2 Corinthians 2 Study Notes
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2:1-2 Even when a Christian is justified in bringing pain to errant believers, it is hardly likely that those hurt will be in a position to cheer the one who caused the pain. They need to be encouraged after such an incident.
2:3-4 Paul’s words wrote . . . wrote are probably a reference to the severe letter, now lost, written after his painful visit to Corinth and then sent by Titus (7:6-8), but some Bible students believe the reference is to 1 Corinthians. It is as right for ministers to desire joy in God as it is for them to show costly love to those whom they serve.
2:5 This may refer to the incestuous man of 1Co 5:1-5. More likely the reference is to an episode regarding the false apostles (2Co 11:4), because Paul spoke about a sin that he had personally forgiven (2:10).
noēma
| Greek pronunciation | [NAH ay mah] |
| CSB translation | scheme |
| Uses in 2 Corinthians | 5 |
| Uses in the NT | 6 |
| Focus passage | 2 Corinthians 2:11 |
The Greek noun noÄ“ma comes from the verb noeo, meaning to think or to understand. The -ma ending indicates the result of thinking, that is, the thought itself, perception, or understanding. Thus, noÄ“ma can mean mind, thought, or intention. In the NT, the term occurs in a positive sense only in Php 4:7, where Paul stated that the peace of God guards believers’ hearts and minds. Three times in 2 Corinthians Paul connected the work of Satan with the Christian’s mind (noÄ“ma): believers are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes to destroy them (2:11); Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers so they cannot be saved (4:4); believers, like Eve, can have their minds corrupted by Satan (11:3). Paul’s other two uses of noÄ“ma in 2 Corinthians refer to the closed minds of the Israelites that keep them from believing in Christ (3:14) and to every thought that keep believers from obeying Christ (10:5).
2:6-7 Although church discipline is experienced as punishment, the intention is redemptive. Upon repentance, believers are to forgive and comfort. The congregation is to be careful not to overwhelm a returning sinner with excessive grief. The most severe church discipline possible is excommunication (Mt 18:17; 1Co 5:5).
2:8 The phrase reaffirm your love to him refers to restoration after repentance.
2:9 On I wrote, see note at vv. 3-4.
2:10 The first verb (forgive) is in a form implying that forgiveness is a process (Gk present tense); the second verb (have forgiven) implies that forgiveness can be completed (Gk perfect tense).
2:11 Behind the sin and discord in the Corinthian church Paul saw Satan, the evil one. His schemes always include thwarting the unity of believers for which Jesus so fervently prayed (Jn 17).
2:12-13 Troas was a coastal city in the northern part of the province of Asia. Paul went there after the riot in Ephesus (Ac 19:23-41) on his way to Macedonia (Ac 20:1-2). Titus is not mentioned in Acts. He was Paul’s proof that Gentiles could be converted without works of the law such as circumcision (Gl 2:3). That Paul (the Jew) called both Timothy and Titus brother (1:1) shows that his primary identity was as a Christian rather than as a Jew. Titus was effective as Paul’s ambassador in dealing with the Corinthian crisis. Later he represented the apostle to Christians in Crete (Ti 1:4).
2:14 In antiquity, victorious generals paraded into their capital city toward the king’s palace with human captives and treasure displayed behind them. Sweet incense was offered. The citizens saw and smelled evidence of victory. Here, Christ is leading Paul and all other believers into the eternal city where God is king.
2:15-16 In these verses two pairs of opposites are crafted so that the inner two elements are negative and the outer two are positive. The same scent produces different results. Those who receive the knowledge of Christ through the gospel message live. All others perish.
2:17 Those who market the word refers to the false apostles in Corinth whose motive was primarily financial (11:13). Paul’s policy was to serve the churches without charge even though he approved of Christians supporting ministers financially (1Co 9:12-15). Accountability for the message lay with the one who was the source of the message.