The Message Heeded.
From Ephesus Paul set forth on another missionary tour, during which he hoped to visit once more the scenes of his former labors in Europe.Tarrying for a time at Troas, "to preach Christ's gospel," he found some who were ready to listen to his message."A door was opened unto me of the Lord," he afterward declared of his labors in this place.But successful as were his efforts at Troas, he could not remain there long."The care of all the churches," and particularly of the church at Corinth, rested heavily on his heart.He had hoped to meet Titus at Troas and to learn from him how the words of counsel and reproof sent to the Corinthian brethren had been received, but in this he was disappointed."I had no rest in my spirit," he wrote concerning this experience, "because I found not Titus my brother." He therefore left Troas and crossed over to Macedonia, where, at Philippi he met Timothy.
During this time of anxiety concerning the church at Corinth, Paul hoped for the best; yet at times feelings of deep sadness would sweep over his soul, lest his counsels and admonitions might be misunderstood."Our flesh had no rest," he afterward wrote, "but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus."This faithful messenger brought the cheering news that a wonderful change had taken place among the Corinthian believers.Many had accepted the instruction contained in Paul's letter and had repented of their sins.Their lives were no longer a reproach to Christianity, but exerted a powerful influence in favor of practical godliness.
Filled with joy, the apostle sent another letter to the Corinthian believers, expressing his gladness of heart because of the good work wrought in them: "Though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though Idid repent." When tortured by the fear that his words would be despised, he had sometimes regretted that he had written so decidedly and severely."Now I rejoice," he continued, "not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of." That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead to confession and forsaking of sin.Such were the fruits which the apostle declared had been seen in the lives of the Corinthian believers."What carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal."For some time Paul had been carrying a burden of soul for the churches--a burden so heavy that he could scarcely endure it.False teachers had sought to destroy his influence among the believers and to urge their own doctrines in the place of gospel truth.The perplexities and discouragements with which Paul was surrounded are revealed in the words, "We were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life."But now one cause of anxiety was removed.At the tidings of the acceptance of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul broke forth into words of rejoicing:
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation."In expressing his joy over their reconversion and their growth in grace, Paul ascribed to God all the praise for this transformation of heart and life."Thanks be unto God,"he exclaimed, "which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of His knowledge by us in every place.For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish." It was the custom of the day for a general victorious in warfare to bring with him on his return a train of captives.On such occasions incense bearers were appointed, and as the army marched triumphantly home, the fragrant odor was to the captives appointed to die, a savor of death, showing that they were nearing the time of their execution; but to those of the prisoners who had found favor with their captors, and whose lives were to be spared, it was a savor of life, in that it showed them that their freedom was near.
Paul was now full of faith and hope.He felt that Satan was not to triumph over the work of God in Corinth, and in words of praise he poured forth the gratitude of his heart.He and his fellow laborers would celebrate their victory over the enemies of Christ and the truth, by going forth with new zeal to extend the knowledge of the Saviour.Like incense the fragrance of the gospel was to be diffused throughout the world.To those who should accept Christ, the message would be a savor of life unto life; but to those who should persist in unbelief, a savor of death unto death.
