Paul continues to describe his concerns for the Corinthians, along with defending his recent travels. Instead of a visit, Paul apparently wrote a strong letter instead, concerned about their progress.
2 Corinthians 2: 1-4, I don't want to grieve you!
So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? I wrote as I did so that when I came I should not be distressed by those who ought to make me rejoice.
I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
Paul was concerned that a visit might be harmful but wants them to know that he has confidence and pride in them.
2 Corinthians 2: 5-8, After confrontation comes forgiveness
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. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
They have now punished the individual who was causing the most grief. Paul encourages them to complete the reconciliation by opening their arms in love to the culprit.
2 Corinthians 2: 9-11, Forgiveness wins!
The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 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, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
They have stood up to Satan. Bitterness, continued anger, refusal to forgive -- those are all tools of Satan and Paul seeks a much better way.
2 Corinthians 2: 12-13, To Troas and Macedonia
Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia.
Paul's travels from Troas back to Macedonia (northern Greece) bypassed Corinth, most likely taking a northern sea route. This was due to concerns about Titus, who was supposed to meet Paul in Troas.
2 Corinthians 2: 14-17, The aroma of Christ
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
The Christian is an ambassador for God, bringing a "sweet aroma" of forgiveness and reconciliation.
One commentator describes a Roman emperor's victorious procession into Rome with incense burners being carried by captured prisoners. Here the incense leads to life for those who follow the True Emperor.
In the next chapter Paul describes in more detail the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
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