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2 Corinthians 2

2 Corinthians 2 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

2 Corinthians 2 focuses on Paul's concern for the church in Corinth. He explains why he wrote with tears, urges forgiveness and comfort for a disciplined believer, and then turns to the spread of the gospel, where Christ leads His servants in victory and sincerity.

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What happens in 2 Corinthians 2?

Paul begins by explaining that he chose not to make another painful visit, and that his earlier letter was written with deep grief, not to shame the church but to show love. He calls the believers to forgive and comfort the man who had brought trouble, so sorrow does not overwhelm him. Paul then says he has already forgiven in Christ's presence and warns that unforgiveness gives Satan an opening. In the final section, Paul recounts his travel plans and then praises God for always leading believers in Christ's triumph, using them to spread the knowledge of Him like a fragrance. He closes by contrasting sincere ministry with those who use God's word for gain.

This chapter follows Paul's first defense of his ministry and his explanation of the pressures he faced. It continues his relationship with the Corinthian church by addressing a painful conflict and then widens the focus to the nature of gospel ministry. The chapter sets up the deeper discussion of the new covenant in the next chapter.

Themes to notice

  • ForgivenessBelievers are urged to restore the one who has been disciplined rather than leave him in ongoing sorrow.
  • Spiritual cautionPaul warns that unresolved offense can be used by Satan to divide and deceive the church.
  • Sincere ministryTrue gospel workers speak before God with honesty, not as people who sell spiritual truth for profit.

Questions for 2 Corinthians 2

  • Why does Paul say he wrote the earlier letter with tears and distress?
  • What does this chapter teach about forgiving and restoring someone who has sinned?
  • How does Paul describe the difference between sincere ministry and dishonest preaching?

Read the full text of 2 Corinthians 2 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

2 Corinthians 2

Reaffirm Your Love

1So I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.2For if I grieve you, who is left to cheer me but those whom I have grieved?3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.4For through many tears I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart, not to grieve you but to let you know how much I love you.

5Now if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me but all of you—to some degree, not to overstate it.6The punishment imposed on him by the majority is sufficient for him.7So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.9My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.10If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake,11in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Triumph in Christ

12Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,13I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

14But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly as captives in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.15For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.16To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?17For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

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