“Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.”
For if any of the Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we — not to say anything of you — would be ashamed of having been so confident — the hypothetical shame (*aiskúnē*) would touch all parties: Paul's judgment, the Corinthians' integrity, even the observers. Reputation in Christ's community matters because character witnesses to the gospel.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 9:4
“Lest by any means if there come with me any from Macedonia, we, (that we say not ye,) should be put to shame in this confidence.” The shame is greater when the spectators he has arrayed against them are many, even those same persons who had heard [his boasting.] And he did not say, 'for I am bringing with me Macedonians.' 'for there are Macedonians coming with me;' lest he should seem to do it on purpose; but how [said he?] “Lest by any means, if there come with me any from…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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