Devine Scripture

2 Corinthians 2:12

What does 2 Corinthians 2:12 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 2:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Corinthians 2:12 means

Paul reports that when he came to Troas to preach the gospel, the Lord opened a door for ministry. This suggests real opportunity and fruitfulness. Yet ministry success alone did not quiet his heart. He measures opportunities by more than numbers; relationships and unresolved concerns about Corinth weighed on him. Even in a promising field, he remains a shepherd who longs for news of his flock through Titus. This detail reveals both divine providence—the Lord opens doors—and human limitation—an anxious heart can remain unsettled until relationships are mended and responsibilities clarified.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when I came to Troas for the good news of Christ, and there was an open door for me in the Lord,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having come to Troas for the good news of the Christ, and a door to me having been opened in the Lord,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when I was come to Troas for the gospel of Christ and a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now when I came to Troas for the [publication of the] glad tidings of the Christ, a door also being opened to me in [the] Lord,

Context

Having closed the discussion of discipline, Paul narrates his recent movements. In Troas he found a divinely opened door for the gospel, yet his concern for the Corinthians and for Titus’s report dominated his thoughts. Verse 13 will show that this restlessness led him to leave Troas for Macedonia. These travel notes set the stage for the theological reflection in verses 14–17, where Paul interprets even anxious detours through the lens of God’s sovereign triumph in Christ.

v.11that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

v.12This passage

v.13I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 20:1

    And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

  • Romans 1:1

    Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, calledto bean apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

  • Acts 14:27

    And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 16:8

    and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9

    for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

  • Revelation 3:7

    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth and none shall shut, and that shutteth and none openeth:

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