2 Corinthians 13:7

Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be reprobate.

The meaning of this is: "We pray to God that you may lead a pure and holy life, not to do us credit, but because it is right, even though we should be like false apostles."[16] A shade of meaning is also present as in Clines' comment: "I would rather you did what is right, even if that means that I should not look like a true apostle, because of no need to take strong disciplinary measures."[17] Of course, Paul would have been more completely demonstrated as a true apostle if, in response to gross evil, he should have invoked such a penalty as fell on Elymas; on the other hand, if the Corinthians repented, as he hoped they would, he would appear among them as his usual kindly and tolerant self; and, in that latter case, Paul's honor would not have been so dramatically demonstrated.

[16] J. R. Dummelow, Commentary on the Holy Bible (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1937), p 943

[17] David J. A. Clines, op. cit., p. 441.