14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps? 19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
Commentary
Vs. 14 "Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children."
The Apostle Paul's now declares that this is the third time he has been ready to come to them. The first visit to the Corinthians is recorded in Acts 18:1, the second visit is alluded too in 2 Cor. 2:1, the third visit, which the Apostle Paul refers to here, is being spoken of in the light of the Corinthians ongoing disobedience (see 2 Cor. 13:1-2); though Paul's tone here is more conciliatory than it is there, since his emphasis is not on the Corinthians themselves here, rather in verses 14-19, Paul is making the case of his love and Apostleship for them, and how he and those whom he sent to them all walked in the same spirit; that is they were not a financial burden to any of the Corinthians, nor would he be when he came to them again. For as the Apostle Paul states here, "I do not seek yours, but you." For Paul was not interested in acquiring wealth or possessions from the Corinthians; now contrast that attitude with the false apostles, prophets, and teachers; both then and now, whose heart and eyes are only set on their own material gain; who only misuse the gospel to try to enrich themselves by promising wealth and prosperity to all those they are exploiting through it, see 1 Tim. 6:5-10; 2 Peter 2:1-3, 14-17 etc.). No Paul's heart and eyes were only set on the Corinthians as beloved believers and friends, and thus on having and developing a deeper and more enriching relationship with them all. Thus Paul as a "father" of their faith says of his own "parental" responsibilities towards them all that, "the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." And so again Paul by saying as much is revealing not only his heart towards them all; but also a guiding principal of his ministry and life, something which again clearly distinguishes him from the false apostles, who have little interest in those they "minister" the Gospel too when the well runs dry for them.
Vs. 15 "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved."
Paul's love and concern for the Corinthians (indeed all believers) was so deep and genuine that he would very gladly spend his lives energies and abilities that God gave him, and thus he himself would very gladly be spent (by God) on all our faith and souls (also see Phil 2:17). Now as true as that is, the Apostle also sadly acknowledges that, "though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." For the Corinthians it seems, through their own carnality and or spiritual immaturity, were still being blinded to deeper and richer things of life.
Vs. 16 "But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!"
And so as an outworking of Paul's love for them all, he quite intentionally did not burden any of them. Therefore whatever Paul's detractors were saying about him for not taking any remuneration from them, Paul's singular motive was not to be a burden to any of them. Now Paul also indirectly takes up another slighting critique of his person, and that was though Paul himself did not take any money from them, Paul had sent others to the Corinthians to get money from them. Now in response to that false accusation, Paul again reminds them that he did not burden any of them, (unlike the false apostles), but instead being crafty he caught them by cunning, which is Paul basically turning his false accusers rhetoric on their own heads. For they were accusing Paul of being crafty and deceitful; of employing others to try to get remuneration indirectly from the Corinthians through that offering. All which must have not only been unbearable to hear, but extremely hurtful, considering that both he and those sent by him all walked in the same spirit of honesty, transparency, and altogether upright integrity. Again neither Paul, nor those whom he sent to them, in any way profited from any of the Corinthians offering to support those brethren in need. Thus Paul's catching the Corinthians by "cunning" here is only in regards to his own (and those he sent to them) impeccable conduct before them, all which is turning his detractors words against them. For they had been telling the Corinthians that Paul only sent Titus, or others to get something from them; which again must have been devastating to hear, given all that both Paul and Titus did to walk so blamelessly before them.
Vs. 17 "Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?"
Therefore in light of the things being spoken against Paul by Paul's detractors, the Apostle Paul now directly asks them: "Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?" Since the Corinthians were listening too the slander of Paul's detractors then they really ought to first consider the Apostle's own conduct, as well as the conduct of those he sent to them. For looking back at the historical account, neither Paul, nor those whom he sent to them ever ask anything from them. And when the collection was taken up for the saints in Jerusalem, Paul left it up to the Corinthians to decide who would both handle and deliver their offering (see 1 Cor 16:1-4). Therefore in no way can either Paul or any of those he sent to them be justly charged with taking advantage of the Corinthians in any way at all.
Vs. 18 "I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?"
And so the Apostle Paul now reminds them that when he sent Titus, he not only urged him he also sent another brother in the Lord with him, so as to leave no room for either Paul or Titus' integrity to be called into question (2 Cor 8:16-21). Therefore having stated as much Paul now asks them, "Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?" If Paul was guilty of anything it was in being overly cautious, of wanting to leave Corinthians feeling that both he and those he sent to them could be and should be trusted. And so neither Paul nor Titus took advantage of the Corinthians, for both were, when amongst them, self-supporting (i.e. they worked with their own hands) or when necessary they were supported by other churches. That is what Paul means when he says that both he and Titus walked in the same steps and spirit. For both men had their hearts and minds set on establishing the Corinthians in their faith first and foremost (2 Cor 8:16). And so if not being financially supported by them, built trust between them and the Corinthians, while freeing the Corinthians to support those brethren in Jerusalem in need, so be it.
Vs. 19 "Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification."
Now in case the Corinthians mistake Paul's words as some sort of defense before them, or even his detractors, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that in stating all these things he is not defending himself, rather he is speaking as before God in Christ. That is as if he were in the presence of God and telling Him all that he did in ministering the Gospel to them, with the best of his abilities. Therefore Paul wants them all to know that they are beloved, and that all that he does, and has been doing, (specifically in writing this Epistle) is for their edification.
Vs. 20-21 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
The Apostle Paul was planning to come to them, and by writing to them first, Paul wanted them all to have time to resolve their personal conflicts, and start living in harmony with the Gospel and love peace with one another, so that when he did come, it would be in spirit of gentleness and love, and not with a "rod" of correction (consider 1 Cor. 4:21). For Paul did not want to come to the Corinthians and find the Corinthians still living carnally, as he says in verse twenty, "lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;" all which only testify to living by the works of the flesh, and not the Spirit of God (see Gal. 5:19-26). And so Paul wanted the Corinthians to start doing and pursuing those things that will testify to their ongoing Spiritual growth and maturity, by their putting away the works and ways of their old sinful nature (consider Titus 3:3-7). Now in verse twenty one, Paul's exhortation to repent takes on a personal appeal, in that Paul did not want to God humble him among them. For Paul himself felt a great burden and sadness when he was told that there were some among the Corinthians who had not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they had practiced. And so Paul knowing that those who practice such things while living in Christian fellowship; if they don't repent; will only lead to the Living Christ having to deal directly with them (consider Rev. 12:14-23). And so Paul now appeals for their repentance, because those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; also see 1 Thess. 4:7-8).
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
Additional Resources Consulted
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1867). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
The Apostle Paul's now declares that this is the third time he has been ready to come to them. The first visit to the Corinthians is recorded in Acts 18:1, the second visit is alluded too in 2 Cor. 2:1, the third visit, which the Apostle Paul refers to here, is being spoken of in the light of the Corinthians ongoing disobedience (see 2 Cor. 13:1-2); though Paul's tone here is more conciliatory than it is there, since his emphasis is not on the Corinthians themselves here, rather in verses 14-19, Paul is making the case of his love and Apostleship for them, and how he and those whom he sent to them all walked in the same spirit; that is they were not a financial burden to any of the Corinthians, nor would he be when he came to them again. For as the Apostle Paul states here, "I do not seek yours, but you." For Paul was not interested in acquiring wealth or possessions from the Corinthians; now contrast that attitude with the false apostles, prophets, and teachers; both then and now, whose heart and eyes are only set on their own material gain; who only misuse the gospel to try to enrich themselves by promising wealth and prosperity to all those they are exploiting through it, see 1 Tim. 6:5-10; 2 Peter 2:1-3, 14-17 etc.). No Paul's heart and eyes were only set on the Corinthians as beloved believers and friends, and thus on having and developing a deeper and more enriching relationship with them all. Thus Paul as a "father" of their faith says of his own "parental" responsibilities towards them all that, "the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." And so again Paul by saying as much is revealing not only his heart towards them all; but also a guiding principal of his ministry and life, something which again clearly distinguishes him from the false apostles, who have little interest in those they "minister" the Gospel too when the well runs dry for them.
Vs. 15 "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved."
Paul's love and concern for the Corinthians (indeed all believers) was so deep and genuine that he would very gladly spend his lives energies and abilities that God gave him, and thus he himself would very gladly be spent (by God) on all our faith and souls (also see Phil 2:17). Now as true as that is, the Apostle also sadly acknowledges that, "though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." For the Corinthians it seems, through their own carnality and or spiritual immaturity, were still being blinded to deeper and richer things of life.
Vs. 16 "But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!"
And so as an outworking of Paul's love for them all, he quite intentionally did not burden any of them. Therefore whatever Paul's detractors were saying about him for not taking any remuneration from them, Paul's singular motive was not to be a burden to any of them. Now Paul also indirectly takes up another slighting critique of his person, and that was though Paul himself did not take any money from them, Paul had sent others to the Corinthians to get money from them. Now in response to that false accusation, Paul again reminds them that he did not burden any of them, (unlike the false apostles), but instead being crafty he caught them by cunning, which is Paul basically turning his false accusers rhetoric on their own heads. For they were accusing Paul of being crafty and deceitful; of employing others to try to get remuneration indirectly from the Corinthians through that offering. All which must have not only been unbearable to hear, but extremely hurtful, considering that both he and those sent by him all walked in the same spirit of honesty, transparency, and altogether upright integrity. Again neither Paul, nor those whom he sent to them, in any way profited from any of the Corinthians offering to support those brethren in need. Thus Paul's catching the Corinthians by "cunning" here is only in regards to his own (and those he sent to them) impeccable conduct before them, all which is turning his detractors words against them. For they had been telling the Corinthians that Paul only sent Titus, or others to get something from them; which again must have been devastating to hear, given all that both Paul and Titus did to walk so blamelessly before them.
Vs. 17 "Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?"
Therefore in light of the things being spoken against Paul by Paul's detractors, the Apostle Paul now directly asks them: "Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?" Since the Corinthians were listening too the slander of Paul's detractors then they really ought to first consider the Apostle's own conduct, as well as the conduct of those he sent to them. For looking back at the historical account, neither Paul, nor those whom he sent to them ever ask anything from them. And when the collection was taken up for the saints in Jerusalem, Paul left it up to the Corinthians to decide who would both handle and deliver their offering (see 1 Cor 16:1-4). Therefore in no way can either Paul or any of those he sent to them be justly charged with taking advantage of the Corinthians in any way at all.
Vs. 18 "I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?"
And so the Apostle Paul now reminds them that when he sent Titus, he not only urged him he also sent another brother in the Lord with him, so as to leave no room for either Paul or Titus' integrity to be called into question (2 Cor 8:16-21). Therefore having stated as much Paul now asks them, "Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?" If Paul was guilty of anything it was in being overly cautious, of wanting to leave Corinthians feeling that both he and those he sent to them could be and should be trusted. And so neither Paul nor Titus took advantage of the Corinthians, for both were, when amongst them, self-supporting (i.e. they worked with their own hands) or when necessary they were supported by other churches. That is what Paul means when he says that both he and Titus walked in the same steps and spirit. For both men had their hearts and minds set on establishing the Corinthians in their faith first and foremost (2 Cor 8:16). And so if not being financially supported by them, built trust between them and the Corinthians, while freeing the Corinthians to support those brethren in Jerusalem in need, so be it.
Vs. 19 "Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification."
Now in case the Corinthians mistake Paul's words as some sort of defense before them, or even his detractors, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that in stating all these things he is not defending himself, rather he is speaking as before God in Christ. That is as if he were in the presence of God and telling Him all that he did in ministering the Gospel to them, with the best of his abilities. Therefore Paul wants them all to know that they are beloved, and that all that he does, and has been doing, (specifically in writing this Epistle) is for their edification.
Vs. 20-21 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
The Apostle Paul was planning to come to them, and by writing to them first, Paul wanted them all to have time to resolve their personal conflicts, and start living in harmony with the Gospel and love peace with one another, so that when he did come, it would be in spirit of gentleness and love, and not with a "rod" of correction (consider 1 Cor. 4:21). For Paul did not want to come to the Corinthians and find the Corinthians still living carnally, as he says in verse twenty, "lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;" all which only testify to living by the works of the flesh, and not the Spirit of God (see Gal. 5:19-26). And so Paul wanted the Corinthians to start doing and pursuing those things that will testify to their ongoing Spiritual growth and maturity, by their putting away the works and ways of their old sinful nature (consider Titus 3:3-7). Now in verse twenty one, Paul's exhortation to repent takes on a personal appeal, in that Paul did not want to God humble him among them. For Paul himself felt a great burden and sadness when he was told that there were some among the Corinthians who had not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they had practiced. And so Paul knowing that those who practice such things while living in Christian fellowship; if they don't repent; will only lead to the Living Christ having to deal directly with them (consider Rev. 12:14-23). And so Paul now appeals for their repentance, because those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; also see 1 Thess. 4:7-8).
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
Additional Resources Consulted
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1867). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
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