‘Wake up and smell the coffee’ is a challenge often thrown out to someone who seems unaware of the significance of events going on around them. Fresh coffee, newly mown hay, sizzling bacon, or fragrance from a rose: smells have the power to catch us unawares, evoking memories, sometimes joyful, sometimes painful. They flood in, unbidden, to comfort or unsettle us.

Paul takes this idea, probably from the memory of Roman triumphal processions where incense was often burned (v 14), and applies it to our discipleship: we are an aroma that brings life (v 16). Our lives, impregnated with the presence of Christ, can evoke spiritual realities in those who meet us. They can either strengthen faith or confirm unbelief. No wonder Paul is overwhelmed with the responsibility (v 16). So am I! And you are too, I imagine. 

But no need to despair. Unlike those who proclaim Christ for their own ends and profit – the Corinthian church would get the reference to the false teachers who had invaded the church (v 17) – we who serve and speak with integrity and a clear sense of being called will be led triumphantly in the way of Christ for his glory and our well-being (v 14).

Identify three things that bring you joy – and give thanks for them.

By now we may have the impression that Paul was capable of extremes of emotion. He moves from recalling the hurts of the past to exulting in the joy of the present. Exultation is the right word. What triggers this mood is meeting up with Titus, by whose hand he had sent his tearful letter. Paul leaves Ephesus for Troas (the ancient Troy) to preach – and also with the hope of meeting up with Titus to see whether reconciliation had been achieved. He is deeply anxious. 

Troas was on the land route to Corinth (over 900 miles through Macedonia). They fail to connect, so Paul continues on and when he does finally locate Titus he receives the good news of the church’s repentance.¹ Loving affection is restored. His relief and joy know no bounds. Once more, out of the grim details of his troubles Paul expresses his joy in sublime words.

To know Christ is to participate in a mighty victory. Paul likens it to the triumphal procession of a Roman general returning from foreign wars with booty and prisoners in his train. Christ is the victorious general (having triumphed over sin and death) and we are captives in his procession, yet willing captives. After anxiety and trouble, suddenly the mist clears and he sees that it is all worth it. All that has happened is part of a willing and grateful sacrifice that, as in the Old Testament, is a pleasing aroma rising to God.² The sacrifice is no longer that of bulls and goats but of those whose lives are being saved even while others may despise and oppose them (v 16). Through all his troubles, Paul can take pleasure that his conscience and ministry are clear (v 17).

Most of the time most of us live quite ordinary lives, but perhaps we, too, are given moments of exultation when everything seems worthwhile. Can you recall any? Give thanks.

¹ 2 Cor 7:5–7  ² Eg Lev 1; Ps 141:2