2 Corinthians 5:13

All of Paul’s ministries to and for the Corinthians had been for God’s glory and their welfare.

What Paul meant by the charge of being beside himself, and its opposite, being of sound mind, could and probably does include all the following possibilities. Some critics apparently attacked him for his teaching that differed from mainstream Judaism, his ecstatic experiences, and his ceaseless service. To this his response was, "That is for God to judge" (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:9-11). Other critics may have thought him crazy for speaking in tongues and having visions (cf. Acts 22:17-21). For Paul, that was a matter between him and God (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:2). Occasionally Paul may have appeared carried away with his emotions, but that conduct only resulted in God’s glory. His self-commendation may have looked like lunacy to some in Corinth, but Paul was only defending God’s cause. In Paul’s culture people considered self-commendation inappropriate except in certain particular circumstances. [Note: Keener, p. 166.] To the Jews the apostle’s conversion marked him as a madman, but that change of mind was a totally rational decision. [Note: Harris, p. 351.] Jesus’ critics had misjudged Him too.