Paul's Concern for Corinth and Warning of Discipline
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
2Cor.12.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Γεγονα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- αφρων·υμεις: ADJ,nom,sg,m+PRON,nom,pl,2
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ηναγκασατε·εγω: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl+PRON,nom,sg,1
- γαρ: PART
- ωφειλον: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,sg
- υφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- συνιστασθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- υστερησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- υπερλιαν: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- αποστολων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- ειμι·: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:5 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language about not being inferior to the 'super-apostles' (οὐδὲν ὑστερῶ τῶν ὑπερλίαν ἀποστόλων); a direct verbal and conceptual parallel to Paul's claim in 12:11.
- 2 Corinthians 11:21-23 (thematic): Paul ironizes claims to superiority and lists his own apostolic sufferings and credentials—part of the sustained defense against rival apostles that frames the boast/claim in 12:11.
- 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (structural): Paul addresses boasting, comparisons, and who may commend himself—the argumentative background for 12:11's assertion that he ought to be commended by the Corinthians.
- Galatians 2:6-9 (allusion): Describes recognition of Paul's mission by the Jerusalem leaders (Peter, James, John); relates to issues of apostolic authority and acceptance that Paul confronts in 2 Cor 12:11.
- 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 (thematic): Paul asserts his apostleship and his claim to be recognized by the Corinthians ('If to others I am not an apostle, certainly I am to you'), paralleling 12:11's demand for commendation and status.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have made a fool of myself — you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing am I behind the foremost apostles, although I am nothing.
- I have become a fool — you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; in nothing was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
2Cor.12.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- μεν: PART
- σημεια: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- αποστολου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- κατειργασθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- υπομονη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- σημειοις: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τερασιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- δυναμεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
Parallels
- Acts 5:12 (verbal): Explicitly describes the apostles performing 'many signs and wonders and great miracles'—very similar language and the same idea of apostolic authentication by miraculous signs.
- Mark 16:20 (thematic): Summarizes the early apostolic mission: 'the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs'—parallel theme of the gospel being validated by signs and wonders accompanying apostolic ministry.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4 (verbal): Paul speaks of his speech 'not in persuasive words of wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,' echoing 2 Cor 12:12's emphasis on Spirit-empowered signs and deeds as evidence of apostolic ministry.
- Romans 15:18-19 (thematic): Paul claims to have proclaimed the gospel 'by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit,' connecting his personal apostolic ministry with the same pattern of miraculous validation described in 2 Cor 12:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- The signs of a true apostle have been exhibited among you with all steadfastness: in signs and wonders and mighty works.
- The signs of an apostle were displayed among you with all perseverance: by signs and wonders and mighty works.
2Cor.12.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ησσωθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- υπερ: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- λοιπας: ADJ,acc,pl,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- οτι: CONJ
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ου: PART,neg
- κατεναρκησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- χαρισασθε: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,sg,m
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αδικιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ταυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 12:14 (structural): Immediate literary continuation—Paul explains his refusal to be a burden and anticipates his coming, developing the same argument about not being 'burdensome' to the Corinthians.
- 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 (verbal): Paul says he 'robbed' other churches and accepted support from them so as not to be a burden to the Corinthians—directly parallels the claim that he did not make himself chargeable to them.
- 1 Corinthians 9:11-15 (verbal): Paul argues about his apostolic rights to be supported yet explains he did not use them for the Corinthians' sake—same line of argument about foregoing support to avoid being a burden.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (thematic): Paul recalls working night and day so as not to be 'chargeable' to the Thessalonians—parallel theme of self-support to prevent being a burden on the churches he ministers to.
- Acts 20:33-35 (thematic): Paul insists he coveted no one's silver or gold and models self-support and giving—resonates with his refusal to impose financial demands on the Corinthian church.
Alternative generated candidates
- For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches? Did I make a gain of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
- For in what were you inferior to other churches? Was it that I did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
2Cor.12.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ιδου: PART
- τριτον: NUM,acc,sg,n
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ετοιμως: ADV
- εχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- καταναρκησω·ου: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- ζητω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- αλλα: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- οφειλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- γονευσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- θησαυριζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- αλλα: CONJ
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- γονεις: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- τεκνοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (verbal): Paul uses the same claim of not being a burden to the Thessalonians—he worked and did not accept support, matching the language and point in 2 Cor 12:14.
- Acts 20:33-35 (verbal): Paul insists he coveted no one's silver or gold and labored to support himself and others—parallels the refusal to be burdensome and his ethic of self-support.
- 1 Corinthians 9:11-14 (thematic): Discussion of the right of ministers to receive material support, yet Paul often forgoes that right; thematically relates to seeking people rather than their possessions.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 (allusion): Paul speaks of becoming a father to the Corinthians in Christ—parental language echoes the parent/child analogy used in 2 Cor 12:14.
- 1 Timothy 5:4 (thematic): Addresses the duty of children to care for parents (repay parents at home), providing an ethical/legal backdrop to Paul’s counterstatement about parents bearing for children.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls; if I love you more, am I to be loved less?
- Behold, for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.
2Cor.12.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- ηδιστα: ADV,superl
- δαπανησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- εκδαπανηθησομαι: VERB,fut,pass,ind,1,sg
- υπερ: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ψυχων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- περισσοτερως: ADV
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αγαπων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- ησσον: ADV,comp
- αγαπωμαι: VERB,pres,pass,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (verbal): Paul says he was willing to share not only the gospel but his own life with the Thessalonians—language of personal self-giving that echoes 'I will gladly spend and be spent for your souls.'
- Philippians 2:17 (verbal): Paul uses the image of being 'poured out' as a drink offering for the faith of others, a close verbal/imaginative parallel to being 'spent' for the benefit of the churches.
- 2 Corinthians 4:11 (structural): In the same letter Paul frames his sufferings as being 'delivered unto death' that Christ's life might be manifested—theologically and structurally connected to self-sacrificial service for others' spiritual good.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (thematic): Paul's catalogue of hardships endured for the churches provides the concrete backdrop for his claim to spend and be spent on behalf of their souls.
- 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (thematic): Paul's description of becoming 'all things to all people' and disciplining himself to win souls reflects the same sacrificial, other‑centered ministry expressed in 2 Cor 12:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- But be it so — I did not burden you. Yet, crafty as I may be, I caught you by guile.
- I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, will I be loved the less?
2Cor.12.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εστω: VERB,pres,act,imp,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- ου: PART,neg
- κατεβαρησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- υμας·αλλα: PRON,acc,pl,2
- υπαρχων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- πανουργος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- δολω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ελαβον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 (verbal): Paul explicitly rejects 'walking in craftiness' (πανουργίᾳ) and 'deception' in the same letter, echoing the language and ethical contrast in 2 Cor 12:16.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (thematic): Paul expresses fear that the Corinthians be 'led astray' by deceptive teachings—same concern about being betrayed or 'caught' by guileful opponents.
- Galatians 2:4-5 (allusion): Paul warns of 'false brethren' who came in secretly to spy out and bring the church into bondage—parallel theme of deceitful intrusion and covert craftiness.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (thematic): Paul denies coming 'with words of flattery' or 'a pretext for greed,' contrasting his sincere conduct with those who use guile—echoes his denial of burdening the Corinthians by deceit.
- Romans 16:18 (verbal): Paul warns of people who 'by smooth talk and flattery' deceive the hearts of the simple—language and idea of persuasive guile correspond closely to 'caught you with guile' (ἐν δόλῳ).
Alternative generated candidates
- Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?
- But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Yet, being crafty, I took you in by guile.
2Cor.12.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- τινα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- απεσταλκα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- δι᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- επλεονεκτησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (thematic): Paul insists he and his companions worked night and day so as not to be a burden on the Thessalonians—a parallel denial of seeking personal gain from the churches.
- Acts 20:33-35 (thematic): Paul declares he coveted no one's silver or gold and supported himself while among them—echoing the claim in 2 Cor 12:17 that he did not profit through those he sent.
- 1 Corinthians 9:12-18 (verbal): Paul discusses his right to material support yet often refrains from exercising it so as not to hinder the gospel—parallels his refusal to ‘take advantage’ of the Corinthians through his representatives.
- 2 Corinthians 12:16 (structural): Immediate contextual parallel in the same chapter where Paul anticipates and rebuts charges about profiting from the Corinthians via others he sent—same rhetorical line of defense.
- 2 Corinthians 11:7-9 (thematic): Earlier in the letter Paul addresses issues of support and accusations about his financial dealings, defending his integrity—themewise similar to the denial in 12:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- I urged Titus, and I sent the 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?
- Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus — did I not send the brother with him?
2Cor.12.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παρεκαλεσα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- Τιτον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- συναπεστειλα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον·μητι: NOUN,acc,sg,m+PART
- επλεονεκτησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- Τιτος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- περιεπατησαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- ου: PART,neg
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- ιχνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 7:13-15 (thematic): Discusses Titus' earlier visit, the comfort and vindication he brought and Paul's confidence in the Corinthians—background to Paul's question about Titus and their shared conduct.
- 2 Corinthians 8:16-23 (structural): Paul commends Titus and the brothers he sent, defending their integrity and confirming they acted with Paul’s spirit and purpose—directly parallels the defense of Titus here.
- Galatians 2:1-3 (allusion): Paul recounts taking Titus with him to Jerusalem and that Titus, a Gentile, was not compelled to be circumcised—evidence of Titus' trusted status and Paul's careful handling of him.
- Galatians 5:25 (verbal): 'If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit'—echoes Paul’s rhetorical question about walking 'in the same spirit' with Titus and the Corinthians.
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (thematic): 'Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ'—reflects the idea of following the same 'steps' or example, parallel to Paul's 'οὐ τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν?'
Alternative generated candidates
- Again, did I make a gain of you by anyone I sent to you? I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother — have Titus and I made a gain of you?
- Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
2Cor.12.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παλαι: ADV
- δοκειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- απολογουμεθα: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,pl
- κατεναντι: PREP
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- λαλουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- παντα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,voc,pl,m
- υπερ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- οικοδομης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 4:3–4 (thematic): Paul speaks of judgment/conscience and a defense before God rather than men, paralleling 2 Cor.12:19’s concern with speaking before God in Christ and the question of apologizing to the Corinthians.
- 2 Corinthians 5:11 (thematic): Both verses appeal to the fear of the Lord and the motive for persuasive speech—Paul’s ministry is driven by accountability to God, shaping how he speaks to believers.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Paul explicitly rejects seeking human approval in ministry; this echoes 2 Cor.12:19’s stress on speaking ‘before God in Christ’ rather than to win men’s favor.
- Ephesians 4:12 (verbal): Uses the same concept/term of building up (οἰκοδομή) of the church—Eph.4:12’s ‘for building up the body’ parallels 2 Cor.12:19’s ‘υπέρ της υμων οικοδομης’ (for your edification).
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4–8 (thematic): Describes Paul’s motives and manner—speaking with sincerity, seeking to win and strengthen the congregation out of love—echoing 2 Cor.12:19’s emphasis on speaking for the Corinthians’ benefit and edification.
Alternative generated candidates
- This is my defense to those who examine me: not that the Lord judges me, but it is the conscience of you people.
- Do you think that we are making our defense to you? We speak before God in Christ. I do not again act negligently.
2Cor.12.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- φοβουμαι: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- μη: PART
- πως: ADV
- ελθων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- ουχ: PART,neg
- οιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- θελω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ευρω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- καγω: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,1
- ευρεθω: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- οιον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ου: PART,neg
- θελετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- μη: PART
- πως: ADV
- ερις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ζηλος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- θυμοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εριθειαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- καταλαλιαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- ψιθυρισμοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- φυσιωσεις: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- ακαταστασιαι·: NOUN,nom,pl,f
Parallels
- Galatians 5:19-21 (verbal): A close verbal parallel: Paul lists the 'works of the flesh' including jealousy, fits of rage, rivalries, dissensions (or divisions), slander, and similar vices found in 2 Cor 12:20.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3 (verbal): Paul reproves the Corinthians for being worldly, citing 'jealousy and quarreling' among them—a direct concern echoed in 2 Cor 12:20's catalogue of conflicts.
- James 3:14-16 (thematic): James links bitter jealousy and selfish ambition to disorder and every evil practice, thematically paralleling Paul's warning that jealousy, rivalry, and conceit lead to 'disturbances' (ἀκαταστασίαι).
- Romans 16:17 (structural): Paul's admonition to 'watch out for those who cause divisions and obstacles' mirrors the concern in 2 Cor 12:20 about persons and behaviors that create divisions and unrest in the church.
- Titus 3:9-11 (thematic): Titus warns against foolish controversies, genealogies, strife, and quarrels and instructs to avoid a factious person—paralleling 2 Cor 12:20's list of quarrels, dissensions, and disruptive attitudes.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I fear lest, when I come, I may find you not as I wish, and I may be found by you not as you wish; lest there be strife, jealousy, anger, disputes, slander, whispering, pride, disorder.
- For I fear that when I come I may find you such as I would not wish — jealousies, quarrels, anger, rivalries, slanders, whispers, conceits, disorder.
2Cor.12.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- παλιν: ADV
- ελθοντος: PART,aor,act,gen,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ταπεινωση: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- πενθησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- πολλους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- προημαρτηκοτων: VERB,perf,act,part,gen,m,pl
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- μετανοησαντων: VERB,aor,act,part,gen,m,pl
- επι: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ακαθαρσια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- πορνεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ασελγεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- επραξαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 (verbal): Paul confronts a case of blatant sexual immorality in the Corinthian church and calls for disciplinary action — same concern with porneia and the need for correction of unrepentant offenders.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (thematic): Lists those practicing sexual immorality and other sins who will not inherit God's kingdom, and speaks of believers being washed and sanctified — relates to sin, its consequences, and the need for repentance.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 (structural): Paul describes godly sorrow and repentance in response to his previous letter and the report about the Corinthians; closely connected in purpose and emotional tone to his fear of finding unrepentant sinners on his return.
- Galatians 6:1 (thematic): Instructs believers to restore someone caught in sin with gentleness, emphasizing the community's role in repentance and restoration — parallels Paul's pastoral concern for those persisting in impurity.
- Luke 17:3-4 (thematic): Jesus teaches rebuke and repeated forgiveness when there is repentance, highlighting the expectation of change after correction — echoes Paul's lament over those who have not repented of sexual immorality.
Alternative generated candidates
- I fear that when I come again my God may humble me among you, and that I shall mourn over many who have sinned previously and have not repented of impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness.
- I fear that when I come again my God may humble me among you, and I may mourn over many who have sinned previously and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness they have practiced.
I have become a fool; you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing have I been inferior to the most eminent apostles—though I am nothing.
The signs of a true apostle were worked among you with all perseverance: with signs and wonders and mighty works.
For what is it that you have which I did not receive? If I have begotten you through the gospel, did you not become my children?
I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
For I will gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I took you by guile!
Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?
I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit and the same steps? And this is my defense to those who examine me.
For I fear that, when I come, I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish; that there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, rivalries, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
I fear that, when I come, my God may humble me before you, and that I will mourn over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality.