2 Corinthians 2:16

To those who are on the way to hell, our message is like [MET] a foul smell because it is about dying and being separated from God forever. But, to those on the way to heaven, the message that we teach is like a pure fragrant smell, because we tell them that they will live forever with God. As we think about that, we think ◄no one is able to do such important work for God!/how can anyone be able to do such important work for God?► [RHQ]

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

In Context

15When we(exc) tell God’s message about Christ, it spreads out among people like the smell of perfume. Those who believe the message that we tell them are saved { Jesus Christ saves them} from the guilt of their sin. But those who reject that message will be separated from God forever.

17But perhaps God considers us(exc) able, because we do not work/act like so many others whom you know. They teach God’s message in a way that they think people will like, and they think that people will pay them for teaching that way. We (exc) certainly do not do that. On the contrary, as servants of Christ, and knowing that God is watching us (exc), we teach sincerely the message that God sent us to proclaim.

Read all of 2 Corinthians 2

Cross References

John 9:39Jesus said, “I have come into this world to judge the people in the world. The result will be that those who realize that they do not know God’s truth will perceive it. That is like [MET] enabling those who are blind to see. But the result will also be that people who falsely think [IRO] that they understand God’s truth will never understand it. That is like [MET] people who are blind remaining blind permanently.”

Acts 20:26So I want you all to understand that if anyone who has heard me preach dies without trusting in Jesus, it is not my fault [MTY],

2 Corinthians 3:5We (exc), by ourselves, do not have the ability to do this work. None of us apostles can say, “ I have changed the lives of these people.” God is the one who has given us this ability.

1 Peter 2:7Therefore, God will honor you who believe in Jesus. But those who refuse to believe in him are like the builders that this Scripture talks about: The stone that the builders rejected has become ◄the cornerstone/the most important stone in the foundation of the building►.

Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 2:13-17

Effects of the Christian Ministry. ( a. d. 57.) 12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13 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. 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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