Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 2:14

"But thanks be unto God, who always leadeth us in triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest through us the savor of his knowledge in every place." — 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ASV)

Here begins the so-called “great digression,” brought about by Paul’s remembering his happy reunion with Titus in Macedonia, who brought encouraging news from Corinth that relieved his fretful tension (7:5–16). In the favorable Corinthian reaction to the “letter of tears” as reported by Titus, Paul saw God’s vindication of his apostleship and a triumph of God’s grace in the hearts of the Corinthians.

Paul likens the irresistible advance of the Gospel, in spite of temporary frustration, to a Roman “triumph” (GK 2581), in which a victorious general, along with his proud soldiers, led in triumphal procession the wretched prisoners of war who were exposed to public ridicule. Not all the details of this picture can be pressed. The apostles, as well as Christians in general, may be either exultant soldiers who share in the benefits of Christ’s victory (cf. Romans 8:37) or willing captives who count it a privilege to be part of God’s “triumph” (cf. Romans 1:1; Colossians 1:10). The metaphor is certainly suggestive: Christ undertook a battle not rightly his; we share in a triumph not rightly ours. The reference to the diffusion of fragrance may be carrying on the imagery, for sacrifices were offered when the procession reached the temple of Jupiter and perfumes may have been sprinkled or incense burned along the processional route. Through the apostles, God was spreading far and wide the fragrant knowledge of himself that can be gained through knowing Christ (Colossians 2:2–3).