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2 Corinthians 12:19–21
“I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder” (v. 20).
As Paul prepares to conclude 2 Corinthians, he has been seeking to clear up any misunderstandings that the Corinthians had of him. In 12:14–18, he stressed that his intent in not accepting their financial support was so that he would not burden the church in Corinth and that he was completely honest in rejecting their help. He made these arguments in response to those who believed he was somehow secretly taking from the church while publicly turning down their support.
In today’s passage, the Apostle addresses another potential misunderstanding when he asks if the church believes that he has been defending himself and his coworkers to them in this epistle (v. 19). Evidently, Paul is aware that his defense of himself throughout 2 Corinthians might be construed as a way to commend himself to the church in Corinth, and that would give the false teachers more ammunition for attacking him. After all, the Apostle has criticized people who endeavor to improperly commend themselves to others (see 3:1; 5:12; 10:12, 18).
Paul responds to this misunderstanding by stating that what appears to have been a defense of himself throughout 2 Corinthians is not for his own sake but for their sake. His arguments for the validity of his Apostolic ministry have all been for their “upbuilding” (12:19). How is this so? Because in defending his ministry, Paul has delivered essential theological teaching that has a salutary effect on the Corinthians’ souls. In his defense, Paul has instructed readers in such things as the nature of the old and new covenants, the doctrine of justification, true repentance, Christ’s sacrifice, God’s power in our weakness, and other matters (ch. 3; 5:21; 7:10–13; 8:9; 12:9–10).
The Apostle candidly reveals his fears regarding the upcoming visit. He thinks it is possible, despite the confidence he has in the Corinthians (7:16), that he may find many sins in the community unaddressed and professing believers impenitent. If so, he will mourn (12:20–21). So, his reference to these things is a subtle way to encourage the Corinthians who are still not living in line with their Christian profession to repent, to turn from their sins so that Paul’s visit will not require disciplinary action. We should turn from our sins because they offend God, of course, but we should turn from them also because they fracture human relationships.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Commenting on Paul’s grief over the Corinthians’ sin, John Calvin says that although pastors should have special grief over congregational sin, “it is, indeed, a thing that is common to all the pious, to be grieved in every case in which God is offended, and to bewail the ruin of brethren, and present themselves before God in their room as in a manner guilty.” Grieving sin in the church is the first step to addressing it effectively.
For Further Study
- Psalm 119:136
- Matthew 5:4
- 1 Corinthians 5:1–2
- James 4:1–9