Useful Bible Studies > 2 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 1

Holy and sincere behaviour

2 Corinthians 1:12-14

People naturally try to do whatever seems best for them. That is, whatever gives them the greatest advantage. They consider it wise to behave like that.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Paul warned the Christians in Corinth not to behave like that. God’s wisdom is different from human wisdom; now they must serve God. Christians should not try to please themselves. Instead, their desire should be to please God.

In 2 Corinthians 1:12, Paul explains how he tried to do that. It affected both his relationship with God, and his relationship with other people. In relation to God, Paul acted in a holy manner. He obeyed God, because as one of God’s people, he belonged to God. In relation to other people, Paul acted in a sincere manner. He tried always to be honest and truthful. He refused to use clever words that would hide his true intentions*. He spoke in a manner that people could understand clearly.

Paul considered it important to do these things in every situation. However, it seemed especially important to him always to act in this manner when he dealt with the Christians in Corinth. He believed that God had given him special responsibility for them, like a father’s responsibility for his children*. Therefore, he must behave towards them as he wanted them to behave*.

Paul examined his own conscience about how he had dealt with the Christians in Corinth. He was sure that he had always acted in a holy and sincere manner towards them. However, they seemed not completely sure about that. Paul did not want to argue about it. Jesus was both his master and theirs. At Jesus’ return, when he acts as judge, all these things will become clear.

Next part: Paul had not yet returned to Corinth (1:15-18)

 

* See complete article for these Bible references.

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© 2016, Keith Simons.