2 Corinthians Chapter 2 - Study Notes NABRE

 Study Notes 2:The Second Letter to the Corinthians Chapter 2

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians Chapter 2:

1. Reason for Not Visiting Corinthians Again (2 Corinthians 2:1)

   - Paul decided not to come again to avoid painful circumstances.

2. Consequence of Inflicting Pain (2 Corinthians 2:2)

   - If Paul inflicted pain, only the Corinthians would be there to cheer him.

3. Purpose in Writing (2 Corinthians 2:3)

   - Paul wrote to avoid being pained by those in Corinth.

4. Writing with Tears (2 Corinthians 2:4)

   - Paul wrote with tears to convey his abundant love for the Corinthians.

5. Offender Causing Pain (2 Corinthians 2:5)

   - The offender who caused pain was a Corinthian believer.

6. Instructions for the Repented Offender (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)

   - The Corinthians should forgive, encourage, and reaffirm their love for the repented offender.

7. Reason for Forgiveness and Encouragement (2 Corinthians 2:7)

   - Forgiveness and encouragement are recommended to prevent overwhelming pain to the repented offender.

8. Urging to Reaffirm Love (2 Corinthians 2:8)

   - Paul urges the Corinthians to reaffirm their love for the repentant offender.

9. Testing Proven Character (2 Corinthians 2:9)

   - Paul wrote to know the Corinthians' proven character and obedience.

10. Forgiveness in the Presence of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:10)

    - Paul forgives in the presence of Christ, following the Corinthians' forgiveness.

11. Awareness of Satan's Purposes (2 Corinthians 2:11)

    - Paul expresses awareness of Satan's purposes to avoid being deceived.

12. Paul went to Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12)

    - Paul went to Troas for the gospel, and a door was opened for him in the Lord.

13. No Relief in Troas (2 Corinthians 2:13)

    - Paul had no relief in his spirit in Troas as he did not find his brother Titus.

14. Triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14)

    - God leads believers in triumph in Christ

    - Though the Apostles, God manifests the odor of the knowledge of him* in every place 

15. Aroma of Christ for God (2 Corinthians 2:15)

    - Apostles, are described as the aroma of Christ for God.

16. Aroma's Effect on Those Perishing (2 Corinthians 2:16)

    - The aroma of Christ for those perishing is an odor of death leading to death.

17. Manifestation in Every Place (2 Corinthians 2:14)

    - God manifests the odor of the knowledge of Christ through apostles in every place.

18. Paul's Sincere Speech (2 Corinthians 2:17)

    - Paul does not trade on the word of God but speaks sincerely from God's presence in Christ.

19. Qualification for Aroma of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:16)

    - Apostles are considered qualified to be the aroma of Christ.

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[2:3–4] Letter Instead of Visit:

- Paul sent a letter instead of visiting to avoid being saddened and to express his deep love.

- Motivation: To prevent sorrow and make them realize the depth of his affection.

[2:5–11] Positive Directives:

- Nature of Pain: Unclear, but possibly related to someone rejecting Paul's authority.

- Positive Response: Paul takes positive measures - forgive, encourage, and love.

- Overwhelmed (2 Cor 2:7) Metaphorically swallowed, used positively to describe positive transformation.

- Satan's Activity: Mentioned in 2 Cor 2:11, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the conflict.

[2:12–13] Paul's Anxiety:

- Paul was anxious, awaiting the Corinthians' response to his letter.

- Relief Delayed: The reason for anxiety is revealed later (2 Cor 7:5) when he learns about their positive response.

[2:13] Macedonia:

- Roman province in northern Greece.

[2:14–7:4] Digression within the Narrative:

- A section discussing Paul's ministry and qualifications, inserted within the crisis narrative.

- Ministry and Qualifications 2:Addresses questions about Paul's adequacy and credentials.

[2:14–6:10] Nature of Paul’s Ministry:

- Glory (2 Cor 3:7–4:6), life (2 Cor 4:7–5:10), reconciliation (2 Cor 5:11–6:10).

[2:14–16a] Images of Paul's Preaching:

- Triumph in Christ: Positive sharing in Christ’s triumph or potential experience of defeat.

- Odor of the Knowledge of Him: Metaphor of incense in triumphal processions, symbolizing the spread of God's knowledge through apostolic preaching.

- Aroma of Christ: Paul is not only a distributor but also an embodiment of Christ's fragrance.

[2:16b–17] Paul's Qualification and Good Conscience:

- Qualified: Paul contrasts himself with other preachers and emphasizes his good conscience.

- Ministry from God: Insists his ministry is from God, exercised with fidelity and integrity.

- Condemnation of Falsifiers 2:Addresses those who dilute or falsify preaching for personal gain.

Additional Notes:

- Fragrance Produces Separation and Judgment: People perceive Paul's preaching and life differently, leading to a separation and judgment.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/2