Analysis of Corinthians 2:1-17

In this passage of the second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses several concerns. He is addressing the situation of a man who has sinned not only against himself, but against the Corinthian Church as well. He explains why he wrote a letter rather than bringing sorrow upon them. Paul is sensitive to the Lord’s leading, and in love, writes to the church encouraging them to discipline this man in love for the purpose of restoring him. He urges the Corinthians to be obedient and love the man through forgiving and encouraging him. Paul shares with them his trust in the Lord for the outcome of this matter and how burdened he was for restoration to take place. He warns them of the need to not allow Satan a foothold through this matter. Finally, Paul puts the focus on Christ; for it is in Him that we are adequate thereby becoming His fragrance to others.

In this passage, Paul first addresses the fact that he did not want to return to the church at Corinth and bring pain upon them again. Paul had a previously painful situation with this church. We are not told the specifics of the current situation which caused Paul to write to Corinth, but we know that Paul was very sensitive in dealing with the matter. He did not desire to harm them or bring sorrow upon them.

The word “pain” Paul was referring to is from the Greek word lúpē. This word means to grieve, torment, afflict with sorrow, or bring pain upon. We see similar instances where this word is used in scripture. Job said, “nights of trouble are appointed me” (Job 7:3) . Jeremiah similarly said, “My sorrow is beyond healing, my heart is faint within me” (Jer. 8:18). Paul didn’t want to bring undue sorrow upon the church or cause the situation to intensify ...

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...e around us, we can agree with Mr. Sankey the hymn writer, faith is the victory that overcomes the world.

Works Cited

Garland, David E. New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001.

Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1996.

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update. LaHabra: The Lockman Foundation, 1995.

The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1987.

Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck and Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1983.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1996.

Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2000.