2 Corinthians 2
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1But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow. 2For if I make you sorry, then who will make me glad but he who is made sorry by me? 3And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you. 4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you. 5But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all. 6This punishment which was inflicted by the many is sufficient for such a one; 7so that on the contrary you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his excessive sorrow. 8Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward him. 9For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things. 10Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes. 12Now when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord, 13I had no relief for my spirit, because I didn’t find Titus, my brother, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia. 14Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. 15For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish; 16to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you."”
2 Corinthians 2:5
Summary
In 2 Corinthians chapter 2, Paul addresses the church with a spirit of reconciliation and comfort. He explains his previous decision not to visit Corinth to avoid causing them further pain. Instead, Paul wrote to them out of great distress and anguish, emphasizing his love for them. He encourages the church to forgive and comfort the repentant offender, urging them to show love and prevent excessive sorrow. By instructing the community in forgiveness, Paul underscores the importance of unity and healing within the church. Paul transitions to express gratitude for the comforting guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads them in triumphal procession and spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. Paul reflects on his role as a messenger of the gospel, feeling both the privilege and the grave responsibility of spreading the message of life and death. The theological undercurrents include the power of forgiveness, the ministry of reconciliation, and the authentic leadership in Christ.
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