Message: Revelation Chapter 1

 https://pathwaytopurityandpower.podbean.com/e/the-king-revealed-an-introduction-to-revelation/

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 3: 1-18

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 3: 1-18

Text:

3 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 but their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?”

Both questions in this verse anticipate a negative response. Paul does not inherently dismiss letters of commendation; however, it appears that his adversaries had presented the Corinthian church with misleading letters of commendation, letters whose bearers were undeserving. Paul asserts that his letter is significantly superior, as it is composed of the very lives of the Corinthian believers.

Verse 2: “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:”

The Corinthians hold an enduring place in his affections. Paul is asserting to the Corinthians that, as a congregation, they serve as an effective letter of recommendation on his behalf.

Verse 3: “forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”

The efficacy of any ministry is proven not by a human letter of recommendation, but by the evidence of transformed lives being the epistles written upon the fleshy tablets of the heart.

Verse 4: “And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:”

Paul's authentic ministry is confirmed by the Corinthians, who serve as living "letters of recommendation." His conviction rests not on his own ability, but "through Christ" before God.

Verse 5: “not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”

A central theme in 2 Corinthians is that "Our sufficiency is of God." Any capacity or power exercised in ministry is derived from God, not from our own strength.

Verse 6: “who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

We are properly understood as ministers of the new covenant, not merely "of the new testament." This establishes a direct contrast between the old covenant (the Old Testament) and the new covenant (the New Testament), a distinction made in several ways. Specifically, the text contrasts "the letter" with "the spirit." The Law, which is part of the Old Testament and was written on tablets of stone, represents "the letter" that condemns. It serves to kill because its adherence shows us to be guilty sinners. The Mosaic Law itself cannot impart life. Conversely, "the spirit giveth life," highlighting that the new covenant's focus is not on the condemning letter of the Law, but on the life-giving spirit.

Verse 7: “But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:”

The old covenant, the Law, constituted a ministration of death. Its description as being written and engraved on stones clearly references the Ten Commandments. It “was glorious.” It represents the will of God and is inherently good, even though it serves to condemn the individual. There is no fault to be found with the Law itself; the deficiency lies within the person, as the Law reveals one's sinfulness. "So that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away." This glory upon Moses' face was subject to gradual dissipation.

Verse 8: “ how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?”

The new covenant surpasses the old by operating with greater power, superior beauty, and deep inwardness. This greater power is the Holy Spirit, providing transformative efficacy and spiritual vitality for genuine obedience and a dynamic relationship with God—something the old covenant lacked. The beauty is a spiritual radiance and moral glory, seen in its Mediator's perfection, ethical purity, and astonishing grace. It replaces the old covenant's focus on justice and judgment with mercy, forgiveness, and love, revealing a superior divine wisdom. The radical inwardness means the covenant's tenets are written on the heart and mind, not on stone. This shifts the focus from external ritual to an inner, willing conformity, establishing a personal communion that fosters obedience out of love, not obligation.

Verse 9: “For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.”

The Christian life begins with justification, the gracious legal declaration that imputes righteousness to the believer. Following this initial act, sanctification is the progressive, ongoing process of a believer's growth in righteous thoughts, words, and deeds. While this growth is accomplished by grace through faith, it also necessitates conscious effort, including study and prayer.

Verse 10: “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.”

The divine grace and mercy, manifested through Jesus Christ, provide for a new heart, the forgiveness of sins and the granting of eternal life in glory. Consequently, the exceeding splendor of the gospel exceeds the glory of the legal dispensation, i.e. the Old Covenant.

Verse 11: “For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.”

Most of The Mosaic Law, designated as "that which is done away," is no longer in effect. The apostle emphasizes the surpassing glory of the permanent new covenant, drawing a distinction between the era of the Law's inception and the present period of grace.

Verse 12: “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:”

The hope of the new covenant, with its unfading glory, is the source of the apostle's boldness. This "great plainness of speech" signifies Paul's complete confidence and lack of shame in publicly proclaiming the excellent gospel. His fearless, straightforward manner, so apparent in this letter, contrasts sharply with the deceitful, self-serving nature of his critics, proving he is bold and not wavering as they claimed.

Verse 13: “and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:”

The traditional view is that Moses wore a veil to prevent the Israelites from being harmed or scared by the intense brightness. However, a more probable reason is that the veil hid the fact that the glory was diminishing, reflecting the temporary and insufficient nature of the old covenant. In stark contrast, Paul's ministry under the new covenant requires no veil, as its glory is enduring and does not fade.

Verse 14: “but their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.”

Even today, Paul says, many Jewish people struggle to perceive the true nature and intent of the Mosaic covenant, failing to recognize its inherent temporary status. This blindness is not merely a misunderstanding, but a profound inability to grasp that the very glory associated with that covenant—the magnificent, albeit terrifying, display of God's presence on Mount Sinai and the spiritual authority it conveyed—was designed to fade. Paul emphasizes that this original brilliance, while undeniable and awe-inspiring, was merely preparatory, intended to lead to the superior and eternal glory of the new covenant established through Christ. Their adherence to the letter of the Law, without seeing its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, keeps a metaphorical veil over their hearts and minds, preventing them from seeing that the true and lasting glory is found not in the transient dispensation of the Law, but in the enduring Spirit that brings life and freedom. The enduring tragedy, as Paul presents it, is the persistent belief that the glory of the old covenant is permanent, thus obscuring the transcendent and liberating clarity of the new.

Verse 15: “But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.”

The metaphor Paul uses is fluid; the veil shifts from covering Moses' face to covering the people's hearts. Despite this change, the result remains constant: they are unable to perceive that the former covenant is fading.

Verse 16: “Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.”

The removal of the "vail" occurs when the heart is directed toward the Lord Jesus Christ. The foundational issue confronting humanity is a spiritual affliction of the heart, which manifests as a blindness induced by sin. Upon an individual's willingness to repent of sin and receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, "the vail shall be taken away."

Verse 17: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

The Holy Spirit is essential for understanding that Christ is the one and only Savior. He alone can remove the spiritual barrier ("lift the veil") that prevents this realization. The Spirit of God leads to freedom, not to bondage under the law. He liberates you from the law's demands and brings you directly to Christ.

Verse 18: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

This is a remarkable passage of Scripture. Paul discusses how a veil covers the heart, which is removed when we turn to Christ. Even as believers, however, our spiritual sight can be veiled by sin. When sin is confessed and we are in fellowship with Him, we can look to the Lord. The passage states that we, with an "open face" or unveiled face, are "beholding... as in a mirror the glory of the Lord." The key idea is not that we reflect His glory in order to be transformed (as some translations suggest), but rather that the act of beholding leads to transformation. Once transformed, we are then able to reflect His image.

Eternal Security in Christ

 

Eternal Security in Christ

Scripture

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” — John 10:28

Personal Reflection

The security of the believer rests not in his own strength, but in the preserving power of Christ. Left to ourselves, we would surely fall. Our faith would falter, our resolve would weaken, and our hearts would wander. Yet the promise of Christ is clear and absolute—those who belong to Him shall never perish.

This assurance is not grounded in human effort, but in divine sovereignty. Christ does not merely offer salvation; He secures it. He does not simply receive His sheep; He keeps them. The hand that was pierced for our redemption now holds us with unbreakable grip.

In times of failure, doubt, or spiritual weakness, this truth becomes especially precious. The believer’s hope is not that he will hold on to Christ, but that Christ will hold on to him. This does not produce carelessness—it produces gratitude, humility, and perseverance.

Contemplation

John Owen wrote, “Our perseverance is not from ourselves, but from the power of God.”
Are you trusting in your consistency—or in Christ’s faithfulness?

Prayer

Lord, help me rest in Your preserving grace, knowing that my security is in You alone.

Application

When you feel spiritually weak, remind yourself: “Christ is holding me—even now.”

No More Tears

 

No More Tears

Scripture

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” — Revelation 21:4

Personal Reflection

Every believer knows the language of tears. Some are visible, flowing freely in moments of grief; others are hidden deep within the soul, known only to God. Tears speak of loss, pain, disappointment, and longing. Yet the promise of Scripture is not merely that tears will cease, but that God Himself will wipe them away.

This is a deeply personal act. The God who ordained all things also tenderly ministers to His people. He does not dismiss their sorrow—He removes it. The storms of this life, though real and often severe, are not permanent. There is coming a day when every cause of grief will be forever eliminated.

This promise is not meant to minimize present suffering, but to magnify future glory. The believer does not deny pain; he endures it with hope. Every tear shed in faith is not wasted—it is remembered, and it will be answered in eternity with perfect joy.

Contemplation

Thomas Watson wrote, “God will wipe away all tears, but not till we have shed them.”
Do you bring your sorrow honestly before God—or do you attempt to carry it alone?

Prayer

Lord, remind me that every sorrow I endure is temporary, and every tear will one day be wiped away by Your hand.

Application

When sorrow arises, consciously entrust it to God, reminding yourself of His promise of complete restoration.

The Certainty of God’s Promise

 

The Certainty of God’s Promise

Scripture

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” — Titus 1:2

Personal Reflection

The storms of life often shake not only our circumstances but our confidence. When trials persist, when prayers seem delayed, and when outcomes remain unclear, the heart is tempted to question the reliability of God’s promises. Yet Scripture anchors us in an unshakable truth—God cannot lie. His promises are not subject to change, revision, or failure. They are rooted in His immutable nature.

This means that every word God has spoken concerning your salvation, your preservation, and your eternal hope stands firm regardless of what you feel or see. Faith does not rest upon emotional assurance or favorable conditions, but upon the unchanging character of God. When everything around you appears uncertain, His Word remains certain.

The believer must learn to live not by interpretation of events, but by trust in revelation. The storm may rage, but God’s promise does not tremble. His covenant is sure, His purposes are fixed, and His Word is eternally settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89).

Contemplation

John Calvin wrote, “The firmness of our faith depends upon the certainty of the promises of God.”
Are you interpreting God’s promises through your circumstances—or your circumstances through God’s promises?

Prayer

Lord, establish my heart upon the certainty of Your Word, not the instability of my circumstances.

Application

Identify one promise of God today and consciously rest in it, especially when doubts arise.

Eternal Rest

 

Eternal Rest

Scripture

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” — Hebrews 4:9

Personal Reflection

Life in this fallen world is marked by toil, weariness, and striving. Even the believer, though redeemed, experiences the burden of a fallen body and a hostile world. Yet God has promised rest—perfect, unbroken, eternal rest.

This rest is not mere inactivity, but the full enjoyment of God without hindrance. No sin, no sorrow, no struggle will remain. The believer’s journey through the storm ends in the harbor of divine rest.

Even now, the believer tastes this rest in Christ. “Come unto me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Yet the fullness of that rest awaits eternity.

Contemplation

Thomas Boston wrote, “Heaven is a state of uninterrupted rest in God.”
Are you striving in your own strength—or resting in Christ?

Prayer

Lord, teach me to rest in You now as I await eternal rest.

Application

Take moments today to cease striving and consciously rest in God through prayer.

Seeing Christ Face to Face

 

Seeing Christ Face to Face

Scripture

“We shall see him as he is.” — 1 John 3:2

Personal Reflection

The greatest promise given to the believer is not merely deliverance from suffering, but direct, unbroken fellowship with Christ Himself. One day, faith will give way to sight. No longer will we know Him through the veil of weakness and limitation—we shall see Him as He is.

This truth transforms the believer’s affections. To see Christ is the culmination of redemption. Every longing of the soul finds its fulfillment in Him. The storm loses its power when the soul is captivated by the certainty of seeing Christ face to face.

Moreover, this hope purifies. As the Apostle writes, “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself” (1 John 3:3). The anticipation of seeing Christ produces holiness in the present.

Contemplation

Richard Baxter wrote, “To see Christ is the greatest happiness of the soul.”
Do you long for Christ—or merely for relief from trouble?

Prayer

Lord, increase my desire for You above all else.

Application

Spend time today meditating on Christ’s person—His glory, His love, His sacrifice.

The Glory to Come

 

The Glory to Come

Scripture

“The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18

Personal Reflection

Suffering has a way of magnifying itself. In the storm, pain feels all-encompassing, and the weight of trial presses heavily upon the soul. Yet Scripture does not deny suffering—it redefines it in light of eternity. Paul, who endured affliction beyond what most could bear, declares that present sufferings are not even worthy to be compared with future glory.

This is not poetic exaggeration; it is divine perspective. The glory awaiting the believer is so vast, so weighty, so eternal, that all present afflictions shrink into insignificance when set beside it. Every tear, every sorrow, every trial is temporary. Glory, however, is everlasting.

The believer’s endurance is fueled by this vision. We do not minimize pain, but we magnify the promise. We look beyond the storm to the horizon of glory, where Christ Himself awaits.

Contemplation

Jonathan Edwards wrote, “The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied.”
Are you viewing your trials through the lens of eternity?

Prayer

Lord, help me endure present suffering with my eyes fixed on future glory.

Application

When trials arise today, remind yourself: “This is temporary—glory is eternal.”

Pilgrims Passing Through

 

Pilgrims Passing Through

Scripture

“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” — Hebrews 13:14

Personal Reflection

The believer is not a settler, but a pilgrim. This world, with all its attractions, comforts, and ambitions, is not our final dwelling place. Yet how easily we forget this truth. We begin to build as though permanence were promised, to cling as though possession were guaranteed, and to grieve as though loss were ultimate. But Scripture reminds us plainly—we are passing through.

Storms often serve as God’s merciful reminder that this world is not our home. When comforts are stripped away, when stability falters, and when earthly securities crumble, the soul is redirected heavenward. The believer begins to long more deeply for that “city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10).

To live as a pilgrim is not to neglect responsibilities, but to rightly order affections. The heart is set above, even while the hands labor below. The Christian walks through this world with a holy detachment—not indifferent, but anchored in eternity.

Contemplation

John Bunyan wrote, “This world is not my home; I am a pilgrim passing through.”
Are you living as one passing through—or one settling in?

Prayer

Lord, loosen my grip on this world and fix my heart upon eternity.

Application

Evaluate your priorities today. What consumes your time and thoughts? Align them with eternity.

The True Meaning of Pentecost

 https://pathwaytopurityandpower.podbean.com/e/the-true-pentecost-spirit-scripture-and-salvation/

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 2: 1-17

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 1: 1-17

Text:

2 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? 3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

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 that perish: 16 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? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.”

Paul confesses that he was disheartened by their situation. Had he proceeded with the visit, it would have been characterized by distress.

Verse 2: “For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?”

Paul did not wish to arrive in a state of sorrow, with tears in his eyes. His presence would have caused them to weep as well. In that scenario, who would have been a source of gladness for Paul? They all would have been weeping profusely.

Verse 3: “And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.”

Subsequent to the painful visit (refer to verse 1), Paul dispatched a letter of strong reproof to the Corinthian congregation, delivered by the hand of Titus. Paul desired to visit them under joyful circumstances. He had been anticipating their communication confirming that the matters he had addressed in his previous correspondence had been rectified.

Verse 4: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.”

Paul's objective in composing the distressing epistle was not merely to induce sorrow in the Corinthians. He was pursuing their ultimate well-being, even when this necessitated causing pain to both them and himself.

Verse 5: “But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.”

This may refer to the individual residing with his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5:1–8), but this interpretation is questionable as the transgression appears to have been aimed directly at Paul.

Verse 6: “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.”

It appears that following Paul's departure from Corinth, or at least subsequent to the arrival of Titus with the unpleasant letter, the Corinthians implemented church discipline against the offender.

Verse 7: “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”

The objective of church discipline is restoration, not destruction or vengeance.

Verse 8: “Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.”

Paul strongly advised the church congregation to extend forgiveness to the individual, providing compelling justifications for this counsel. Forgiveness serves as the necessary remedy for mending damaged relationships. It was crucial that the church community reaffirm their affection for this repentant member.

Verse 9: “For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.”

Paul had likely been assessing the faith of this nascent congregation: Were they prepared to acknowledge sin among them for what it truly was? Were they ready to administer discipline to one of their own? It would have been more expedient for them to disregard the issue, yet Paul had challenged their faith by demanding a response. Subsequently, he proceeded to convey the reciprocal lesson: extending forgiveness and mercy in the face of genuine repentance can be as challenging as applying discipline.

Verse 10: “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;”

Paul shall accept the judgment of the Corinthian congregation regarding this matter. The phrase, "In the person of Christ," is a recurring idea within this epistle. All of our actions are executed not in secrecy but in the presence of Christ, the Lord of the church. If both Paul and Christ have extended forgiveness to the offender, the Corinthians ought to do so as well.

Verse 11: “lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Satan will achieve a victory if we either completely disregard church discipline or if we administer it but remain severe and unforgiving following a genuine change of heart.

Verse 12: “Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,”

Troas was a city situated in the far northwest of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), across the Aegean Sea from Greece. Paul embarked on his journey to Philippi from this location. It was in Troas that Paul experienced a vision of a Macedonian man earnestly imploring him to come and offer assistance. When God "opens" a door, it signifies an opportunity to preach the gospel for the furtherance of His divine purposes. It is not to be interpreted as a prospect for new business or employment.

Verse 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.”

Paul had anticipated that Titus would meet him at Troas to convey news concerning the letter of rebuke. Even while proclaiming the gospel in Troas, Paul experienced distress because Titus had not arrived with a report regarding the congregation in Corinth. He awaited Titus’s arrival, but when Titus failed to appear, Paul proceeded to Philippi in Macedonia. It was there that Titus finally arrived, reporting that the Corinthians had addressed the sin within their congregation and that the man in question had repented and forsaken his transgression. At this juncture, the narrative of his relationship with the Corinthian church is interrupted until 7:5, and Paul inserts an extensive digression concerning the nature of the new covenant ministry in which he is engaged.

Verse 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.”

Paul presents a dramatic analogy, likening the preaching of the gospel to a Roman triumphal procession. This background involves a Roman general returning to Rome after achieving numerous victories on the frontier, perhaps in Europe or Africa, as Rome was generally successful in its campaigns. The conqueror's return would be celebrated with a grand triumphal entry into the city, an event that could sometimes last from morning until well into the night. The procession would feature captured animals and other spoils of war. At the forefront would be those captured individuals who were to be released and granted Roman citizenship. Conversely, at the rear of the procession would be the captives destined for execution.

Against this historical backdrop, Paul declares, "Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ." This is a profound statement; when one is in Christ, failure is impossible. Paul asserts that God perpetually leads us in triumph.

Verse 15: “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:”

Our identity as a sweet aroma to God signifies that He takes pleasure in us and in the essence of our existence. This represents the more profound and ultimate realization of the Old Testament sacrifices, which were themselves a pleasing aroma to God.

Verse 16: “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?”

The proclamation of the Gospel and the subsequent repentance and faith in Christ by a multitude is a cause for rejoicing, signifying triumph. For those who are redeemed, we become a "savour of life." However, one must consider those who reject Christ; to them, we are a "savour” of death." The question, "Who is sufficient for these things," underscores the profound solemnity of conveying a message with implications of eternal life or death. No individual inherently possesses the merit for this grave undertaking, yet God, nevertheless, qualifies us for it.

Verse 17: “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”

The foundational principle of Christian ministry is to preach the Word of God with sincerity, as the Holy Spirit illuminates its truth, refraining from corruption, distortion, or exploitation for profit.