What does 2 Corinthians 2:13 mean?

Paul has resumed his story to the Corinthians about why he delayed his return to them. In short, he wanted to hear about their response to his prior challenge. Would they side with him, or the man who was sinfully standing against his authority in the Lord? Paul sent Titus with an anguished letter, expecting to meet Titus in the town of Troas to learn the Corinthians' response.

Arriving in Troas, Paul found an open door to the gospel. Some people were ready to hear about Jesus and respond. Paul did not find Titus, however. His co-worker in ministry was missing, causing Paul to feel restless in his spirit. Were things going badly in Corinth? Was Titus hurt?

Unable to concentrate on the ministry, Paul left to return to Macedonia. He would return to Troas later, however, and God would use him in a powerful way there (Acts 20:5–11). Still, this was highly unusual for Paul, who often refused to leave a place where people were receptive to the gospel even at the risk of his own life. He must have been deeply disturbed, and heavily convicted by the Holy Spirit, to leave behind the opportunity for new converts in Troas.