2 Corinthians 6:11-13

The appeal stated 6:11-13

On the basis of his preceding openness with the Corinthians, Paul exhorted them, on the ground of fair play, to respond toward him as he had behaved toward them. His open speech (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:12; 2 Corinthians 4:2) reflected his open heart. They had shown reserve, not because Paul had put them under bondage but because they doubted his integrity. He urged them to become unrestrained in their affection toward him as he had demonstrated that he was unrestrained in his affection toward them.

Rarely did Paul address his readers by name in the body of his epistles. He did so only when he felt very emotionally involved in what he was saying (cf. Galatians 3:1; Philippians 4:15). Here it was his extreme candor in sharing the painful experiences of his ministry with his dear friends that moved him (2 Corinthians 6:4-10). Many students of this book have felt that Paul’s openness with the Corinthians that comes through so strongly here is a distinctive mark of this epistle. One therefore entitled his good commentary A Heart Opened Wide. [Note: Homer A. Kent Jr.]

Paul appealed strongly for his readers to reciprocate his openness and love completely. However, he knew that he could not demand this but only request it, as a parent requests the love of his or her children.