2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Summary for 2Cor 2:14: 2:14–7:4 a At this point, the story about finding Titus breaks off and will not be resumed until 7:5 b. Paul digresses to discuss his ministry as an apostle proclaiming the Good News. 2:14 c Like captives in a Roman general’s celebration march, Paul was in Christ’s triumphal procession (cp. 1 Cor 4:9 d; Eph 4:7-11 e), carrying the marks of willing servitude (see Rom 1:1 f; Gal 6:17 g).Summary for 2Cor 2:15-16: 2:15-16 h Incense was scattered along the parade route of a victorious Roman general, and it was received in one of two ways. For the captives, who were on their way to the arena and death, it was a dreadful smell of death and doom. For the victors, it was a life-giving perfume. So it is with the lives of those who proclaim the Good News, which either leads to eternal life or seals the fate of the person who rejects it (cp. 1 Cor 1:18 i).
2:17 j Paul contrasts his service with that of his opponents.
• They preach for personal profit and adulterate the truth, like merchants in Paul’s day who offered shoddy goods, or innkeepers who watered down the wine. By contrast, Paul preached with sincerity and with Christ’s authority (cp. 1:12 k; 4:2 l). Paul’s denial of mercenary motives reemerges in 11:1–12:21 m.
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