2 Corinthians – Chapter 2

New Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

2 Corinthians 2 opens with the words: "But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow." Titus stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: suffering and trial and God's mercy and forgiveness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow.

2For if I make you sorrowful, who is he then that can make me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me?

3And I wrote this same to you: that I may not, when I come, have sorrow upon sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice: having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4For out of much affliction and anguish of heart, I wrote to you with many tears: not that you should be made sorrowful: but that you might know the charity I have more abundantly towards you.

5And if any one have caused grief, he hath not grieved me: but in part, that I may not burden you all.

6To him who is such a one, this rebuke is sufficient, which is given by many.

7So that on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

8Wherefore, I beseech you that you would confirm your charity towards him.

9For to this end also did I write, that I may know the experiment of you, whether you be obedient in all things.

10And to whom you have pardoned any thing, I also. For, what I have pardoned, if I have pardoned any thing, for your sakes have I done it in the person of Christ:

11That we be not overreached by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his devices.

12And when I was come to Troas for the gospel of Christ and a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

13I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but bidding them farewell, I went into Macedonia.

14Now thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph in Christ Jesus and manifesteth the odour of his knowledge by us in every place.

15For we are the good odour of Christ unto God, in them that are saved and in them that perish.

16To the one indeed the odour of death unto death: but to the others the odour of life unto life. And for these things who is so sufficient?

17For we are not as many, adulterating the word of God: but with sincerity: but as from God, before God, in Christ we speak.

Important Verses in 2 Corinthians 2

But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:1

So that on the contrary, you should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

2 Corinthians 2:7

And when I was come to Troas for the gospel of Christ and a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

2 Corinthians 2:12

For we are the good odour of Christ unto God, in them that are saved and in them that perish.

2 Corinthians 2:15

Historical Context

2 Corinthians addresses the Corinthian church, reconciled to its apostle and to God within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 2 of 13 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Titus, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow." It concludes: "For we are not as many, adulterating the word of God: but with sincerity: but as from God, before God, in Christ we…" The wider setting of 2 Corinthians is this: Paul's most personal letter, written after a painful crisis with the Corinthian church and attacks on his authority. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 57, from Macedonia.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul

When It Was Written

About AD 57, from Macedonia

Catholic Commentary

The letter combines theological exposition with pastoral exhortation for believers. A pivotal line is verse 1: "But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow." The passage repeatedly touches on suffering and trial.

Catholic exegesis reads 2 Corinthians 2 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Paul's suffering models participation in Christ's passion (CIC 618). St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2340).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.

People in This Chapter

Titus1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read 2 Corinthians Chapter 2, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. intercession for others remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of intercession for others bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Corinthians Chapter 2 about?

2 Corinthians 2 contains 17 verses. It opens with "But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow." and closes with "For we are not as many, adulterating the word of God: but with sincerity: but as from God, before God, in Christ we…". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in 2 Corinthians 2?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "But I determined this with myself, to come to you again in sorrow." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Corinthians Chapter 2?

This chapter mentions Titus.

Who wrote 2 Corinthians and when?

The Apostle Paul. About AD 57, from Macedonia.

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