2 Corinthians 2:14 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Which causeth us to triumph in Christ,— That is, "In the success of my preaching in my journey to Macedonia, and also in my victory at the same time at Corinth, over the false Apostles, my opposers, who had raised a faction against me among you." Thus St. Paul represents himself as triumphing through the divine power; and, as, in triumphal processions, especially in the east, fragrant odours and incense were burnt near the conquerors, he seems beautifully to allude to this circumstance in what he says of the οσμη, the odour of the gospel, in the following verses: and he seems further to allude to the different effects of strong perfumes, to cheer some, and to throw others into violent disorders, according to the different dispositions they are in to receive them. AElian observes, that some kinds of animals are killed by them. Hist. Animal. 50: 3 : 100: 7. Dr. Heylin observes, that the knowledge of God, or knowledge that there is a God, may be a mere speculation; not so the savour, relish, or mental sensation of God, called here the savour of his knowledge. Now an apostle speaking by the spirit of God, really excites this savour or sensation in the minds of his believing hearers: being himself actuated by God, he gives, through grace, some real perception of him.—Those who piously cultivate this, improve accordingly; those who understand it, and will not be wrought upon by it, grow more indisposed and hardened: as is shewn in the following verses.