of triumph in Christ mentioned by Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14.
1 Peter 2:9: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, to proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - This passage relates to Paul's idea of being the "scent of Christ" in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16.
FAQ:
What does Paul say about forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2?
Paul teaches that we must forgive others, just as we have been forgiven by God, to restore fellowship and prevent the enemy from deceiving us. (2 Corinthians 2:7-8)
What does Paul say about the ministry of the new covenant?
Paul compares the ministry of the new covenant with the old, saying that the ministry of the Spirit is more glorious and life-giving, in contrast to the death of the law. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
How does Paul describe our victory in Christ?
Paul affirms that we are triumphant in Christ, bringing His knowledge to all, and being a fragrance of life to those who are being saved and of death to those who are lost. (2 Corinthians 2:14)
What does Paul teach about sincerity in ministry?
Paul teaches that as ministers of Christ, we must be sincere, seeking to please God rather than men, being honest in our words and actions. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
How does Paul express his love for the Corinthians?
Paul expresses his love for the Corinthians by wanting them to forgive and restore their brother who has fallen into sin, showing the power of forgiveness in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:8)
