II Corinthians Chapter 2
In chapter one we learn that the Corinthian church had made it clear to Paul that they felt he was untrustworthy since he did not come and visit them when he said he was going to. The church at Corinth showed disrespect for Paul and felt he was not worth listening to. In chapter two Paul explains why he did not return for another visit. We learn that his decision not to visit was made from a motive of love for the brethren. Paul decided it was better for him to write to the church rather than visit. The last visit had been one of great tension as Paul called out the various sin problems within the church.
We learn that this was also very hard on Paul. He agonized over the people and how they were receiving his correction. He did not want to cause the people or himself any more heartache with another visit. Instead, he hoped that by writing to them he could express his love for them more easily and that they would receive his correcting them more readily.
Let's Reflect
1. What emotion did Paul wish to experience when visiting the church at Corinth, a church that he had poured so much of himself into?
2. Paul said that he felt much anguish in his heart and cried many tears over the state of affairs of the church. According to verse 4 what did Paul want to express to them?
3. In his letter Paul pointed out a need for the church to forgive a man they had practiced church discipline against. This is likely the man who was mentioned in chapter 5 of I Corinthians who had been having an incestuous relationship with his step-mother. The church needed to forgive this man and to comfort him. What might be the terrible result of this man not receiving forgiveness and comfort from his church family?
4. What do we learn in verse 11 that Satan uses against people to cause division and anguish?
5. Instead of being people who are bitter and full of anger toward one another, we are to be a sweet-smelling aroma to God. The smell of death (the result of sin) is a very distinguishable smell. But we who are in Christ are to have a sweet-smelling aroma. What is the aroma that we should smell like in the nostril of God?
6. Paul did explain his reason for not visiting Corinth again; it was out of love and concern for the brethren. He also explained that he went where there was an open door to present the gospel. Paul mentions that he was not like some peddlers of God’s word (preaching to hear themselves preach), but he preached with a purpose. What was his purpose?
