2:12
We are still involved in Paul’s explanation, but the letter is going to transition into more theological teaching about who we are, and the role God gives us in the spread of the gospel. Troas was a city on the Aegean coast, and Paul went there from Ephesus hoping to find Titus and to get news of the Corinthian church. Titus had not arrived, but found that the Lord had opened a door for the gospel there. So Paul took hold of that opportunity. There are times in our lives when we are preoccupied with things, there is some issue or concern that is playing on our minds. During those times we should still be aware of the opportunities, God still has work for us to do, and part of Satan’s tactics is to distract us from that work. While we usually take the “we are not unaware of his schemes” of the previous verse as relating to forgiving the repentant brother, maybe we can also apply it to this as well.
2:13
Paul was getting on with the work of the gospel, but still did not have peace of mind. We all go through times like these, and can beat ourselves up about it. But the great apostle Paul went through similar things! So we should follow his example, and resolve to get on with the job in all circumstances. Paul then went up to Macedonia hoping to find Titus.
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