2 Corinthians 2:12
Verse
Context
Triumph in Christ
11in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.12Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,13I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
William MacDonald
Stephen KaungWilliam MacDonald
Isaac ErrettSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When I came to Troas - After having written the former epistle, and not having heard what effect it had produced on your minds; though the Lord had opened me a particular door to preach the Gospel, in which I so especially rejoice and glory;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Paul expected to meet Titus at Troas, to receive the tidings as to the effect of his first Epistle on the Corinthian Church; but, disappointed in his expectation there, he passed on to Macedonia, where he met him at last (Co2 7:5-7) The history (Acts) does not record his passing through Troas, in going from Ephesus to Macedonia; but it does in coming from that country (Act 20:6); also, that he had disciples there (Act 20:7), which accords with the Epistle (Co2 2:12, "a door was opened unto me of the Lord"). An undesigned coincidence marking genuineness [PALEY, HorÃ&brvbr PaulinÃ&brvbr]. Doubtless Paul had fixed a time with Titus to meet him at Troas; and had desired him, if detained so as not to be able to be at Troas at that time, to proceed at once to Macedonia to Philippi, the next station on his own journey. Hence, though a wide door of Christian usefulness opened to him at Troas, his eagerness to hear from Titus the tidings from Corinth, led him not to stay longer there when the time fixed was past, but he hastened on to Macedonia to meet him there [BIRKS]. to preach--literally, "for the Gospel." He had been at Troas before, but the vision of a man from Macedonia inviting him to come over, prevented his remaining there (Act 16:8-12). On his return to Asia, after the longer visit mentioned here, he stayed seven days (Act 20:6). and--that is, though Paul would, under ordinary circumstances, have gladly stayed in Troas. door . . . opened . . . of the Lord--Greek, "in the Lord," that is, in His work, and by His gracious Providence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Furthermore, when I came to Troas,.... The apostle proceeds, in this latter part of the chapter, to take notice of and remove the charge of ostentation and insincerity in preaching the Gospel, and hints at other reasons of his not coming to Corinth; particularly that he took a journey to Troas, expecting to meet with Titus there, who was to give him an account of the affairs of the church at Corinth, which he was desirous of knowing before he went thither; but missing of Titus, is uneasy, and goes for Macedonia; though he was first detained awhile at Troas, having a good opportunity of preaching the Gospel there, with a prospect of success. Troas was a city of the lesser Asia near the Hellespont, formerly called Troy; of Paul's being at this place more than once, see Ti2 4:13, and of this place See Gill on Act 16:8, and of the church there; see Gill on Act 20:7. Hither he came, to preach Christ's Gospel; that Gospel, of which Christ is both the author and subject; and is no other than the good news and glad tidings of peace, pardon, righteousness, life, and salvation, by a crucified Jesus; this was his work and business; his heart was in it, he took delight in this service, and it was what he pursued in every place wherever he came; and in this place he had much encouragement; for he adds, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord; such an one as was opened to him at Ephesus, Co1 16:9; he had a good opportunity of preaching the Gospel to many souls, many were inclined to attend his ministry, from whence he conceived great hopes of doing good; a door of utterance was given to him to preach the Gospel boldly and freely, and a door of entrance for the Gospel to pass into their hearts: all which was not of men, "but of the Lord"; who has the key of David, who opens and no man shuts, shuts and no man opens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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 (Co2 2:13), as he expected, from whom he hoped to have understood more perfectly how it fared with them. And we find afterwards (Co2 7:5-7) that when the apostle had come into Macedonia he was comforted by the coming of Titus, and the information he gave him concerning them. So that we may look upon all that we read from this second chapter, v. 12, to ch. 7:5, as a kind of parenthesis. Observe here, I. Paul's unwearied labour and diligence in his work, Co2 2:12, Co2 2:13. He travelled from place to place, to preach the gospel. He went to Troas from Philippi by sea (Act 20:6), and thence he went to Macedonia; so that he was prevented from passing by Corinth, as he had designed, Co2 1:16. But, though he was prevented in his design as to the place of working, yet he was unwearied in his work. II. His success in his work: A great door was opened to him of the Lord, Co2 2:12. He had a great deal of work to do wherever he came, and had good success in his work; for God made manifest the savour of his knowledge by him in every place where he came. He had an opportunity to open the door of his mouth freely, and God opened the hearts of his hearers, as the heart of Lydia (Act 16:14), and the apostle speaks of this as a matter of thankfulness to God and of rejoicing to his soul: Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ. Note, 1. A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. In ourselves we are weak, and have neither joy nor victory; but in Christ we may rejoice and triumph. 2. True believers have constant cause of triumph in Christ, for they are more than conquerors through him who hath loved them, Rom 8:37. 3. God causeth them to triumph in Christ. It is God who has given us matter for triumph, and hearts to triumph. To him therefore be the praise and glory of all. 4. The good success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. III. The comfort that the apostle and his companions in labour found, even when the gospel was not successful to the salvation of some who heard it, Co2 2:15-17. Here observe, 1. The different success of the gospel, and its different effects upon several sorts of persons to whom it is preached. The success is different; for some are saved by it, while others perish under it. Nor is this to be wondered at, considering the different effects the gospel has. For, (1.) Unto some it is a savour of death unto death. Those who are willingly ignorant, and wilfully obstinate, disrelish the gospel, as men dislike an ill savour, and therefore they are blinded and hardened by it: it stirs up their corruptions, and exasperates their spirits. They reject the gospel, to their ruin, even to spiritual and eternal death. (2.) Unto others the gospel is a savour of life unto life. To humble and gracious souls the preaching of the word is most delightful and profitable. As it is sweeter than honey to the taste, so it is more grateful than the most precious odours to the senses, and much more profitable; for as it quickened them at first, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. 2. The awful impressions this matter made upon the mind of the apostle, and should also make upon our spirits: Who is sufficient for these things? Co2 2:16. Tis hikanos - who is worthy to be employed in such weighty work, a work of such vast importance, because of so great consequence? Who is able to perform such a difficult work, that requires so much skill and industry? The work is great and our strength is small; yea, of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. Note, If men did seriously consider what great things depend upon the preaching of the gospel, and how difficult the work of the ministry is, they would be very cautious how they enter upon it, and very careful to perform it well. 3. The comfort which the apostle had under this serious consideration, (1.) Because faithful ministers shall be accepted of God, whatever their success be: We are, if faithful, unto God a sweet savour of Christ (Co2 2:15), in those who are saved and in those also who perish. God will accept of sincere intentions, and honest endeavours, though with many they are not successful. Ministers shall be accepted, and recompensed, not according to their success, but according to their fidelity. Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, Isa 49:5. (2.) Because his conscience witnessed to his faithfulness, Co2 2:17. Though many did corrupt the word of God, yet the apostle's conscience witnessed to his fidelity. He did not mix his own notions with the doctrines and institutions of Christ; he durst not add to, nor diminish fRom. the word of God; he was faithful in dispensing the gospel, as he received it from the Lord, and had no secular turn to serve; his aim was to approve himself to God, remembering that his eye was always upon him; he therefore spoke and acted always as in the sight of God, and therefore in sincerity. Note, What we do in religion is not of God, does not come from God, will not reach to God, unless it be done in sincerity, as in the sight of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:12-13 After the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1), Paul went to the seaport of Troas (Acts 20:5). He was impatient to get news from Titus about the result of the severe but tearful letter (2 Cor 2:4), and he crossed over to Macedonia in northern Greece to find him.
2 Corinthians 2:12
Triumph in Christ
11in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.12Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and a door stood open for me in the Lord,13I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
An Open Door (Part 6)
By Jim Cymbala2.4K20:04Open DoorMAT 7:7MAT 16:191CO 16:92CO 2:12REV 3:7REV 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a minister who spent 40 years preaching rules and regulations before truly preaching about Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing open doors of opportunity that God presents to us. He mentions the apostle Paul's experience in Ephesus, where a great door for effective work opened for him, despite facing opposition. The speaker encourages the congregation to embrace the open doors God provides and to hold on to their spiritual blessings.
Verses to Cope With Crises
By William MacDonald1.5K45:47CrisesPSA 126:5ROM 8:312CO 2:122CO 2:14COL 3:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. He emphasizes the idea that even when we feel like the boat is about to sink in the midst of adversity, Jesus is with us and can bring peace to our lives. The speaker also highlights the importance of staying faithful to God's mission, even in the face of challenges and discouragement. He shares examples of individuals who remained steadfast in their service to God and encourages listeners to trust in God's power and grace.
Spiritual Life: The Fragrance of Christ
By Stephen Kaung1.5K53:31Spiritual Life2CO 2:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Catholic Convention held in England every year, where people gather to hear messages on victory. The motto of the convention is "When you fall, shout victory." The speaker explains that this motto may seem contradictory, but it holds a secret. When we fall, we should shout victory because even though we may fall, Christ never falls and His power is manifested in our witness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of blending weakness and strength, tears and shouts, in our spiritual life, and how God always leads us in triumph in Christ Jesus.
Gwh-Ladies Missionary Seminar-1985 Verses to Cope With Crises
By William MacDonald1.5K54:15CrisisPSA 126:5PSA 136:1MAT 28:6ROM 8:312CO 2:12EPH 6:10COL 3:24In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. He emphasizes that it is common for believers to feel like their boat is sinking when faced with challenges and difficulties. The speaker shares his own experiences of feeling like nothing is being accomplished in his daily routine, but finding encouragement in Ecclesiastes 11:1, which encourages believers to cast their bread upon the waters and trust that it will be found after many days. He concludes by reminding the audience that in times of defeat and failure, they can find consolation in Christ and encourages them to thank the Lord for His love and faithfulness.
Sufficiency for Godly Living #2 - Characteristics of Living by God's Sufficiency
By Bob Hoekstra7121:00:142CO 2:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of true leadership and challenges the notion of leadership based on external accomplishments. He suggests that true leadership should be measured by the people one is leading. The speaker then discusses the various trials and difficulties that believers may face, but highlights that through Christ, they can be more than conquerors. Living by God's sufficiency is described as allowing God to write His message on our hearts, making us a letter of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reference to the Apostle Paul's testimony of being led in triumph by God.
Rev. 3:8. the Church's Little Strength, and the Lord's Great Love
By Horatius Bonar0Strength in WeaknessChrist's LoveISA 32:2ISA 40:11ISA 42:7ISA 43:3ISA 46:1ISA 63:9ISA 66:132CO 2:12COL 4:3REV 3:8Horatius Bonar emphasizes the tender love and gracious character of Christ as depicted in Revelation 3:8, where He acknowledges the Church's little strength while offering an open door of opportunity and service. Bonar highlights Christ's patience and gentleness, encouraging believers to rely on His compassion during their struggles and weaknesses. He reassures that even in their feebleness, their faithfulness in keeping His word and not denying His name is honored by God. The sermon illustrates how Christ's love is a source of comfort and strength for those who feel overwhelmed and in need of support. Bonar's message is a reminder of the open door to salvation and service that Christ provides, regardless of our limitations.
Opportunity and Opposition
By Isaac Errett0PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 14:271CO 16:92CO 2:12PHP 2:13COL 4:3JAS 4:13REV 3:7Isaac Errett preaches about the great and effectual doors that God opens for preaching the gospel, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities to share the Word. He highlights the providential openings granted by God for success in spreading the gospel, stressing the need for divine providence and human agency to work together. Errett discusses the significant opposition faced in the form of Roman Catholicism, rationalism, and the secular spirit of the age, which hinders missionary efforts. He calls for a revival of prayer, humility, and devotion to God's will to overcome selfishness and indifference in advancing the kingdom of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
When I came to Troas - After having written the former epistle, and not having heard what effect it had produced on your minds; though the Lord had opened me a particular door to preach the Gospel, in which I so especially rejoice and glory;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Paul expected to meet Titus at Troas, to receive the tidings as to the effect of his first Epistle on the Corinthian Church; but, disappointed in his expectation there, he passed on to Macedonia, where he met him at last (Co2 7:5-7) The history (Acts) does not record his passing through Troas, in going from Ephesus to Macedonia; but it does in coming from that country (Act 20:6); also, that he had disciples there (Act 20:7), which accords with the Epistle (Co2 2:12, "a door was opened unto me of the Lord"). An undesigned coincidence marking genuineness [PALEY, HorÃ&brvbr PaulinÃ&brvbr]. Doubtless Paul had fixed a time with Titus to meet him at Troas; and had desired him, if detained so as not to be able to be at Troas at that time, to proceed at once to Macedonia to Philippi, the next station on his own journey. Hence, though a wide door of Christian usefulness opened to him at Troas, his eagerness to hear from Titus the tidings from Corinth, led him not to stay longer there when the time fixed was past, but he hastened on to Macedonia to meet him there [BIRKS]. to preach--literally, "for the Gospel." He had been at Troas before, but the vision of a man from Macedonia inviting him to come over, prevented his remaining there (Act 16:8-12). On his return to Asia, after the longer visit mentioned here, he stayed seven days (Act 20:6). and--that is, though Paul would, under ordinary circumstances, have gladly stayed in Troas. door . . . opened . . . of the Lord--Greek, "in the Lord," that is, in His work, and by His gracious Providence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Furthermore, when I came to Troas,.... The apostle proceeds, in this latter part of the chapter, to take notice of and remove the charge of ostentation and insincerity in preaching the Gospel, and hints at other reasons of his not coming to Corinth; particularly that he took a journey to Troas, expecting to meet with Titus there, who was to give him an account of the affairs of the church at Corinth, which he was desirous of knowing before he went thither; but missing of Titus, is uneasy, and goes for Macedonia; though he was first detained awhile at Troas, having a good opportunity of preaching the Gospel there, with a prospect of success. Troas was a city of the lesser Asia near the Hellespont, formerly called Troy; of Paul's being at this place more than once, see Ti2 4:13, and of this place See Gill on Act 16:8, and of the church there; see Gill on Act 20:7. Hither he came, to preach Christ's Gospel; that Gospel, of which Christ is both the author and subject; and is no other than the good news and glad tidings of peace, pardon, righteousness, life, and salvation, by a crucified Jesus; this was his work and business; his heart was in it, he took delight in this service, and it was what he pursued in every place wherever he came; and in this place he had much encouragement; for he adds, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord; such an one as was opened to him at Ephesus, Co1 16:9; he had a good opportunity of preaching the Gospel to many souls, many were inclined to attend his ministry, from whence he conceived great hopes of doing good; a door of utterance was given to him to preach the Gospel boldly and freely, and a door of entrance for the Gospel to pass into their hearts: all which was not of men, "but of the Lord"; who has the key of David, who opens and no man shuts, shuts and no man opens.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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 (Co2 2:13), as he expected, from whom he hoped to have understood more perfectly how it fared with them. And we find afterwards (Co2 7:5-7) that when the apostle had come into Macedonia he was comforted by the coming of Titus, and the information he gave him concerning them. So that we may look upon all that we read from this second chapter, v. 12, to ch. 7:5, as a kind of parenthesis. Observe here, I. Paul's unwearied labour and diligence in his work, Co2 2:12, Co2 2:13. He travelled from place to place, to preach the gospel. He went to Troas from Philippi by sea (Act 20:6), and thence he went to Macedonia; so that he was prevented from passing by Corinth, as he had designed, Co2 1:16. But, though he was prevented in his design as to the place of working, yet he was unwearied in his work. II. His success in his work: A great door was opened to him of the Lord, Co2 2:12. He had a great deal of work to do wherever he came, and had good success in his work; for God made manifest the savour of his knowledge by him in every place where he came. He had an opportunity to open the door of his mouth freely, and God opened the hearts of his hearers, as the heart of Lydia (Act 16:14), and the apostle speaks of this as a matter of thankfulness to God and of rejoicing to his soul: Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ. Note, 1. A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. In ourselves we are weak, and have neither joy nor victory; but in Christ we may rejoice and triumph. 2. True believers have constant cause of triumph in Christ, for they are more than conquerors through him who hath loved them, Rom 8:37. 3. God causeth them to triumph in Christ. It is God who has given us matter for triumph, and hearts to triumph. To him therefore be the praise and glory of all. 4. The good success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. III. The comfort that the apostle and his companions in labour found, even when the gospel was not successful to the salvation of some who heard it, Co2 2:15-17. Here observe, 1. The different success of the gospel, and its different effects upon several sorts of persons to whom it is preached. The success is different; for some are saved by it, while others perish under it. Nor is this to be wondered at, considering the different effects the gospel has. For, (1.) Unto some it is a savour of death unto death. Those who are willingly ignorant, and wilfully obstinate, disrelish the gospel, as men dislike an ill savour, and therefore they are blinded and hardened by it: it stirs up their corruptions, and exasperates their spirits. They reject the gospel, to their ruin, even to spiritual and eternal death. (2.) Unto others the gospel is a savour of life unto life. To humble and gracious souls the preaching of the word is most delightful and profitable. As it is sweeter than honey to the taste, so it is more grateful than the most precious odours to the senses, and much more profitable; for as it quickened them at first, when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. 2. The awful impressions this matter made upon the mind of the apostle, and should also make upon our spirits: Who is sufficient for these things? Co2 2:16. Tis hikanos - who is worthy to be employed in such weighty work, a work of such vast importance, because of so great consequence? Who is able to perform such a difficult work, that requires so much skill and industry? The work is great and our strength is small; yea, of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. Note, If men did seriously consider what great things depend upon the preaching of the gospel, and how difficult the work of the ministry is, they would be very cautious how they enter upon it, and very careful to perform it well. 3. The comfort which the apostle had under this serious consideration, (1.) Because faithful ministers shall be accepted of God, whatever their success be: We are, if faithful, unto God a sweet savour of Christ (Co2 2:15), in those who are saved and in those also who perish. God will accept of sincere intentions, and honest endeavours, though with many they are not successful. Ministers shall be accepted, and recompensed, not according to their success, but according to their fidelity. Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, Isa 49:5. (2.) Because his conscience witnessed to his faithfulness, Co2 2:17. Though many did corrupt the word of God, yet the apostle's conscience witnessed to his fidelity. He did not mix his own notions with the doctrines and institutions of Christ; he durst not add to, nor diminish fRom. the word of God; he was faithful in dispensing the gospel, as he received it from the Lord, and had no secular turn to serve; his aim was to approve himself to God, remembering that his eye was always upon him; he therefore spoke and acted always as in the sight of God, and therefore in sincerity. Note, What we do in religion is not of God, does not come from God, will not reach to God, unless it be done in sincerity, as in the sight of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:12-13 After the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20:1), Paul went to the seaport of Troas (Acts 20:5). He was impatient to get news from Titus about the result of the severe but tearful letter (2 Cor 2:4), and he crossed over to Macedonia in northern Greece to find him.