II Cor. 2:12-17

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord… II Cor. 2:12

Ruins of Ancient Troas

Paul previously had a Macedonian vision at Troas during

his second Missionary journey in Acts 16. (52ad)

Paul’s Two-fold Purpose in Troas

1. To Preach the Gospel (See Acts 16:8 – Mac. Vis.)

a. It was a divine opportunity. (Open Door)And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says

He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; 8 I know your works: behold, I have set before you an open door , and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name. Rev. 3:7

Together praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Col. 4: 3 Praying ….for me, that utterance may be given unto

me, that I may open my mouth boldly , to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly , as I ought to speak. Eph. 6:18-20

2. To Find Titus

a. Who was Titus?

1) He was Greek – Gal. 2:3

2) He was a convert of Paul – Titus 1:4

3) He was an early ministry partner with Paul and Barnabus – Gal. 2:1

4) He was of a kindred spirit with Paul II Cor. 12:18

5) He later became the first bishop of the Cretian church - Titus 3:15

6) Last mention He went to Albania II Tim. 4:10

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia. II Cor. 2:13

b. Paul’s longing to find Titus

I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. II Cor. 12:18

1) He had no rest in his spirit

Possible Reasons

• Fear of his safety

• He wanted Titus to shepherd the new sheep in Troas

• Other

c. Paul left the Troas saints and headed for Macedonia

Now thanks (Gr. Charis) [be] unto God, always leading us in triumph in Christ, II Cor. 2:14 (See Col. 2:15)

The Roman Triumph

• The General had to have a decisive victory

• The campaign had to be finished and all His troops home

• Had to be voted imperator by his own troops

• The General and troops had to stay outside the city until the Senate approved the triumph appeal (Determined by booty, lands gained, and size of the victory)

• Scaffolds were built to seat thousands

• All were dressed in festive white

• The streets were filled with perfume, flowers, and incense

The Procession

• First the Senate in White togas with purple draping

• Then Came The Captured treasures

•Then came floats showcasing the regional animals and dramatic depictions of the battle

• Then came the priests and the sacrificial white oxen to be sacrificed at the temple of Jupiter

• Then came the Conquered king and significant prisoners followed by men, women, and children to be sold as slaves

• Then came the conquering general preceded by dancers, incense bearers, body guards

• The General came on a chariot pulled by four white horses. He carried an ivory scepter with an eagle and olive branch on the top

• His face was stained with red

• On the chariot with him often were his children

• Wife, friends, and relatives walked alongside

• Immediately behind the general in the chariot was a slave holding the crown of Jupiter over the general's head, but whispering the entire way, "Remember, you are just a man.

• Behind the general was his beloved troops, not carrying their weapons, but wooden staves, and wearing the honors they had earned and olive wreaths and shouting "Io Triumphe," behold the triumph!

Paul, the thankful redeemed

1. Paul is thankful that Christ’s Triumph is better than past disappointments.

a. By Christ’s redeeming blood we have been made the children of God, friends of God, kin with Christ, and part of the army of God.

b. Because of the cross, Satan and all God’s enemies have been put to an open display.

When you were dead in your sins and in the un-circumcision of your sinful flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:13-15

•The blood of Jesus on the cross defeated Satan,sin, death, and hell. (Is He worthy of a Triumph?) Yes and Amen

• That defeat is realized in the mind of God and believing believers.

• That which defeated Satan spiritually assures his actual destruction in the future.

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone…And death and hell were cast into the lake… And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:10,14,15

…and makes known through us the good fragrance (Gr. osme) of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet aroma (Gr. euodia) of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish (Gr. Apollumi - destroyed): II Cor. 2:14b-15

2. Paul is thankful that He had the sweet smelling message of God

3. Paul is thankful He is a sweet smelling aroma

To the one [we are] the stench smell of death unto death; v. 16a

                                 

The very thing that brings life, victory, joy

and pleasure to the redeemed brings death to the condemned. The

sweet smells are a reminder of their defeat

and ultimate destruction.

and to the other the good fragrance of life unto life. V. 16b

3. Paul is thankful he is on the winning side

And who [is] sufficient for these things? V. 16c

4. Paul is thankful Christ is sufficient

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. II Cor. 2:17

5. Paul is thankful his motivation, message and life is pure in God’s sight who sent him.