2 Corinthians 2:14-16: But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?
Paul was alluding to a custom of his day. When a victorious general returned home after a foreign campaign, there was a victory parade or celebration. Preceding the general was a chariot in which incense was burned and his family sometimes rode. In addition, flowers and 295 palm branches were strewn in the hero’s path to welcome him home. The flowers and incense were designed to be a sweet fragrance.
In verse 14, Christ was the General who returns in triumph. Paul likened himself and the brethren as being in this victory procession, celebrating the cause of Christ and bearing incense. Wherever Paul went in his ministry, the spreading of spiritual incense caused him to triumph in the victory parade for the cause of Christ. In such a welcoming ceremony, many rejoice over the success of a certain individual or cause, but enemies, who are not in the right heart condition, resent the sweet-smelling flowers. To them, the sweet fragrance is a stench. And that is how the gospel affects people; it is sweet to some and repugnant to others (verse 16).
Verse 14 can also be likened to the following. The conquering Roman emperor was the chief figure in a victory parade. In addition, generals identified with the victory were normally included in the parade. The emperor honored the generals by having them associate with him. Here Christ was the chief figure, and Paul and other emissaries who represented Christ’s cause were in the triumphant victory parade.
God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place?the wording suggests an active role for Christ and the Apostle Paul. As an ambassador for Christ, Paul tried to take the wholesome influence of the Savior’s life, character, words, and doctrine wherever he would go. The holy, pure fragrance of the gospel message went with him, even though discord, problems and persecution occurred.
Those who work for God through Christ have full assurance their labor is not in vain. While there could be much discouragement when proclaiming the message, that service should be joyous and cause for thanksgiving.
Like Paul, it is our privilege to go with Christ to use whatever talents the Lord has given us. We are always led forth to triumph in the same sense as Paul in that his message was not always received and appreciated, but whether received or rejected of men, he triumphed in the fact that his labor and sacrifices were a sweet savor to God in any case, whether they resulted favorably or unfavorably to those who heard.
Paul’s service was rendered heartily, as unto the Lord; and while his love for others made him anxious in his desire that they accept the message, he was not disheartened or tempted to give up the work when the desired results did not happen.
The results of the preaching of Paul and the other apostles were not always favorable to the individuals who heard. Pastors today?and all who witness the gospel message?will relate to this. Some reject the whole message and will not hear it. Others hear or receive only a part of it. Others may walk for a time and then turn their energies elsewhere, perhaps even damaging the faith of others. Paul and the apostles did not let this stop them, nor should we.
Jesus in the “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:19 told his followers to find disciples from within all those nations in which they are preaching the gospel, not a command to convert the whole world at this time. Our responsibility as Christians is to preach. Conversion is left in the hands of God.
We are called and chosen to preach the gospel. We are to live a life that reflects God’s grace that has been given to us as disciples and are to be living examples of Jesus (1 Peter 2:9-12).
We are assured that in God’s future kingdom, the people will have “purified lips” and will turn to praise Him (Zephaniah 3:9-13). Then the blind eyes shall be opened (Isaiah 29:18); then the glory of the Lord and the righteousness of all his arrangements may be clearly seen, and all flesh “shall see it” together. Then the same message, now an odor of death, and offensive to them because of their blindness, will be rightly seen. The knowledge of the Lord shall fill the whole earth, and all shall know Him. Even the individual who refuses our message now will no doubt be blessed by our words and example in the future kingdom.
Colossians 3:23: Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Galatians 6:9: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1191: “Are Christians Supposed to Convert the World?”
Biblically clarifying WHY we preach the gospel to others
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
