2 Corinthians 2:16

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 2:16

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 2:16

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 2:16

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

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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