2 Coríntios 2
William Barclay · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 2
Barclay - If anyone has caused grief, it is not I whom he has grieved, but to some extent—not to overstress the situation—all of you. AMP But if someone [the one among you who committed incest] has caused [all this] grief and pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure, not to put it too severely, [he has distressed] all of you. TLB - Remember that the man I wrote about, who caused all the trouble, has not caused sorrow to me as much as to all the rest of you—though I certainly have my share in it too. CJB Now if someone has been a cause of pain, it is not I whom he has pained, but, in some measure—I don’t want to overstate it—all of you. KJV 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. NET 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if anyone has caused sadness, he has not saddened me alone, but to some extent (not to exaggerate) he has saddened all of you as well. BGT 2 Corinthians 2:5 Εἰ δέ τις λελύπηκεν, οὐκ ἐμὲ λελύπηκεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπὸ μέρους, ἵνα μὴ ἐπιβαρῶ, πάντας ὑμᾶς. NLT 2 Corinthians 2:5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. ESV 2 Corinthians 2:5 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. NIV 2 Corinthians 2:5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent--not to put it too severely. GNT 2 Corinthians 2:5 Εἰ δέ τις λελύπηκεν, οὐκ ἐμὲ λελύπηκεν, ἀλλὰ ἀπὸ μέρους, ἵνα μὴ ἐπιβαρῶ, πάντας ὑμᾶς. YLT 2 Corinthians 2:5 And if any one hath caused sorrow, he hath not caused sorrow to me, but in part, that I may not burden you all; ASV 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any hath caused sorrow, he hath caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I press not too heavily) to you all. CSB 2 Corinthians 2:5 If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree-- not to exaggerate-- to all of you. MIT 2 Corinthians 2:5 If anyone has offended someone, it is not me he offended, except partially, for I do not want to be too severe on all of you. NKJ 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent-- not to be too severe. NRS 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but to some extent-- not to exaggerate it-- to all of you. NAB 2 Corinthians 2:5 If anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure (not to exaggerate) to all of you. NJB 2 Corinthians 2:5 If anyone did cause distress, he caused it not to me, but -- not to exaggerate -- in some degree to all of you. GWN 2 Corinthians 2:5 If someone caused distress, I'm not the one really affected. To some extent-although I don't want to emphasize this too much-it has affected all of you. BBE 2 Corinthians 2:5 But if anyone has been a cause of sorrow, he has been so, not to me only, but in some measure to all of you (I say this that I may not be over-hard on you). any: Pr 17:25 1Co 5:1-5,12,13 Ga 5:10 caused sorrow: Ga 4:12 2 Corinthians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries IMMORAL MAN OF FIRST LETTER In 2Co 2:5-11 Paul gives two reasons the Corinthians need to forgive the offender. The first reason is so the offender is not overwhelmed and discouraged by the church's discipline. The second reason is so that the church would not be taken advantage of by the schemes of Satan. This next section (vv 5-11) is about the treatment of the offender and the result of the severe letter, a plea for reconciliation and forgiveness.
2 Coríntios 2
Barclay - "So then, I urge you, let your decision in regard to him be a decision of love." They were to “conclude” or “decide in favor of” love since punishment to the offender had resulted in sincere repentance. Paul is calling for the saints to reinstate the repentant man and not by just letting him into the congregation but by demonstrating genuine "agape" (God-like) unconditional love for him. As Paul wrote in his first letter love "does not take into account (logizomai - bookkeeping term) a wrong suffered." (1 Cor 13:5b+). In other words agape love does not "keep score." Agape is a choice of the will (energized by the Spirit) and may involve emotion, but it must always involve action as Paul calls for in this case. Remember that the manifesting of this quality of love is only possible by the Spirit's enablement (Gal 5:22+). Reaffirming their love would be shown by allowing him to return to fellowship in the church. At its core, unforgiveness is a lack of love. The greatest demonstration of love, both by individual believers and the church collectively, is forgiving others. -- John MacArthur Barton on reaffirm our love - The Greek word for “reaffirm” here suggests a legal act, such as a ratification of an appointment. The fact that Paul used here a legal term with the Greek word agape, a word that means “selfless love,” is remarkable. Paul was asking the Corinthian church to confirm the membership of this man in the community of love—that is, the church—in a public and official manner. Paul doesn’t quote Jesus on this matter, but he was, in effect, following Jesus’ own instructions: “If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3NLT+). (Life Application Commentary) Hodge - “When the offender is made to feel that, while his sin is punished, he himself is loved; and that the end aimed at is not his suffering but his good, he is more likely to be brought to repentance.” (2 Corinthians Commentary Pdf) Complete Biblical Library - Paul desires a decision whose content is love. Right is to be replaced by right as pardoning love dictates and crowns the final legal decision. As
2 Coríntios 2
Barclay - Whatever you have forgiven anyone, I too forgive. For what I have forgiven, if I had anything to forgive, I forgave for your sakes, in the presence of Christ, KJV 2 Corinthians 2:10 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; NET 2 Corinthians 2:10 If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him– for indeed what I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ, BGT 2 Corinthians 2:10 ᾧ δέ τι χαρίζεσθε, κἀγώ· καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ ὃ κεχάρισμαι, εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι, δι᾽ ὑμᾶς ἐν προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ, NLT 2 Corinthians 2:10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, ESV 2 Corinthians 2:10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, NIV 2 Corinthians 2:10 If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, GNT 2 Corinthians 2:10 ᾧ δέ τι χαρίζεσθε, κἀγώ· καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ ὃ κεχάρισμαι, εἴ τι κεχάρισμαι, δι᾽ ὑμᾶς ἐν προσώπῳ Χριστοῦ, YLT 2 Corinthians 2:10 And to whom ye forgive anything -- I also; for I also, if I have forgiven anything, to whom I have forgiven it, because of you -- in the person of Christ -- I forgive it, ASV 2 Corinthians 2:10 But to whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for what I also have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, for your sakes have I forgiven it in the presence of Christ; CSB 2 Corinthians 2:10 If you forgive anyone, I do too. For what I have forgiven-- if I have forgiven anything-- it is for you in the presence of Christ. MIT 2 Corinthians 2:10 To one whom you graciously forgive anything, so do I. For indeed, with reference to that matter, I have graciously forgiven. If I have so forgiven, it is because of you in Christ's presence I have done so, NKJ 2 Corinthians 2:10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, NRS 2 Corinthians 2:10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ. NAB 2 Corinthians 2:10 Whomever you forgive anything, so do I. For indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for you in the presence of Christ, NJB 2 Corinthians 2:10 But if you forgive anybody, then I too forgive that person; and whatever I have forgiven, if there is anything I have forgiven, I have done it for your sake in Christ's presence, GWN 2 Corinthians 2:10 If you forgive someone, so do I. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did in the presence of Christ for your benefit. BBE 2 Corinthians 2:10 But if you give forgiveness to anyone, I do the same: for if I have given forgiveness for anything, I have done it because of you, in the person of Christ; whom: 2Co 5:20 Mt 18:18 Joh 20:23 1Co 5:4 2 Corinthians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S EXAMPLE OF FORGIVENESS But one whom you forgive (charizomai in present tense) anything, I forgive also - Note the "keyword" in this verse (3x) is charizomai! NLT - "When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too." Paul had called for the church to forgive in 2Co 2:7 and here we see he assumed they would forgive the person. Paul the apostle takes the lead in expressing forgiveness. Assuming the offender had personally offended Paul, here he downplays any offense against himself. Murray Harris - The Corinthians had concurred with Paul’s decision that the guilty man be punished; now he offers to concur with their decision that this repentant person be forgiven (Tasker 54–55). “Anyone who has your forgiveness has mine too” (NEB, REB). In 2Co 2:7 Paul has said, in essence, “You should forgive this man.” Now he says, in effect, “When you do so, rest assured that my forgiveness is included in yours.” (NIGNT-2 Cor) Harris in another commentary notes that "Verse 10 affords perhaps the clearest evidence that the offense was basically a personal act of effrontery against Paul or possibly his acknowledged or delegated representative. There was need for Paul’s personal forgiveness, although, in deference to the penitent offender’s feelings, he discounts the personal pain he himself experienced (v. 5) and deliberately understates the seriousness of the offense (v. 10) lest anyone imagine that he considered himself virtuous in granting forgiveness so readily. All this would be inappropriate if he were describing a sin of incest (1 Cor 5). (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Kruse - Paul calls upon his readers to forgive the offender (vv. 6–7) and here assures them: ‘to whom you forgive anything, I also [forgive that]’ (this is the literal rendering). Perhaps the apostle says this to allay any fears that he might not approve the reinstatement of one who had hurt him so badly. (TNTC-2Cor) For indeed what I have forgiven (charizomai in perfect tense), if I have forgiven (charizomai in perfect tense) anything, I did it for your sakes - NIV = "And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake," When Paul says what I have forgiven (charizomai), if I have forgiven we know from the context that Paul had something to forgive (even if we do not know the exact offense). The point is that Paul is downplaying the offense. What does Paul mean that he did it (forgave) for your sakes? - This is a difficult phrase but it suggests that he forgave first so that they would see his free forgiveness and would then feel free to forgive the offender and carry out reconciliation and restoration into the fellowship. In other words For your sakes would imply that their knowledge that Paul had forgiven (and the effect endured), the sains at Corinth should be motivated to do likewise. In the "Disciple's Prayer" in Matthew 6, Jesus emphasizes the importance of personal forgiveness so that we have full and free fellowship with the Father instructing them "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Mt 6:12+) Note the little word "as" which is critical! If we don't forgive our debtors, we are in essence saying to God "forgive" our debts in the same way. In other words we blunt or quench His forgiveness and the result is that our fellowship with the Father is hindered. So back to the present verse -- since Paul's forgiveness should serve to motivate/stimulate their forgiveness (for he was their spiritual "father'), it would be for their sakes in the sense that they could forgive the offender and would experience freedom of their fellowship with their heavenly Father. Another reason in addition to maintaining (or restoring) "vertical fellowship" (with the Father), Paul's forgiveness and their forgiveness would restore "horizontal fellowship" (Paul and the Corinthians). Corporate forgiveness would keep Satan from gaining a foothold in lives of saints who held on to unforgiveness (and possibly bitterness) and the effect would be to disturb the unity and sap the spiritual strength of the church.
2 Coríntios 2
Barclay has a good word on Paul's example of forgiving the offender - (i) Paul did not take the matter personally at all. It was not the injury done to his personal feelings which was important. What he was anxious about was the good discipline and the peace of the Church. There are some people who take everything personally. Criticism, even when it is kindly meant and kindly given, they take as a personal insult. Such people do more than any other kind of people to disturb the peace of a fellowship. It would be well to remember that criticism and advice are usually offered, not to hurt us, but to help us. (ii) Paul’s motive in the exercise of discipline was not vengeance but correction; he did not aim to knock a man down, but to help him to get up. His aim was to judge a man, not by the standards of abstract justice, but of Christian love. The fact is that quite often sins are good qualities gone wrong. The man who can plan a successful burglary has initiative and organizing power; pride is a kind of intensification of the independent spirit; meanness is thrift run to seed. Paul’s aim in discipline was, not to eradicate such qualities as a man might have, but rather to harness them to higher purposes. The Christian duty is not to render the sinner harmless by battering him into submission, but to inspire him to goodness. (iii) Paul’s insistence was that punishment must never drive to despair and must never take the heart out of a man. The wrong kind of treatment often gives a man the last push into the arms of Satan. Over-severity may well drive him from the Church and its fellowship, while sympathetic amendment might well bring him in. Mary Lamb, who had terrible periods of insanity, was harshly treated by her mother. She used to sigh, “Why is it that I never seem able to do anything to please my mother?” Luther could scarcely bear to pray the Lord’s Prayer because his own father had been so stern that the word father painted a picture of grim terror to him. He used to say, “Spare the rod and spoil the child—yes; but, beside the rod keep an apple, to give the child when he has done well.” Punishment should encourage and not discourage. In the last analysis, this can happen only when we make it clear that, even when we are punishing a person, we still believe in him. (2 Corinthians 2 Commentary) Ray Stedman on Paul's forgiveness one whom you forgive (charizomai) anything, I forgive also - There are no hard feelings expressed, no recriminations, no "well, I-can-forgive, but-I-can't-forget" attitude. You often hear that, don't you? That reveals a lack of understanding of what forgiveness is. Forgiveness, basically, is a promise that you make; it is a promise you make to three different individuals. This is true always, in every case of forgiveness: First, it is a promise that you make to the individual who has offended you and now has repented, in which you are saying to him or her, "I will not let my attitude toward you be governed any longer by this offense. It has been put aside. My treatment of you from here on will be as though this had never happened." It is a promise you make never to bring it up again. In marriage many problems go on for years and years because we tend to go back and dig up all the past, which is an indication that it has never been forgiven. Some mates don't get hysterical, they get historical! That is the problem, and that creates a problem. Second, it is a promise not to pass it on to anybody else. When a matter is forgiven it is to be forgotten. Now it may be that everyone knows it, because, as in this case in Corinth, it had been told to the whole church. But what it means is that nobody throws it at him again, or holds it over his head, or reminds him of it every time any further difficulty occurs. It is a promise to drop the matter, leave it in the past, and never bring it up to anybody again. Third, and probably most important of all, it is a promise to yourself that, when your memory goes back to it, as it will occasionally, you are not going to allow it to seize hold of your heart and make you angry all over again. The minute it comes back to mind, you put it aside as something that belongs to the past, you are not going to dwell on it. It is a promise, therefore, to repeat your act of forgiveness, no matter how often the memory comes up. That is what forgiveness is; and Paul is so ready to do this. The reason, of course, is because he himself had been forgiven. People tell me sometimes, "Well, I just can't forgive in this case. The person said it was wrong, and has asked me to forgive him, but I just can't do it. It hurt me too much." Well, that is a revelation to me that that person has never realized how much he has been forgiven already. The basis for Christian forgiveness is always, "Forgive, because you have been forgiven." If you cannot forgive it is because you have forgotten that you were forgiven. Paul says this to the Ephesians: ...be tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32 KJV) That means we are not to be self-righteous and condemning, and assume the attitude, "Well, I could never do a thing like that." In the eyes of God you have already done worse, and been forgiven for it. That is the basis, therefore, for extending forgiveness to others: "Freely you have received, freely give," (Matthew 10:8 KJV). 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. KJV 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. NET 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes). BGT 2 Corinthians 2:11 ἵνα μὴ πλεονεκτηθῶμεν ὑπὸ τοῦ σατανᾶ· οὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν. NLT 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. ESV 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. NIV 2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. GNT 2 Corinthians 2:11 ἵνα μὴ πλεονεκτηθῶμεν ὑπὸ τοῦ Σατανᾶ· οὐ γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὰ νοήματα ἀγνοοῦμεν. YLT 2 Corinthians 2:11 that we may not be over-reached by the Adversary, for of his devices we are not ignorant. ASV 2 Corinthians 2:11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices. CSB 2 Corinthians 2:11 I have done this so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes. MIT 2 Corinthians 2:11 lest we be exploited by the opponent; we are not unaware of his machinations. NKJ 2 Corinthians 2:11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. NRS 2 Corinthians 2:11 And we do this so that we may not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. NAB 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that we might not be taken advantage of by Satan, for we are not unaware of his purposes. NJB 2 Corinthians 2:11 to avoid being outwitted by Satan, whose scheming we know only too well. GWN 2 Corinthians 2:11 I don't want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan's scheming. BBE 2 Corinthians 2:11 So that Satan may not get the better of us: for we are not without knowledge of his designs. 2Co 11:3,14, 2Co 12:7 1Ch 21:1,2 Job 1:11 2:3,5,9 Zec 3:1-4 Lu 22:31 Joh 13:2 Acts 1:25 1Co 7:5 Eph 6:11,12 2Ti 2:25 1Pe 5:8 Rev 2:24 Rev 12:9-11 13:8 2 Corinthians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Corinthians 11:3+ But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.....11:14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 12:7+ Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me–to keep me from exalting myself! Ephesians 4:26-27+ BE ANGRY (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), AND yet DO NOT SIN (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey); do not let the sun go down (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) on your anger, 27 and do not give (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the devil an opportunity (TO GET A "TOEHOLD," AN ADVANTAGE). Ephesians 6:11+ Put on (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the full armor of God, so that you will be able (SUPERNATURALLY ENABLED BY THE SPIRIT) to stand firm against the schemes (SEE THE GREEK WORD = methodeia) of the devil (diabolos). SATAN WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UNFORGIVENESS Barclay renders v10-11 - "For what I have forgiven, if I had anything to forgive, I forgave for your sakes, in the presence of Christ, so that we might not be over-reached by Satan, for we well know his intentions." (2 Corinthians 2 Commentary) So that (hina - term of purpose) no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not (present tense) ignorant of his schemes (designs, devices)(Schemes of the Devil) - Advantage...taken is passive voice indicating force acting on us from outside source (Satan). Satan (and his minions) seek for places to gain a toehold in individual believer's lives and in churches. In Mt 6:13+ Jesus had instructed the disciples to pray that God would "deliver us from (the) evil (ho poneros)," which the NLT and NIV render "the evil one," that is, from Satan. Satan is deadly serious and is not playing games but "out for blood" so to speak and the Greek word for "evil" (poneros) indicates seeks to cause active harm or hurt. THOUGHT - What are the implications for saints who are ignorant of Satan's schemes? In a word they are a "softball" for Satan to "swing at" and are vulnerable to being spiritually defeated. If someone throws a pie at your face and you see it coming, you can take a defensive position. Sadly Satan does not throw pies but fiery missiles at our mind. If we harbor unforgiveness, bitterness, etc, we are a set up for spiritual defeat. So what is the best defense? Paul's statement here indicates that knowledge of our enemies schemes is crucial for us to experience victory in warfare. General George Patton's success against the Nazi general Rommel ("the desert fox") was aided by the fact that Patton had read Rommel's book "Infantry Attacks," so he was not ignorant of his enemy's schemes! Take some time to study Satan's schemes -- see the topic Schemes of the Devil. Ignorance in spiritual warfare is not bliss, but is bad. ESV Study Bible says that "Satan’s designs are to destroy the mutual forgiveness, love, and unity that is to characterize God’s people as those who have been reconciled to God through Christ (2Co 5:16-6:2). In this way, Satan aims to dishonor God’s own glory revealed in Jesus as the Son of God (1:19-20)." (ESV Study Bible)
2 Coríntios 2
Barclay has an excellent summary of the background for Paul's words in 2 Cor 2:14-16 - 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 are difficult to understand by themselves, but when set against the background which was in Paul's thoughts they become a vivid picture. Paul speaks of being led in the train of the triumph of Christ; and then he goes on to speak of being the sweet scent of Christ to men, to some the perfume of death and to others the perfume of life. In his mind is the picture of a Roman Triumph (see depiction) In a Triumph the procession of the victorious general marched through the streets of Rome to the Capitol in the following order. First came the state officials and the senate. Then came the trumpeters. Then were carried the spoils taken from the conquered land. For instance, when Titus conquered Jerusalem, the seven-branched candlestick, the golden table of the shewbread and the golden trumpets were carried through the streets of Rome. Then came pictures of the conquered land and models of conquered citadels and ships. There followed the white bull for the sacrifice which would be made. Then there walked the captive princes, leaders and generals in chains, shortly to be flung into prison and in all probability almost immediately to be executed. Then came the lictors bearing their rods, followed by the musicians with their lyres; then the priests swinging their censers with the sweet-smelling incense burning in them. After that came the general himself. He stood in a chariot drawn by four horses. He was clad in a purple tunic embroidered with golden palm leaves, and over it a purple toga marked out with golden stars. In his hand he held an ivory scepter with the Roman eagle at its top, and over his head a slave held the crown of Jupiter. After him rode his family; and finally came the army wearing all their decorations and shouting loud exclamations "Triumph! Triumph! Triumph!," their cries of triumph (over the enemy). As the procession moved through the streets, all decorated and garlanded, amid the cheering crowds, it made a tremendous day which might happen only once in a lifetime. That is the picture that is in Paul's mind. He sees Christ marching in triumph throughout the world, and himself in that conquering train. It is a triumph which, Paul is certain, nothing can stop. We have seen how in that procession there were the priests swinging the incense-filled censers. To the victors the perfume from the censers would be the perfume of joy and triumph and life; but to the wretched captives who walked so short a distance ahead it was the perfume of death (2Cor 2:15, 16), standing for the past defeat and their coming execution. So Paul thinks of himself and his fellow apostles preaching the Gospel of the triumphant Christ. To those who will accept it, it is the perfume of life, as it was to the victors; to those who refuse it, it is the perfume of death, as it was to the vanquished. Of one thing Paul was certain--not all the world could defeat Christ. He lived not in pessimistic fear, but in the glorious optimism which knew the unconquerable majesty of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2 Commentary) Bloom Where You're Planted Thanks be to God who . . . through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. —2 Corinthians 2:14 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 A friend of mine used to operate a ranch in the Owyhee desert south of Boise, Idaho. Once when I was visiting his old homestead he pointed out a gnarled juniper tree, the only one in sight. You wouldn’t travel very far to see it and it wasn’t much to look at, but it was doing its job—providing shade for a cow or two. My friend said that it was the best illustration he had ever seen of the principle: “Bloom where you’re planted.” His analogy made me think of another rancher I used to know who lived near Lometa, Texas. He knew everyone in town—called them by name and knew what was happening in their lives. He would stop and ask about a sick child or an ailing marriage, and then he would offer a word of encouragement and prayer. He didn’t force his faith on anyone, but its influence lingered wherever he had been. He had about him “the fragrance of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). We can have that same fragrance wherever we go, as we quietly manifest Jesus’ love. Even if no one acknowledges our efforts, God sees and knows. God has placed you here for a purpose, Whatever it might be; Know He has chosen you for it And labor faithfully. —Anon. You are never in the wrong place to serve God. The God Of Victory Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:21 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 In Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory. Nike fought on the side of the Olympian gods, gaining a victory over the mighty Titans. As a result, she became a symbol of winning. But Nike’s alleged powers were not just limited to warfare. She also became a favorite goddess of athletes who wanted to win in competitive sports. The Romans adopted her into their worship and gave her the Latin name Victoria. In the Greco-Roman world where Paul taught, victory was highly valued. So when he expressed Christian truth, he used words his audience could understand. In his letters, he described Christ as the One who leads us in a military procession of triumph (2 Cor. 2:14-17) and compared the Christian life to someone training for the ancient Olympic games (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Through trials we learn to overcome, Through Christ our victories are won; Come lay your burdens at His feet And find this inner peace so sweet. —Halsey God will give us the victory when we join Him in the fight. Sweet Fragrance We are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. —2 Corinthians 2:15 Today's Scripture & Insight:2 Corinthians 2:12-17 Some scents are unforgettable. Recently, my husband mentioned he was running low on shaving cream. “I’ll pick some up,” I offered. “Can you get this kind?” he asked, showing me the can. “I love the smell—it’s the kind my dad always used.” I smiled, recalling the time I had been momentarily taken back to my childhood when I got a whiff of the same shampoo my mom used to wash my hair. For both Tom and me, the fragrances had brought an emotional response and pleasant memory of people we loved who were no longer around. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Memories, imagination, old sentiments, and associations are more readily reached through the sense of smell than through any other channel.” So, what if our lives were a fragrance that attracted people to God? Second Corinthians 2:15 says that “we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” Our fragrance is pleasing to God, but it also attracts others to Him or repels them. We who understand the sacrifice of Jesus have the opportunity to be the “fragrance of Christ”—a reminder of Him—to others. Let my hands perform His bidding, Let my feet run in His ways, Let my eyes see Jesus only, Let my lips speak forth His praise. —James When we walk with God, we leave behind a sweet fragrance that can inspire others to follow. Posies We are to God the fragrance of Christ. —2 Corinthians 2:15 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 One morning I was looking at a bouquet of flowers in a vase on an old carpenter’s bench in front of our “window on the world.” I realized the bouquet was spent; its leaves had wilted and the blossoms were falling. The same morning I also read George Herbert and quite by “accident” came across his poem titled “Life.” In it Herbert talks about a “posy” (a bouquet of flowers) he gathered so that he could smell the fragrance. But, as he put it, “Time did beckon to the flowers, and they by noon most cunningly did steal away, and withered in my hand.” The loss of his flowers caused him at first to see “time’s gentle admonition.” Herbert wrote that it “[made] my mind to smell my fatal day; yet sugaring the suspicion.” Yet even as the wilted flowers reminded him of his own death, he found in the metaphor something that sweetened the thought. Herbert concluded: Farewell dear flowers, sweetly your time ye spent, Fit, while ye lived, for smell or ornament, And after death for cures. I follow straight without complaints or grief, Since if my scent be good, I care not, if It be as short as yours. A godly life is a fragrance that draws others to Christ. Sweet Scent Thanks be to God, who . . . uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Corinthians 2:14–16 Author Rita Snowden tells a delightful story about visiting a small village in Dover, England. Sitting outside a café one afternoon enjoying a cup of tea, she became aware of a beautiful scent. Rita asked a waiter where it was coming from, and was told it was the people she could see passing by. Most of the villagers were employed at a nearby perfume factory. As they walked home, they carried the fragrance that permeated their clothes out into the street. What a beautiful image of the Christian life! As the apostle Paul says, we are the aroma of Christ, spreading His fragrance everywhere (2 Cor. 2:15). Paul uses the image of a king returning from battle, his soldiers and captives in tow, wafting the smell of celebratory incense in the air, declaring the king’s greatness (v. 14). We spread the aroma of Christ in two ways. First, through our words: telling others about the One who is beautiful. Second, through our lives: doing deeds of Christlike sacrifice (Eph. 5:1–2). While not everyone will appreciate the divine fragrance we share, it will bring life to many. Lord Jesus, make us carriers and communicators of Your beauty to the people in our homes, offices, and neighborhoods. We are the aroma of Christ to others. Signature Scent Through us [God] diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. — 2 Corinthians 2:14 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 You can’t see it, hear it, or touch it, but scent is powerful. The smell of things like crayons, petunias, and colognes evoke memories that transport me to the past and bring to mind people and places I might not otherwise recall. Some celebrities have fragrances named after them. Fans can identify with an actress or singer by dabbing on the scent bearing her name. Along those lines, Ladies Home Journal published a quiz to help readers determine the perfect fragrance for them. The idea is that every woman, to be memorable, should have a specific scent associated with her. The idea of a signature scent is not new. God introduced it as part of worship. In the tabernacle, a certain scent was to be associated with the Lord (Ex. 30:34-35). The people were forbidden to use this fragrance for anything but worship (vv.37-38). When we’ve been alone with Jesus, There’s a difference others know; And to them it’s like a fragrance That we leave where’er we go. —Hess A life lived for God has a pleasing aroma. What Does Your Life Say? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men. —2 Corinthians 3:2 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3:3 A woman asked an acquaintance whose husband had recently died, “Did he have any last words?” “No,” said the widow. “He slipped away so quickly that we didn’t have a chance to talk about anything.” “How sad,” the friend replied. “It must break your heart.” The widow graciously responded, “Oh, don’t feel sorry for me. I have something better. I recall so well the night he testified in church about his faith in Christ. I also have the wonderful memory of his consistent life that spoke far more effectively of his devotion to God than a few comforting comments in his final moments.” It’s wonderful to have that kind of testimony. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul used two word pictures to describe the type of influence we should have on those around us. Our lives are to be a fragrance, sweet to believers but repulsive to the unsaved (2 Cor. 2:14-17). And we are to be like living letters that speak well of our Lord and the gospel (3:2-3). O help us, Lord, to serve You well And live a life so true That when we die our friends may say, "His life spoke well for You." —DJD The memory of a faithful life speaks more eloquently than words. Oswald Chambers - The viewpoint Now thanks be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ. 2 Cor. 2:14. The viewpoint of a worker for God must not be as near the highest as he can get, it must be the highest. Be careful to maintain strenuously God’s point of view, it has to be done every day, bit by bit; don’t think on the finite. No outside power can touch the viewpoint. The viewpoint to maintain is that we are here for one purpose only, viz., to be captives in the train of Christ’s triumphs. We are not in God’s showroom, we are here to exhibit one thing—the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ. How small the other points of view are—‘I am standing alone battling for Jesus’; ‘I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold this fort for Him.’ Paul says—‘I am in the train of a conqueror, and it does not matter what the difficulties are, I am always led in triumph.’ Is this idea being worked out practically in us? Paul’s secret joy was that God took him, a red-handed rebel against Jesus Christ, and made him a captive, and now that is all he is here for. Paul’s joy was to be a captive of the Lord, he had no other interest in heaven or on earth. It is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. The Victor ought to have got us so completely that it is His victory all the time, and we are more than conquerors through Him. “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ.” We are enwheeled with the odour of Jesus, and wherever we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God. Robert
2 Coríntios 2
Barclay says "Blessed is the man who has nothing to hide." OUR SUFFICIENCY IS FROM GOD INTRODUCTION: Let us note Paul’s discussion of a problem in 2 Corinthians 2:14–16. We preach the “fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” We are the aroma of Christ to God: to the perishing “a fragrance from death to death,” and to the saved, “a fragrance from life to life.” The same gospel is preached by the same man to the same crowd. To one it is salvation; to another it is death. And Paul cries, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Paul answers the question in 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Our sufficiency is from God.” I. “We speak in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:17). A. Says Paul, “We are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s Word” (2 Cor. 2:17). He did not preach for money—nor for self-support. B. “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). II. God’s sufficiency. A. The Holy Spirit reveals Christ the Redeemer. B. The Holy Spirit convicts us “of sin and of righteousness and of judgment” (John 16:8). C. It is the grace of the Lord which sustains us in difficult times: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). CONCLUSION: God’s sufficiency is offered to every child of His in superabundance. The only lack is human failure to see, believe, and receive. Columbus’ Eclipse We are not, as so many, peddling the Word of God. — 2 Corinthians 2:17 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 On one of Christopher Columbus’ voyages, he found that his crew’s food supply was almost depleted. Anchored off the island of Jamaica, he was grateful to be given food by the islanders. But as time went on, the gifts of food decreased so that the crew began to starve. Columbus knew from an astronomy book that a lunar eclipse would soon occur. He called the native chiefs together and told them God was angry about their selfishness and would blot out the moon. At first the islanders scoffed. But when they watched the night’s silver disc slowly become dark, they became terrified and quickly brought food. Columbus said that if he prayed, the moon would be restored. Though we may empathize with his circumstances, Columbus’ “message from God” was dishonest and self-serving. Aware of religious charlatans who “peddled” God’s Word for their own desires, the apostle Paul wrote, “We are not, as so many, peddling the Word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God” (2 Cor. 2:17). Don’t compromise the Word of God Or twist what He has said; For blessing comes from faithfully Proclaiming truth instead. —Sper The purpose of sharing God’s truth is to profit others, not to prosper ourselves.