2 CORINTHIANS 12:19 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.”
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening — Paul's entire *apologetic* is *not for self-vindication* but *for the Corinthians' edification*. *Endurance before God* (*enantion tou theou*) grounds apostolic discourse. Every word aims at *oikodomen*, building up.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 12:19
“Again, think ye that we are excusing ourselves unto you?” Do you see how he is continually in fear, lest he should incur the suspicion of flattery? Do you see an Apostle's prudence, how constantly he mentions this? For he said before, “We commend not ourselves again, but give you occasion to glory;” 2 Corinthians 5:12 and in the commencement of the Epistle, “Do we need letters of commendation?” 2 Corinthians 3:1 “But all things are for your edifying.” Again he is soothing…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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