The Triumph of Christ
June 13, 2019
Commentary
It appeared that Paul’s plans had completely fallen apart. He had sent Titus to Corinth to find out their spiritual condition and had arranged to meet him in Troas for a firsthand report. When Titus failed to show up, Paul became very concerned. For all Paul knew, Titus might have been carrying with him a portion of the Corinthian collection and fallen prey to bandits. He also was very concerned about what was going on in Corinth. Paul had great open doors of ministry at Troas, but he could not concentrate on these because of the circumstances.
Paul now draws attention from himself to the triumphant Christ (v. 14). The picture is that of the “Roman Triumph” parade. When a commander-in-chief won a complete victory over the enemy and gained new territory for the emperor, he was entitled to a victory parade. In front of his chariot, captives would march carrying incense; their lives were to be spared. Behind him other captives would follow carrying incense; they were to be put to death. The spiritual application is that those who handle the Word of God share in Christ’s victory. The captives in front represent believers giving forth the fragrance of Christ in life. The ones behind the chariot represent other believers who are the fragrance of death, as serving Christ may mean life or death to a lost world around us.
Paul lived not in pessimistic fear, but in the glorious optimism which knew the triumphant life in Christ. There were those who said that he was not fit to preach Christ. There were those who said worse, that he was using the gospel as an excuse to line his own pockets. Paul says his message is from God, and it will stand the very scrutiny of Christ himself. Paul never feared what men might say, because his conscience told him that he had the approval of God and the “Well done!” of Christ.
Application
When things fall apart around me, who do I turn to? The Lord didn’t promise me a life with no battles, but He has promised to be in the battles with me.
2 Corinthians 2:12– 17 (NET)
12 Now when I arrived in Troas to proclaim the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord had opened a door of opportunity for me, 13 I had no relief in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and set out for Macedonia.
14 But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and who makes known through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. 15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing— 16 to the latter an odor from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like so many others, hucksters who peddle the word of God for profit, but we are speaking in Christ before God as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God.