2 Corinthians 2:15-16 NIV

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one we are the savour of death unto death ,.... Who are for death, or appointed to it; see Jeremiah 43:11 . What the apostle says of the Gospel, and Gospel ministers, the Jews his countrymen used frequently to say of the law, and to which he seems to refer; "saith Rabba F6 T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 88. 2. , to them that go on the right hand of it, (the law,) it is סמא דחיי , "the savour of life"; but to them that go on the left hand of it, it is סמא דמותא , "the savour of... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one we are the savour of death unto death - There are several sayings among the ancient Jewish writers similar to this. In Debarim Rabba, sec. i. fol. 248, it is said: "As the bee brings home honey to its owner, but stings others; so it is with the words of the law;" לישראל חיים סם sam chaiyim leyisrael , "They are a savour of lives to the Israelites:" העולם לאומות המות וסם vesam hammaveth leomoth haolam , "And a savour of death to the people of this world." The learned reader... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 2:16

Verse 16 16.And who is sufficient for these things? This exclamation is thought by some (349) to be introduced by way of guarding against arrogance, for he confesses, that to discharge the office of a good Apostle (350) to Christ is a thing that exceeds all human power, and thus he ascribes the praise to God. Others think, that he takes notice of the small number of good ministers. I am of opinion, that there is an implied contrast that is shortly afterwards expressed. “Profession, it is true,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 2:1-17