Bible Study 2: Love and Restoration (2 Corinthians 2:1-17)
The song “Always on My Mind” tells the story of a man who realizes that he has taken his love for granted and expresses his regret for not showing his feelings more openly. With its simple yet powerful message, “Always on My Mind” reminds us about both forgiveness and restoration. The song’s timeless quality and emotional depth have made it a go-to song for anyone looking to express their love and devotion.
Similarly, in 2 Corinthians, Paul urges the church to forgive and welcome back regretful sinners. When there is repentance, the local church should be quick to forgive and receive the sister or brother back so that the people do not become hard-hearted, and the church remains divided. This principle also applies to marriages and relationships, reflecting the Bible's portrayal of God's readiness to forgive and accept those who turn away from their sin and selfishness.
Paul continues to uphold his integrity by explaining that his change of plans was to avoid visiting them in sorrow. His previous letter was written with the same intention and with much distress (v1-4). Regarding grief, he reminds them that the individual who caused most of the grief had properly repented after their disciplinary actions, and they should now forgive and comfort this person. Paul himself was willing to forgive the penitent offender, understanding how Satan could manipulate their situation (v5-11).
He then discloses the anxiety he experienced while trying to find Titus, which led him to leave an "open door" in Troas and proceed to Macedonia (v12-13). Although he will later revisit the topic of finding Titus and the comfort, he received upon doing so (7v5-7), Paul now begins to vindicate his ministry as an apostle of Christ. He expresses gratitude to God, describing the triumphant nature of his ministry, where God leads him in a victory procession. Further elaborating on the imagery of a victory procession, which often included incense, Paul views himself and his work as the "fragrance of Christ." To those who are being saved, this fragrance is an "aroma of life," but to those who are perishing, it is an "aroma of death" (v14-16b). Acknowledging his insufficiency for such responsibilities, he emphasizes that he does not "peddle" the Word of God, but speaks with sincerity, recognizing that his message comes from God and is delivered in the sight of God. (v16c-17).
The Aims of this Chapter
To understand the attitudes Paul had in writing his first letter.
To understand the need for proper follow-up toward those who have reacted positively to church discipline.
To see the different effects the gospel can have on people.
Bible Study Questions
Breaking the Ice: “There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love." - Bryant H. McGill. What does it mean to forgive? What are the challenges around offering forgiveness and love?
Q1. What was Paul determined not to do and why was he worried? v1 but what lay behind his previous letter to the church in Corinth? (v3) How did Paul feel as he wrote his letter and what emotions were on his mind? (v4)?
Q2. How does God comfort us in times of suffering? In what ways do specific sufferings lead to specific comforts that can then be used to comfort others? How would this help you to see the providence of God in trials/suffering? (v4)
Q3.  What new instruction did Paul give concerning the man disciplined for incest? (6-8)
Q4. What part does Paul expect the Corinthians to play in his deliverance from severe trials? What does this teach you about the efficacy of prayer? (v11)
Q5. Over what kind of things is Christ triumphant? (v14)
Q6. What does Paul mean when he says that God “diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (v14)? And what two kinds of people does this aroma circulate through? (v15-16)
Q7. What issue is Paul focusing on in v15-17? Why do you think Paul’s change of plans would have been troubling to some at Corinth, and evidence to his enemies that he was a bad leader? v15-17