2 Corinthians 1:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
This verse begins the body of the letter. The beginning of the body often reveals the key idea of the letter (the thesis, called propositio). Paul takes up the accusation that drives much of this letter. The Corinthians have accused Paul of being fickle and not keeping his word of coming to see them. On top of this, the problem was compounded when so-called “super apostles” came to Corinth instead and preached a message different than what Paul did. Much of the letter serves as a defense against these issues. Paul weaves within this defense strong teaching about what ministry should be all about.
Paul begins with a boast that his conscience is clear of doing anything wrong. Everything he did was in good faith and in obedience to God’s will. The conscience is important in following God’s will. The Holy Spirit will speak to our minds and give us a sense of peace, warn us of possible danger with a decision, or convict us of doing something wrong. Paul felt no negative conviction about his decisions. He acted in simplicity or sincerity, choosing the best way to accomplish the mission to which he felt God leading him. He motives were pure, not selfish. There were not based on “fleshly wisdom.” The flesh (sarx) is usually driven by desires for selfish gain, protection, preservation, or pleasure. From a worldly perspective, he decisions might not have made sense. Why would someone intentionally go to places that would cause pain, persecution, and suffering? But Paul’s ministry plans offered opportunity to rely on God’s grace. Through Paul’s decisions, God was glorified. In the last phrase, Paul emphasizes that his decisions were made for the best for the Corinthians. His ministry offered them opportunity to trust more in God’s grace and not human effort.
Living with a clear conscience requires total commitment to the will of God, no matter where this may lead. God’s will is always best, not only for a person but for those around that person. We must develop sensitive consciences that are aware and listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We may not always get it right, but God will work through even these times to bring about God.
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