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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

After these directions concerning the excommunicated person the apostle makes a long digression, to give the Corinthians an account of his travels and labours for the furtherance of the gospel, and what success he had therein, declaring at the same time how much he was concerned for them in their affairs, how he had no rest in his spirit, when he found not Titus at Troas (2 Cor. 2:13), as he expected, from whom he hoped to have understood more perfectly how it fared with them. And we find... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

2:12-17 When we had come to Troas to tell the good news of Christ, even when a door of opportunity stood open to us in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, because I did not find Titus, my brother, there. But thanks be to God who at all times leads us in the train of his triumph in Christ, and who, through us, displays the perfume of the knowledge of him in every place; for we are the sweet scent of Christ in God to those who are destined for salvation and to those who are destined for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are unto God a sweet savour ,.... Here a reason is given, why the savour of the knowledge of God in Christ is made manifest by the ministers of the Gospel, because they themselves are a sweet savour; not that they are so in themselves, for they have the same corrupt hearts and natures, and complain of them as other men; but as having the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God, comparable to fragrant and sweet smelling ointments, Song of Solomon 1:3 , by which they are enabled to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:15

For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ - The apostle still alludes to the case of a triumph; the conqueror always represented the person of Jupiter; as even the heathens supposed that God alone could give the victory: and as the punishment of death was inflicted on some of the captives, who had often rebelled and broken leagues and covenants; so others were spared, made tributaries, and often became allies. Alluding to this, the apostle says: We are a sweet savour to God - we have... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:15

Verse 15 15.A sweet odor of Christ The metaphor which he had applied to the knowledge of Christ, he now transfers to the persons of the Apostles, but it is for the same reason. For as they are called the light of the world, (Matthew 5:14,) because they enlighten men by holding forth the torch of the gospel, and not as if they shone forth upon them with their own lustre; so they have the name of odor, not as if they emitted any fragrance of themselves, but because the doctrine which they bring... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:12-16

The preaching of the gospel. "Furthermore, when I came to Troas," etc. The subject of these verses is the preaching of the gospel. Notice— I. THE DIFFICULTIES CONNECTED WITH IT . "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia." Just at the time when the apostle was about opening his mission... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Outburst of thanksgiving for the news brought by Titus.' read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Coming to Troas (disquietude; defence of his apostleship) Quite abruptly St. Paul mentions that he came to Troas. Why he left Ephesus he does not say, but we infer it was because of his anxiety to see Titus, and hear from him how his letter to the Corinthians had been received. There was a fine opening at Troas to preach the gospel, and yet he was greatly disquieted as Titus did not meet him. "Taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia." Here he met Titus, though, in the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

The solemnity of the ministry. A Roman triumph, to which the apostle refers in this passage, was the most magnificent of earthly pageants. The conqueror, in whose honour it was given, was an illustrious commander, who had defeated an enemy or gained a province. The route traversed by the triumphal procession lay through Rome to the Capitol itself. The spectators who feasted their eyes upon the sight were the vast population of the city. Before, the victor passed onwards the captives taken... read more

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