2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Triumphant in Christ

Before going into a brief discussion of discipline, Paul had been telling about the first letter and reasons for his delay in coming. He next resumed by telling them he went from Ephesus to Troas. He had an opportunity to preach. However, being so disturbed over waiting and receiving no word from Titus of Corinth, Paul moved on to Macedonia. His anxiety over the Corinthian response to the first letter hindered his preaching (2 Corinthians 2:12-13).

Paul was thankful for the good word that Titus brought from Corinth. He also thanked God for the continual triumphs he experienced so long as he remained in Christ. G. Campbell Morgan saw this as a picture of a Roman triumph. The knowledge of Christ is like an incense burned by the victor and carried as he goes. In a similar way, the apostle to the Gentiles saw Christ's messengers as producing an aroma. To those who accepted the gospel, they gave off the sweet smell of victory. To those who rejected the good news, they were like the incense smelled by the Roman captives going to their death (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

Those who reject God's plan to save man face death, while the believers look forward to life eternal. Paul asked who was prepared to deliver such a great message. Unfortunately, he knew there were many who would corrupt God's word, changing it to suit popular demands and their own selfish desires. The word "peddling" originally was used of a tavern keeper who would short change his customers and dilute supposedly pure drinks. Paul intended to deliver a pure gospel, remembering God could see all. Also, he was constantly aware that he was one of Christ's spokesmen (2 Corinthians 2:16-17).