“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”
—2 Corinthians 2:14–16
Are you a Captive of Grace?
Living in the famous tourist town of Gatlinburg has brought some interesting experiences over the years. One of the most intriguing
—and nationally recognized—is America’s first Independence Day parade.
Each year, it begins at midnight on July 4.
People from across the country line the streets of Gatlinburg to witness that first parade of the day.
With the crowds, music, lights, and celebration, it is truly a sight to behold.
But crowds and parades go back much further than Gatlinburg’s midnight celebration.
As we look at Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians, we are given a glimpse into the ancient imagery of triumph, procession, and captivity—and what it means for a follower of Christ.
Paul often described himself as a bondservant—a doulos of Christ—one who belonged fully to Jesus.
The imagery Paul used would have been familiar to the Corinthians.
After a great military victory, a Roman general might lead a grand triumphal procession through the city.
Roman officials, heralding trumpeters, captured riches, spoils from the fallen city, and animals prepared for sacrifice could all be included in the display.
The victorious general rode in his chariot while the conquered captives were led behind him in defeat.
Incense filled the city as the procession passed through the crowded streets.
The entire spectacle—the sights, sounds, riches, captives, and fragrance—was an undeniable declaration of victory.
Paul speaks of being led by Christ in just such a triumphal procession.
Yet it does not seem that Paul pictures himself as the victorious general leading the parade.
He pictures himself as one whom Christ has conquered and now leads in procession.
There is a beautiful picture of grace here,
Because Christ is unlike Rome’s cruel conquerors.
Paul had once been Christ’s enemy.
He opposed His name and persecuted His people.
Christ conquered Paul, but He did not lead him toward humiliation or destruction,
or even death.
He led him into:
Forgiveness, not condemnation.
Freedom, not bondage.
Service, not oppression.
Eternal life instead of death.
Paul became a captive of grace.
The One who conquered him was also the One who rescued, restored, commissioned, and loved him.
I am especially struck by Paul’s words about being the aroma of Christ—a fragrance spreading the knowledge of Him everywhere.
As people lined the streets to witness Rome’s victory procession, the fragrance of incense permeated the city.
Yet that same fragrance carried very different meanings.
To the victorious, it represented celebration, life, and freedom.
To the captives, it represented defeat, bondage, and possibly death.
One fragrance—but two very different responses.
Paul’s transformed life carried that fragrance of life and freedom wherever Christ led him.
His life became evidence of Christ’s victory—a trophy of grace.
Like Paul, we are also led by Christ in His triumphal procession.
We willingly surrender to the One who first took hold of us.
He frees us from the cruel bondage of sin and brings us under the loving authority of our Savior and Master.
This is one of the beautiful paradoxes of the Christian life:
We are captured, yet set free.
Surrendered, yet given life.
Conquered, yet deeply loved.
What an amazing picture of our conquering Christ—the One who takes hold of us, frees us from sin’s bondage, transforms our lives, and then leads us into the purposes of His grace.
Wherever He leads, our lives are meant to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him;
A beautiful aroma—as Captives of Grace.
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