2 Corinthians 5:12-13

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 5:13

For whether we be besides ourselves ,.... As some took them to be, and as Festus thought the Apostle Paul was, because of the doctrines they preached, and the self-commendation they were obliged to enter into through the calumnies of their adversaries; in which they did not so much seek their own reputation, as the honour and glory of God, which was struck at through them: it is to God ; it is for his glory, and not our own, that we act this part, for which we are condemned as madmen. ... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:13

Beside ourselves - Probably he was reputed by some to be deranged. Festus thought so: Paul, thou art beside thyself; too much learning hath made thee mad. And his enemies at Corinth might insinuate not only that he was deranged, but attribute his derangement to a less worthy cause than intense study and deep learning. It is to God - If we do appear, in speaking of the glories of the eternal world, to be transported beyond ourselves, it is through the good hand of our God upon us, and we... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:13

Verse 13 13.Whether we are beside ourselves. This is said by way of concession; for Paul’s glorying was sane, or it was, if we may so term it, a sober and most judicious madness; (542) but as he appeared foolish in the eyes of many, he speaks according to their views. Now he declares two things: in the first place, that he makes no account of himself, but has this one object in view — that he may serve God and the Church; and, secondly, that he fears not the opinion of men, so that he is... 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

Group of Brands