I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?
- 2 Corinthians 12:11-18
The apostle Paul is finally done with his boasting, which has been going on since 2 Corinthians 11:16. As he is nearing the end of this letter, he shares a heartfelt message with the church in Corinth, including some plans for his next visit to see them.
Paul begins in verse 11 by acknowledging that he feels foolish for defending himself, yet he believes it was necessary. He was reluctant to boast about his credentials and accomplishments because humility is one of the core values of the Christian faith. However, the criticisms against him forced him to respond so the Corinthians wouldn’t be led astray. When he mentions the “super-apostles,” he may be referring sarcastically to those in Corinth who boasted in their eloquence or earthly credentials. Paul, however, remains rooted in the reality that he is nothing without Christ. He challenges the Corinthians to recognize that his authority comes from his calling as an apostle, not from human commendations.
In verse 12, Paul reminds the Corinthians that he performed “signs, wonders, and miracles” among them, which are evidence of his genuine apostleship. These miraculous works were not meant to glorify him but to validate his message and glorify God. Paul’s authority was confirmed by God, as seen through the miracles he performed. The Corinthians should have recognized this divine endorsement instead of comparing him to others who might have impressed them with rhetoric or worldly qualifications.
Paul’s tone in verse 13 is a blend of irony and sincerity. He points out that the only difference in his treatment of the Corinthians was that he refused their financial support, choosing to work as a tentmaker rather than depend on their resources. He intended to avoid burdening them, but his sarcasm (“Forgive me this wrong!”) suggests that the Corinthians misunderstood or resented this gesture. They may have seen his refusal as a slight, but Paul’s purpose was to emphasize that the gospel was a free gift, not a commodity.
Paul’s heart for the Corinthians is clear in verse 14. He is about to visit them for the third time and reassures them he won’t require any financial support. He uses the metaphor of a parent-child relationship, illustrating that his role as their spiritual father is to nurture and care for them, not to take from them. His desire is not for their possessions but for them to grow in faith and love for Christ. Just as parents provide for their children, Paul sees it as his role to pour into their lives without expecting material support in return.
Paul expresses his willingness to “spend” everything, even his life, for the Corinthians in verse 15. His words echo Jesus’ sacrificial love for the church. Yet, he wonders if his selflessness will result in them loving him less, perhaps because they may view his sacrificial love as a weakness. Paul knows that true love isn’t contingent on reciprocity; he loves them unconditionally. This question is Paul’s gentle but poignant reminder to the Corinthians that love requires a response—it is something to be valued, not taken for granted.
Paul’s words in verse 16 are likely ironic. Some critics may have accused him of being deceitful or manipulative, perhaps insinuating that by not accepting money, he had ulterior motives. Paul is sarcastically responding to this accusation by playing into their criticism, essentially saying, “Yes, crafty fellow that I am, I tricked you—by giving you the gospel for free!” Paul’s rhetorical tone exposes the absurdity of such accusations; his actions were rooted in love and transparency, not deceit.
To further prove his integrity, Paul asks in verse 17 if any of his colleagues or representatives exploited them in any way. He knows they cannot accuse him of taking advantage, as both he and his companions acted consistently in serving without expecting anything in return. Paul’s transparency underscores his commitment to a ministry of integrity, contrasting with those who might have come to Corinth seeking personal gain or admiration.
Paul sent Titus and another trusted believer to the Corinthians, knowing they would reflect the same values (verse 18). Paul points out that neither he nor his companions exploited them. By asking these questions, Paul challenges the Corinthians to look back on the consistency and integrity of his ministry team. Paul emphasized how he and his team were united by the Holy Spirit in purpose and conduct. They walked in transparency, humility, and love—a standard he wishes the Corinthians to remember and emulate.
Paul’s message here speaks to a timeless principle in Christian leadership: a life of service rooted in integrity, love, and humility. Despite facing misunderstandings, criticism, and ingratitude, Paul’s heart remained fixed on his mission to build up the church. He did not need their validation, nor was he after their resources. Rather, he poured himself out for them as Christ had done for him.
This gives us a model for selfless ministry. We learn that true love for others often involves sacrifice and persistence, even when there is little or no reciprocation. Paul’s defense of his apostleship was not rooted in a need for approval but rather in a desire to keep the church grounded in the truth.
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