For we are to GodThis phrase emphasizes the believer's relationship with God, highlighting that their actions and lives are primarily directed towards Him. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, reminding them of their role as representatives of Christ. This aligns with the biblical theme of living for God's glory, as seen in
1 Corinthians 10:31, where believers are encouraged to do everything for the glory of God.
the sweet aroma of Christ
The imagery of a "sweet aroma" is reminiscent of Old Testament sacrificial offerings, such as those described inLeviticus 1:9, where sacrifices were a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This metaphor suggests that believers' lives, when lived in accordance with Christ's teachings, are pleasing to God. It also reflects the sacrificial nature of Christ's own life and death, which was the ultimate offering to God.
among those who are being saved
This phrase indicates the presence and influence of believers within the community of the saved. It suggests an ongoing process of salvation, as seen inPhilippians 2:12, where believers are encouraged to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. The community of the saved is not static but dynamic, growing in faith and understanding.
and those who are perishing
Here, Paul acknowledges the dual response to the gospel message. The concept of "perishing" is a common theme in the New Testament, referring to those who reject the message of Christ, as seen inJohn 3:16-18. This phrase underscores the reality of spiritual death for those outside of Christ, contrasting with the life offered to those who believe. The presence of believers serves as a testimony to both groups, highlighting the stark difference in their eternal destinies.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, writing to the church in Corinth to address various issues and to defend his apostleship.
2.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges, where Paul established a church.
3.
The Church in CorinthThe recipients of Paul's letter, a diverse group of believers facing internal and external challenges.
4.
ChristCentral to the message, representing the source of the "sweet aroma" that believers are to God.
5.
Those Being Saved and Those PerishingTwo groups of people who respond differently to the message of Christ, representing believers and non-believers.
Teaching Points
The Aroma of ChristBelievers are called to embody the character and love of Christ, becoming a "sweet aroma" to God. This involves living a life that reflects Christ's sacrificial love and righteousness.
Witness to the WorldOur lives should be a testimony to both believers and non-believers. The way we live can attract others to Christ or cause them to reject Him, highlighting the importance of our witness.
Understanding ReactionsNot everyone will respond positively to the message of Christ. We should be prepared for varied reactions, understanding that our role is to faithfully represent Christ regardless of the outcome.
Living SacrificesAs followers of Christ, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, which is our spiritual act of worship. This involves daily surrender and obedience to God's will.
Encouragement in MinistryKnowing that we are a "sweet aroma" to God can encourage us in our ministry efforts, even when faced with opposition or indifference from the world.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 2:15?
2.How can we be "the aroma of Christ" in our daily lives?
3.What does "pleasing to God" mean in 2 Corinthians 2:15?
4.How does 2 Corinthians 2:15 connect with Matthew 5:16 about shining our light?
5.In what ways can our actions reflect Christ to those "being saved"?
6.How can we discern if our witness is "pleasing to God"?
7.What does "aroma of Christ" mean in 2 Corinthians 2:15?
8.How does 2 Corinthians 2:15 define believers' role in spreading the gospel?
9.In what ways are believers a "pleasing aroma" to God according to 2 Corinthians 2:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 2?
11.What is the indescribable gift?
12.Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?
13.What does vivification mean?
14.What is the Christian perspective on wearing fragrances?What Does 2 Corinthians 2:15 Mean
For we are to God• Paul begins with perspective: God Himself is the primary audience of our lives (Romans 12:1;1 Thessalonians 2:4).
• Everything believers do is first evaluated by the Lord, not by human applause (Colossians 3:23-24).
• Our identity is secure: we “are,” not “might become,” a people whose very existence registers before God.
the sweet aroma of Christ• In Old-Testament sacrifices, pleasing aromas rose to God (Genesis 8:20-21;Leviticus 1:9). Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice fulfills and surpasses those offerings (Ephesians 5:2).
• When Christ lives through us, His fragrance permeates our words, attitudes, and actions (Galatians 2:20).
• This aroma is “sweet” to God because it reflects His Son’s obedience and love (John 17:4;Philippians 2:8-9).
among those who are being saved• Believers who encounter our Christ-like aroma find encouragement and confirmation of their own salvation (Acts 4:13;1 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
• The fragrance draws them nearer to God, reinforcing their faith journey (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Our lives become living testimonies that salvation is real, present, and powerful (Titus 2:11-14).
and those who are perishing• The same aroma that delights God can expose rebellion in unbelievers (John 3:19-20).
• To the perishing, the gospel’s fragrance may seem offensive or foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18;1 Peter 2:7-8).
• Yet even in rejection, the aroma serves God’s purpose by shining light on the stark need for repentance (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
summaryGod views believers as a continual, pleasing fragrance because Christ indwells us. This aroma refreshes the saved and confronts the lost, fulfilling divine purposes in every encounter.
(15)
We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ.--If we believe this Epistle to have been written from Philippi, it is interesting to note the recurrence of the same imagery of a "sweet savour" in the Epistle to that Church (
Philippians 4:18). Here the mind of the writer turns to the sterner, sadder side of the Roman triumph. Some who appeared in that triumph were
on their way to deliverance, some
on their way to perish (this is the exact rendering of the words translated
saved and
lost)
, and this also has its analogue in the triumph of Christ. He does not shrink from that thought. In his belief in the righteousness and mercy of Christ, he is content to leave the souls of all men to His judgment. He will not the less do his work as incense-bearer, and let the "sweet savour" of the knowledge of God be wafted through the words which it has been given him to utter. All things are for His glory, for His righteousness will be seen to have been working through all.
Verse 15. -
We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ. The undeveloped metaphor involved in these words is that "we and our preaching diffuse to God's glory the knowledge of Christ which is as a sweet savour." The apostles are identified with their work; they were as the incense, crushed and burned, but diffusing everywhere a waft of perfume. St. Paul is still thinking of the incense burnt in the streets of Rome during a triumph - "Dabimusque Divis Tura benignis" (Horace, 'Od.,' 4:2.51) - though his expression recalls the "odour of a sweet smell," of
Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17 (comp.
Ephesians 5:2); see on this passage the excellent note of Bishop Wordsworth.
In them that are saved, and in them that perish; rather,
among those who are perishing and those who are being saved (comp.
Acts 2:47). The odour is fragrant to God, though those who breathe it may be variously affected by it.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.we areἐσμὲν(esmen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.to GodΘεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.[the] sweet aromaεὐωδία(euōdia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2175:A sweet smell, fragrance. From a compound of eu and a derivative of ozo; good-scentedness, i.e. Fragrance.of ChristΧριστοῦ(Christou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.amongἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.those who areτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.being savedσωζομένοις(sōzomenois)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.those who areτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.perishing.ἀπολλυμένοις(apollymenois)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are a sweet aroma (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
