2 Corinthians 2:16b-3:3

In the verses we looked at last time (2:14–16a), Paul highlighted the positive and negative effects of the gospel. Paul participates in Christ’s victory parade, spreading the gospel like the aroma of incense from a censor. For those who believe the gospel, this is a pleasing aroma. But for those who do not believe, the aroma of the gospel stinks.

For Paul to play such a monumental role in people’s lives causes him to ask the question, “Who is equal to such a task?” (2:16b).[1] He then spends the next verses answering his own question, focusing especially on the work of God the Spirit in people’s lives through the gospel. Let’s look at these verses then which highlight the transforming work of God the Spirit.

[1] Guthrie, 2 Corinthians, BECNT, 176–77.