But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Paul went to Troas after sending this first letter of rebuke to Corinth. Troas was a port city in northwest Asia Minor from which ships were dispatched to various other ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Gospel ministry in Troas could have a far-reaching impact, since disciples made there could take the gospel elsewhere. But, Paul did not stay long in Troas because Titus was not there. Titus had carried Paul’s letter of rebuke to Corinth and Paul expected Titus would have news of the Corinthians’ response. Since Titus was not there, Macedonia, as a second meeting point, would be Paul’s next destination. Paul’s spirit was restless because he was still worried about the situation at Corinth, not knowing yet that the Corinthians had responded to his letter with repentance and had disciplined the man who had opposed him. Though God had opened a door for ministry in Troas, Paul left Troas thinking he might miss Titus altogether if he stayed in Troas. Paul would later return to Troas for a longer period of ministry, as recorded in Acts 20. In our verses today, Paul begins a section on the nature of his new covenant ministry, and it continues to chapter 7. Paul thanks God through all his travels, “Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” Paul’s image comes from the victory parades of Roman generals when they returned to Rome and would lead captured prisoners through the city to announce military triumphs. In these processions, the prisoners would be tasked with spreading incense. Paul is saying that he and the other Apostles are those whom Christ has captured, taking them from Satan, whom He defeated on the cross. The Apostles are the prize of our Lord’s victory, and the sweet fragrance they spread is not that of incense but the precious truth of the gospel. Christians, we are like the Apostles as we are the prize that Christ won in defeating the devil. We are part of the joy that was set before Christ, and we are part of His victory procession, called to spread the fragrance of the gospel wherever we go. Let us do that by telling others about Jesus and also by supporting the work and witness of the church through our prayers and financial support.
Source: S C Ball November 25, 2023
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