In fact, I made up my mind about this: I would not come to you on another painful visit.[a] For if I cause you pain, then who will cheer me other than the one being hurt by me?[b] I wrote this very thing so that when I came I wouldn’t have pain from those who ought to give me joy, because I am confident(A) about all of you that my joy will also be yours. For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart—not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.

A Sinner Forgiven

If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree—not to exaggerate(B)—to all of you. This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. As a result, you should instead forgive(C) and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. I wrote for this purpose: to test your character(D) to see if you are obedient(E) in everything. 10 Anyone you forgive, I do too. For what I have forgiven—if I have forgiven anything—it is for your benefit in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we may not be taken advantage(F) of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes.

A Trip to Macedonia

12 When I came to Troas(G) to preach the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord opened a door(H) for me, 13 I had no rest(I) in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus.(J) Instead, I said good-bye to them and left for Macedonia.(K)

A Ministry of Life or Death

14 But thanks be to God,(L) who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place.(M) 15 For to God we are the fragrance(N) of Christ among those who are being saved(O) and among those who are perishing.(P) 16 To some we are an aroma of death(Q) leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life(R) leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? 17 For we do not market the word of God(S) for profit like so many.[c] On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.

Footnotes

  1. 2:1 Lit not again in sorrow to come to you
  2. 2:2 Lit the one pained
  3. 2:17 Other mss read like the rest

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather
Retail: $79.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $56.00 (70%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Gift & Award Bible--imitation leather, blue
CSB Gift & Award Bible--imitation leather, blue
Retail: $7.99
Our Price: $6.29
Save: $1.70 (21%)
CSB She Reads Truth Bible--LeatherTouch, rose gold
CSB She Reads Truth Bible--LeatherTouch, rose gold
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $25.49
Save: $24.50 (49%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather, In
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Burgundy Bonded Leather, In
Retail: $89.99
Our Price: $29.99
Save: $60.00 (67%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Index
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Index
Retail: $89.99
Our Price: $30.49
Save: $59.50 (66%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars