2 Corinthians 5:12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:12-15

Here observe, I. The apostle makes an apology for seeming to commend himself and his fellow-labourers (2 Cor. 5:13), and tells them, 1. It was not to commend themselves, nor for their own sakes, that he had spoken of their fidelity and diligence in the 2 Cor. 5:1-11; nor was he willing to suspect their good opinion of him. But, 2. The true reason was this, to put an argument in their mouths wherewith to answer his accusers, who made vain boastings, and gloried in appearances only; that he... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:11-19

5:11-19 So then, it is because we know the fear of the Lord that we keep on trying to persuade men, but to God we are already known through and through, and I hope that in your conscience, too, we will come to be as completely known. We are not trying to give ourselves another testimonial, but we are giving you an opportunity to express your pride in us, so that you may be able to answer those who pride themselves on outward appearances but not in the things of the heart. For, if we have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:12

For we commend not ourselves again to you ,.... We have no need to do so, being well known to you; nor do we intend it when we thus speak of ourselves, and of our ministrations: but give you occasion to glory on our behalf ; suggest some things to you which you may make use of in our favour, for the vindicating of our characters and conduct: that you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart ; by whom are meant the false apostles who gloried in an... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:12

For we commend not ourselves? - I do not say these things to bespeak your good opinion, to procure your praise; but to give you an occasion to glory - to exult on our behalf; and to furnish you with an answer to all those who either malign us or our ministry, and who only glory in appearance - have no solid ground of exultation, and whose heart is dishonest and impure. St. Paul probably speaks here concerning the false apostle, who had been dividing the Church and endeavoring to raise a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:12

Verse 12 12.For we commend not ourselves. He confirms what he had said immediately before, and at the same time anticipates a calumny that might be brought against him. For it might seem as if he were too careful as to his own praise, inasmuch as he spoke so frequently respecting himself. Nay, it is probable that this reproach had been cast upon him by the wicked. For when he says — We commend not ourselves again, he says this as if speaking in his own person. To commend is taken in a bad... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:11-19

Self-devotion of the ministry of reconciliation. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:12

For we commend not ourselves again unto you. Still reverting to the charge that he was guilty of self praise, he says that his object is not this, for it was needless ( 2 Corinthians 3:2 , 2 Corinthians 3:3 ). But give you occasion to glory on our behalf. But we speak as we have done to give you a starling-point for something to boast of on our behalf. He has already said ( 2 Corinthians 1:4 ) that the teachers and the taught in their mutual affection ought to have some ground for... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:12

For we commend not ourselves again unto you - This refers to what he had said in the previous verse. He had there said that he had such a consciousness of integrity that he could appeal to God, and that he was persuaded that the Corinthians also approved his course, or admitted that he was influenced by right motives. He here states the reason why he had said this. It was not to commend himself to them. It was not to boast of his own character, nor was it in order to secure their praise or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 5:11-12

2 Corinthians 5:11-12. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord The strict judgment which must then pass on all impenitent sinners; we the more earnestly persuade men To repent and believe the gospel, that, instead of being objects of the divine wrath, they may live and die happy in his favour. But, as we are made manifest to God And he knows our integrity; I trust also it is evident to you. For we commend not ourselves We do not say this as if we thought there was any need of ... read more

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