2 Corinthians 2: A Mysterious Visit

For we are to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

Those who try to piece together Paul's life story from fragments in the two Corinthian letters and the book of Acts usually come away puzzled. Paul, addressing friends who knew that history intimately, saw no need to review every stage of their relationship. Yet for us, reading centuries later, some chronology would help explain his allusions and his emotional state. Many scholars believe that two events occurred to which Paul refers only in passing: the "painful visit" and the letter written "out of great distress."

In the first two chapters Paul explains a change of plans whereby he has decided not to visit Corinth because he doesn't want to make "another painful visit." What visit was he referring to? During his first visit to Corinth, spanning 18 months, the church took shape (Acts 18:11). Paul probably would not have described that time as a "painful visit," for his initial relationship with them was basically positive. Evidently he made a second visit to Corinth, not recorded in Acts, that included a painful confrontation. Paul planned a third visit to Corinth, but postponed it because he didn't want to stir up the conflict. Later, he wondered about rescheduling that third visit. (12:14; 13:1)

Second Corinthians also mentions a letter written out of great distress and with many tears (2:4; 7:8). This letter, coming after Paul's unsettling second visit, contained such strong wording that he feared the Corinthians' response. He fleetingly regretted having written the letter. Had it ruptured their relationship? While he preached in the seaport town of Troas, Paul anxiously awaited some report of their reaction, through Titus.

One can imagine Paul rushing to the dock as ships from Macedonia came to unload, fervently scanning the vessels for some sign of Titus. Finally, unable to find peace of mind, he left his ministry in Troas to seek out Titus in Macedonia.

News from Titus at last calmed Paul. The Corinthians had indeed repented (7:7-9) and now wanted to restore ties with him. Feeling encouraged, Paul contemplated a third visit as he wrote 2 Corinthians. He used the letter to rebuild his relationship with them and to spell out his reasons for coming.

Reflection

I think most of us at one time or another have experienced a tear in a relationship like the one described here in Paul's letter. We can find ourselves wondering aloud whether or not we have been too hard on someone while at the same time acknowledging our own lingering pain. The key is how we find healing in the damaged relationship. And like everything in life, Christ can lead us to a reconciliation.