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by Katie Erickson

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.
- 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was complex. He had founded the church during his second missionary journey, but after his departure, the Corinthians were influenced by various leaders and teachings. Some of these influences led to divisions, immoral practices, and misunderstandings about Paul’s authority. Paul’s second letter aims to correct these misunderstandings, defend his apostleship, and call the Corinthians back to a faithful and unified life in Christ.

Throughout the letter, Paul emphasizes the need for humility, integrity, and repentance. The tone in these final chapters becomes more intense as Paul prepares to visit Corinth again. He fears that when he arrives, he may find a community still struggling with unresolved issues, harboring sins that disrupt their witness and fellowship. Paul’s appeal in these verses reveals his profound love and concern for the Corinthians.

Paul begins verse 19 with a rhetorical question that addresses a common misunderstanding. Some Corinthians may have thought Paul’s letters were merely defensive, intended to protect his reputation or establish his authority. However, Paul clarifies that his purpose goes beyond self-defense. He speaks “in the sight of God,” meaning his ultimate accountability is not to the Corinthians but to God.

This accountability shapes his purpose: everything he says and does is for their “strengthening.” Here, Paul uses the Greek word oikodome, often translated as “building up” or “edification.” Paul’s concern is for the spiritual growth and maturity of the Corinthians, not his own status.

This verse calls us to examine our motives in ministry and relationships. Are we focused on our reputation, or are we genuinely acting for the spiritual well-being of others? When we speak to build others up in Christ, we act in harmony with God’s desire for the church.

In verse 20, Paul articulates a genuine fear: that he will find the Corinthians caught in sinful behaviors. The specific sins he lists—discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder—are indicators of a divided and spiritually immature community. These behaviors directly contrast with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which are markers of a life transformed by Christ.

Paul’s list also serves as a mirror for the church, allowing them to examine their conduct. These destructive behaviors are symptoms of unresolved conflict, pride, and selfishness. By naming them, Paul calls the Corinthians to accountability and to a higher standard of living.

Churches and communities today still face similar issues. Discord, jealousy, gossip, and arrogance can easily creep into our lives and disrupt relationships. Paul’s pastoral response—naming the issues and addressing them directly—provides a model for how to confront sin in love.

Paul closes this section in verse 21 by expressing deep sorrow over the possibility of finding unrepented sin among the Corinthians. He mentions “impurity, sexual sin, and debauchery,” which point to specific moral failings. Corinth, a city known for its moral permissiveness, posed unique challenges for the church. The cultural influences often tempted believers to compromise their faith, and Paul fears that some in the community have fallen back into old patterns without repentance.

Paul’s sorrow reveals his pastoral heart. He is not merely upset about sin as a violation of rules; he is genuinely grieved because he understands the harm it brings to individuals and the community. Unrepented sin hinders the church’s witness, weakens relationships, and disrupts communion with God. Paul’s grief reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance.

Repentance is central to the Christian life. It is not a one-time act but an ongoing commitment to turn from sin and turn to God. Paul’s fear that he might be “humbled” if he finds them unrepentant reflects the mutual accountability in the Christian community. Leaders and believers alike share responsibility for one another’s spiritual well-being.

Paul’s words in this passage invite each of us to examine our motives, behaviors, and commitment to repentance. His concern for the Corinthians is rooted in a desire for their spiritual maturity, unity, and growth in Christ. Through this passage, we are encouraged to evaluate our own lives in light of Paul’s pastoral concerns.

Paul confronts sin, but he does so with a heart that seeks restoration and growth. His words encourage us to reflect on our motives, commit to building others up, and pursue lives of repentance and faithfulness. By embracing Paul’s call to unity, maturity, and purity, we can cultivate communities that embody the love and holiness of Christ. Let these verses serve as a reminder of the transformative power of grace and the call to live as reflections of Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.

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