2 Corinthians 12:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

In these verses the apostle addresses himself to the Corinthians two ways:? I. He blames them for what was faulty in them; namely, that they had not stood up in his defence as they ought to have done, and so made it the more needful for him to insist so much on his own vindication. They in manner compelled him to commend himself, who ought to have been commended of them 2 Cor. 12:11. And had they, or some among them, not failed on their part, it would have been less needful for him to have... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

12:19-21 You have been thinking for a long time that it is to you that we have been making our defence. It is before God, in Christ, that we speak. All that we have said, beloved, is for your upbuilding, for I am afraid, in case, when I come, I may find you not such as I wish that you should be, and that I should be found by you not such as you wish me to be. I am afraid that, when I come, there may be amongst you strife, envy, outbursts of anger, the factious spirit, slanderings,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:20

For I fear lest when I come ,.... This fear arose from his fatherly affection for them, and care of them: I shall not find you such as I would ; truly penitent for former sins, thoroughly reformed in life and manners, zealous for God, Christ, and the Gospel, and hearty lovers of one another: and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not ; sharp in his reproofs and admonitions, severe in his corrections and censures, and lawfully using the authority he had from Christ, to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:20

I fear, lest, when I come - I think the present time is used here for the past; the apostle seems most evidently to be giving them the reason why he had not come to them according to his former purposes, and why he sent Titus and his companion. He was afraid to come at that time lest he should have found them perverted from the right way, and he be obliged to make use of his apostolical rod, and punish the offenders; but, feeling towards them the heart of a tender father, he was unwilling to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:20

Verse 20 20.For I fear He declares, in what way it tends to their edification, that his integrity should be vindicated, for, on the ground that he had come into contempt, many grew wanton, as it were, with loosened reins. Now respect for him would have been a means of leading them to repentance, for they would have listened to his admonitions. I fear, says he. This fear proceeded from love, for, unless he had been concerned as to their welfare, he would very readily have overlooked all this,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:20

Such as ye would not (see 1 Corinthians 4:21 ). Debates . "Discords," "quarrels." Strifes . "Party intrigues," "factious and emulous rivalries" ( Romans 2:8 ). Backbiting . Detractions, talkings against one another. Swellings . Inflated conceit pompous egotism ( 1 Corinthians 4:6 , 1 Corinthians 4:18 , 1 Corinthians 4:19 ; Colossians 2:18 ). Tumults . Disorderly excitement. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:20

For I fear, lest, when I come - see 2 Corinthians 12:14.I shall not find you such as I would - That is, walking in the truth and order of the gospel. He had feared that the disorders would not be removed, and that they would not have corrected the errors which prevailed, and for which he had rebuked them. It was on this account that he had said so much to them. His desire was that all these disorders might be removed, and that he might be saved from the necessity of exercising severe discipline... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

2 Corinthians 12:19-21. Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves That I say all this to insinuate myself into your esteem for any secular ends? We speak before God in Christ As if he had said, I have a higher end in view, namely, the glory of God, in whose presence I speak it; for we do all things for your edifying Your edification is the end I have in view, in this and all other things that I do concerning you. For I fear And have I not reason so to do? lest when I come With a... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Plan to visit Corinth again (12:11-21)The Corinthians have forced Paul to this foolish boasting through their believing the accusations that the false apostles made against him. He reminds them also of the miracles and wonders he performed among them, in spite of great difficulties. All these examples should make them see clearly that he is not a second-class apostle (11-12). His refusal to live at the Corinthians’ expense was for the purpose of helping them. But instead of being thankful to... read more

Group of Brands