2 Corinthians 2:12-17 - Not for profit

Troas was a place that Paul visited on several occasions. It was here that he received the vision of the man of Macedonia, which was God telling him to go to Europe. It was also here that the boy fell out of the window, died, and was raised to life during Paul's teaching. 

God had opened a door, so Paul was being successful in his ministry. Even so he had no peace. He wanted to hear from Titus how things were going in Corinth.

However, everything worked out. So Paul talks about the God who leads us in triumphal procession. God's servants are the aroma of Christ. This is pleasing to God. To those who are being saved it is the aroma of life, but to those who are perishing it is the smell of death. 
This reference to an aroma is a reference to the practice of Roman leaders to parade their captives through a city. This was accompanied by a distribution of perfume. Note that Paul refers to himself and other Christians as being among the captives. There is a self-deprecating aspect to a lot of what Paul says in this letter. Now he is not saying this in the sense of we are worthless, but is countering those who boast about themselves and exalt themselves. When we exalt Christ we find who we truly are and find our true worth.

The gospel divides. Some will accept and welcome it, they find in it the way of life, the forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit. But to those who are stubborn it spells death. For Jesus died on the cross, and He was raised from the dead. So those who rebel are now without excuse. They could repent, they could receive forgiveness, they could receive the life of God, but they refuse to do so.

Paul is aware of the enormity of the task. We have a role in determining the eternal destiny of people! Up to now he has been implicitly contrasting his ministry with that of false apostles, now he makes the comparison explicit. The false apostles saw the gospel as means of personal popularity and making money. Paul always acted with sincerity.