2:14 But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession 7 in Christ 8 and who makes known 9 through us the fragrance that consists of the knowledge of him in every place. 2:15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing – 2:16 to the latter an odor 10 from death to death, but to the former a fragrance from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 11
1 sn Troas was a city and region in the northwest corner of Asia Minor.
2 tn This has been translated as a concessive participle (“even though”). The passive construction (“a door of opportunity had been opened for me by the Lord”) has been converted to an active one in the translation for clarity.
3 tn Grk “a door”; the phrase ἀνοίγω θύραν (anoigw quran, “to open a door”) is an idiom meaning “to make possible some opportunity” (L&N 71.9).
4 tn Or “I had no peace of mind.”
5 tn Or “I took my leave of them.”
6 tn Since this refers to the outset of a journey, the aorist ἐξῆλθον (exhlqon) is taken ingressively.
7 tn Or “who always causes us to triumph.”
8 tn Or “in the Messiah.”
9 tn Or “who reveals.”
10 tn The same Greek word (ὀσμή, osmh) translated “odor” here (in relation to the stench of death) has been translated “fragrance” in 2:14 and in the next phrase of the present verse. The word itself can describe a smell or odor either agreeable or disagreeable depending on the context (L&N 79.45).
11 sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.