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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

CHAPTER TWO:
FROM SADNESS TO TRIUMPH!

[“Sadness and Cheer”]
Key word: Sadness
Theme Verse: 14

2 Corinthians 2:1-4 – Sadness and Cheer

2CO2:1 For this is what I have determined for myself – not to come again to you [Corinthians] in sadness. 2CO2:2 Because if I caused you sadness, 22 who will be the person cheering me if not the person who I saddened?

22	If I caused you sadness: Or, depressed, discouraged. By the power of his first inspired letter to them.

2CO2:3 And so I wrote this very matter so that when I arrive I might not get sad because of the very ones over whom I certainly ought to rejoice. I am confident regarding all of you that my joy is the same as yours. 2CO2:4 For out of considerable oppression and anguish of heart, I wrote to you [Corinthians] through many tears. Not so that you might be saddened, but rather so that you all might know the abundance of compassionate affection I have for all of you.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 – Forgive and Love the Rebuked

2CO2:5 However, if anyone has saddened, it is not me he has saddened, but – not to be too harsh on you – it is all of you [he has saddened]. 2CO2:6 This rebuke by the majority 23 [in the congregation] is sufficient for such a person.

23

This rebuke by the majority: Or, CON: the sentence of the majority; NEB: the penalty on which the general meeting has agreed. Paul has in mind that brother of 1 Corinthians 5:1ff who had committed incest. Paul’s language may suggest a congregational vote or consensus in removing the offender from their midst as Paul had counseled in his first epistle.

2CO2:7 So, on the contrary, you should now graciously forgive and comfort [this person], 24 so that some how such a person might not be devoured by overwhelming sadness.

24

You should now graciously forgive and comfort [this person]: The person shunned by the congregation was not to be treated as an enemy, but rather reproved as a brother. [2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15] Only those who manifested themselves as “antichrists” who rejected the Christ as having come in the flesh were to be severely shunned. [2 John 2:10, 11] These would include those who were working within the Church to create a new sect or schism. [Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10]

2CO2:8 Therefore, I continue to encourage you all to validate your compassionate affection for him. 25

25

Validate your compassionate affection for him: That is, affirm your love for him. Or, confirm, assure, restore, reinstate. Many believe less than a year lapsed between the two epistles. We may assume the sinner had ceased his wrongdoing and had demonstrated repentance. Despite the terrible wrong, he was to be welcomed back into the congregation and its love.

2CO2:9 For this is the reason I wrote, so that I might realize a test of you [in Corinth], whether you are obedient in everything. 26

26	Obedient in everything: Compare church authority at Titus 2:15 and Hebrews 13:17.

2CO2:10 Now anything you graciously forgive, I also [forgive]. For I also have graciously forgiven – if I have forgiven graciously anything – it is because of you [Corinthians] before the person of Christ. 2CO2:11 In order that we never be grabbed by Satan, 27 for we are not ignorant of his designs. 28

27	Never be grabbed by Satan: Or, over-reached, get an advantage, getting the better of us, outsmart. [Luke 22:31; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:26]

28	We are not ignorant of his designs: Or, devices, maneuvers, schemes, wiles. Compare notes on Ephesians 6:11. [1 Peter 5:8]

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 – An Open Door but No Relief

2CO2:12 Now when I came to Troas with the Good News of the Christ – and a door was opened to me by the Master – 2CO2:13 I had received no relief in my spirit because of not finding my brother Titus. 29 Instead I departed from them and continued into Macedonia.

29	Titus: He is mentioned often in Paul’s letters. [2 Corinthians 7:6, 13, 14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Galatians 2:1, 3; 2 Timothy 4:10] Paul writes an inspired epistle to Titus. [Titus 1:4]

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 – Triumphal Procession

2CO2:14 But thanks to The God, the One who always leads us in triumph 30 in union with the Christ. [He] is the one manifesting the fragrance His knowledge through us in every place. 31

30	Always leads us in triumph: Or, CON: in the train of his triumph; WEY: triumphal procession; AMP: as trophies of Christ’s victories; MOF: he makes my life a constant pageant or triumph in Christ. Paul may allude to the Roman victory marches after a great victory.

31	Manifesting the fragrance His knowledge through us in every place: Or, odor, perfume. Like the rose petals and scented flowers thrown before a conquering hero.

2CO2:15 Because we are a sweet fragrance of Christ to The God and those being saved, as well as among those who are self-destructive. 32

32	Those who are self-destructive: Or, those perishing, on the road to ruin, destroying themselves.

2CO2:16 To these, indeed, [we are] a fragrance from death unto death, but to others a fragrance from life unto life. And for these things, who is adequate? 33

33	Who is adequate: Of, qualified, sufficient, competent.

2CO2:17 [We are!] For we are not peddling the Word of The God as many others! 34 But rather, as out of sincerity, 35 as from God – right in front of God – in harmony with Christ – we continue to speak.

34

We are not peddling the Word of The God as many others: Or, petty trade, seek profit, adulterate. Then, as now, many preachers and teachers are after financial gain from believers. Their profits could feed the world! In contrast, Jesus had “no place to lay his head,” and Paul was “homeless.” [1 Corinthians 4:11] Beware the prosperity preachers who teach that giving to them will result in God’s financial blessings. Beware any preachers and teachers who live better than the average members of their religious group.

35	Sincerity: Or, a single heart, singleness, simplicity.

Review Questions on Chapter Two