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2 Corinthians 12:11-21
11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: This week we pick back up where we left off in 2 Corinthians 12 as we see the apostle Paul continue to share his concerns for the church in Corinth. In our passage Paul shares that he will soon visit Corinth and he is concerned that some of the Corinthians still do not recognize his apostolic ministry of the Gospel. Paul expresses that he has great love for the Corinthians, one similar to a parent who is willing to sacrifice for their children’s own good. But Paul fears that some of the Corinthians might not be prepared for his visit, living in ways contrary to the gospel. It is clear that Paul longs for the Corinthians to repent of their sins and see him as a true apostle and loving parent who is willing and glad to be spent for the good of their souls.
Review & Apply
Why does Paul call himself a “fool”? How does this relate to the passages we have studied in previous weeks?
In your mind, what are the faithful marks or characteristics of a faithful Gospel ministry?
Based on this entire passage, how does Paul show that he is seeking the spiritual good of the Corinthians?
What does this passage show us about the false accusations the Corinthians made against Paul? How does Paul address and respond to these false accusations? (v.16-18)
For what and for whom are we spending and being spent? Will it be worth it in 25 years?
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