What does 2 Corinthians 2:15 mean?

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For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 2 Corinthians 2:15

Explanation

The verse 2 Corinthians 2:15, is part of a letter that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. In this verse, Paul uses the metaphor of fragrance to describe the effect of the Christian message on different people. The “sweet savour of Christ” refers to the pleasing aroma that believers in Christ spread as a result of living out the gospel. To God, this aroma is delightful, symbolizing the believers’ devotion and service to Him through their faith in Christ.

Paul juxtaposes the reaction of two groups to this fragrance: “them that are saved” and “them that perish.” For those who are being saved, this aroma represents life and salvation, indicating the positive reception of the gospel message and the resultant transformation. However, for those who are perishing, those who reject or ignore the gospel, the same fragrance represents death as it underscores their decision not to accept the message of Christ which leads to eternal life. This contrast suggests that the effectiveness of the ministry is not determined by universal acceptance but rather by faithfulness to spread the message and the varied responses it elicits.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is one of the Pauline epistles, letters written by the Apostle Paul, likely between A.D. 55-57. During this time, Paul was addressing a variety of issues within the church in Corinth, including challenges to his apostolic authority, misunderstandings about Christian doctrine, and the need for reconciliation following a painful visit and severe letter which are referred to in this epistle.

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city with diverse cultural influences, and it was known for its wealth and immorality. Paul’s metaphorical language of fragrance would have been well-understood in a city familiar with the burning of incense in religious ceremonies and public events, making his message resonate with the contemporary experiences of the Corinthians.

Theological Insights

In theological terms, this verse encapsulates the concept of a differentiated response to the gospel message. Calvinist perspectives might interpret this verse as a demonstration of the doctrine of election, with the “sweet savour” being pleasing to God regardless of the outcome because it serves His divine will either way.

From an Arminian viewpoint, the focus might be on the free will of individuals to receive or reject the grace made available through Jesus Christ. In this sense, the verse is a challenge to recognize that the gospel is inherently powerful and effective, but its reception is contingent upon the hearer’s response.

Another theological angle sees this verse as highlighting the inherent value of ministry and witnessing, irrespective of the outcomes, where the faithful are called to be obedient to Christ’s command to share the gospel, even when faced with rejection.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, 2 Corinthians 2:15 encourages Christians to be mindful of the impact of their witness. It serves as a reminder that their lives and testimonies can be a potent force for either drawing people to Christ or highlighting their decision to reject Him. This verse also provides comfort to those in ministry that while not all will receive the message of the gospel positively, the pleasing aroma to God is in the faithful delivery of that message.

On a personal level, believers can take from this verse the call to live in a way that spreads the “aroma” of Christ’s love, grace, and truth, making the gospel attractive through their actions and words. It is a call to personal holiness and evangelistic effort.

Cross-References

Ephesians 5:2: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
Philippians 4:18: “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”
John 12:25-26: “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for “a sweet savour” is “εὐωδία” (euodia), which means a fragrance or pleasing aroma. The word used for “Christ” is “Χριστοῦ” (Christou), which refers to the Messiah, the Anointed One. “Perish” is translated from the Greek word “ἀπόλλυμι” (apollymi), which means to destroy or to be doomed to eternal misery in hell. The term “saved” comes from the Greek word “σῴζω” (sozo), meaning saved or delivered, often with eternal connotations concerning salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of ancient religions, the burning of incense was often associated with pleasing the gods or creating a sacred space. Paul’s use of fragrance language might call to mind such practices yet reframes the concept in a monotheistic and Christ-centered way. Unlike the pagan practices that sought to appease capricious gods, the “sweet savour” in Paul’s metaphor is pleasing to the one true God because it is associated with faith in and obedience to Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the concept of an aroma or fragrance might be discussed in terms of pheromones and their ability to affect human behavior or mood. While the verse is not discussing literal smells affecting human decision-making, the metaphor can be appreciated for its recognition of the powerful, albeit intangible, influence that certain presences (or in this case, the presence of Christian witness) can have on people’s responses.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer insight into 2 Corinthians 2:15. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the “sweet savour” reflects the ministers’ faithful preaching and the people’s sincere believing. John MacArthur observes that the gospel’s preaching has a dual effect, leading to life for believers and confirming the judgment for unbelievers. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary notes the importance of understanding the metaphor in the context of ancient triumphal processions where incense was burned, drawing a distinction between those who viewed it as a fragrance of life and those to whom it was a scent of death.