2 Corinthians 12:14-18 (WEL) Look, I am ready to come to you this third time, and I will not be a burden to you, for I am not seeking your money but you. For the children shouldn’t have to provide for the parents, but parents for the children. 15 I will very gladly wear myself out for you and be exhausted for you, even though the more I love you, the less you love me. 16 But so be it. I did not make myself a burden to you, nevertheless being crafty, “I caught you with deception.” 17 Did I profit off you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I requested Titus, and I sent a brother with him. Did Titus make a profit off you? Didn’t we follow the same spirit? Didn’t we follow the same steps?
V14 Look, I am ready to come to you this third time, and I will not be a burden to you, for I am not seeking your money but you. For the children shouldn’t have to provide for the parents, but parents for the children.
It is believed that Paul visited Corinth 3 times: 1) 50-52AD to found the church and teaching there for approximately 18 months (Acts 18:1-18), 2) the “painful visit” not written in Acts but mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:1; 2 Corinthians 12:14; and 2 Corinthians 13:1 to correct the sin in the church and defend his apostleship, and 3) this is mentioned in Acts 20:2-3 for the purpose of collection of monies to help the poor brethren in Jerusalem.
A principle is taught concerning responsibilities: we are to provide to those we are responsible for. This is not just financial, but help, encouragement, training, chastening, guarding, teaching, and giving them a good example to glorify God.
V15 I will very gladly wear myself out for you and be exhausted for you, even though the more I love you, the less you love me.
There is the principle of rest that God taught Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 2:1-3). The Lord Jesus also applied this principle in His earthly ministry (Mark 6:31). But sometimes it is necessary to minister longer, so God gives His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 73:26).
V16 But so be it. I did not make myself a burden to you; nevertheless, being crafty, “I caught you with deception.”
Paul was a tent maker by profession (Acts 18:3). After ministering, he would work at his occupation.
Comments:
(Dake Study Bible Notes—beware) “Paul’s enemies accused him of using tricks to get what he was pretending that he would not take from them. He answers this charge by the questions of 2 Corinthians 12:17-18.”
(Zondervan King James Version Commentary, New Testament) “He repeated that he did not want to place a burden (v. 16) on them, though he thought it important to guard against unfounded insinuations from the antagonists who doubted the purity of his motives. He caught them with guile (Greek, dolō), as an animal is fooled by a camouflaged trap.”
V17 Did I profit off you by any of those whom I sent to you?
Paul worked to provide for himself. The false apostles did not work except to work their mouths.
Paul sent members of his team, but they also did not collect money to help Paul.
The false apostles lied, slandered, and committed character assassination. This often happens today as well. The best we must do is correct them and then continue serving, for they will never be satisfied with our answers. God knows our motives and hearts. He is the judge. Know them, test them, and avoid false teachers if at all possible.
V18 I requested Titus, and I sent a brother with him. Did Titus make a profit off you? Didn’t we follow the same spirit? Didn’t we follow the same steps?
Christians should be consistent in life and in alignment with the laws of the Lord Jesus in the New Testament.
We learn:
- How to address those who slander us.
- How to keep ministering regardless of harassment instead of using wisdom to do it.
Questions:
- Do you lie to promote yourself?
- How do you handle those who start lying about you?