2 Corinthians 5:12-13 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
Paul gets further into the rhetorical situation of one of the major reasons he wrote this letter. The Corinthians were accusing Paul of changing his mind about his travel plans. There were false teachers who came to Corinth and labeled Paul as inferior. Against these accusations, it could seem that Paul was boasting in this letter. He could be viewed as recommending himself and his abilities. But he twists this possible accusation around and shows that he is actually boasting in the Corinthians. They are his boast and proof of the effectiveness and truthfulness of his ministry. This letter provides them an opportunity to see what Paul has been doing and going through for the sake of the gospel. He has given them enough information so that they can counter the claims of the false teachers.
The false teachers boasted about their outward abilities, which may have included their ability to speak well. Public speaking was highly regarded in that day and age, much like today. Public speaking today takes the form of entertainment, news, talk, radio, TV, movies, and various programming. People today still look at the outward ability.
Paul, however, emphasizes here the inward heart, what truly marks a person. This is where transformation begins. The heart represents one’s thoughts and motives. God knows the intentions of the heart. People can only surmise what motivates a person based on outward actions. Sometimes hypocrisy can hide the sin inside. Paul has nothing to hide from the Corinthians and even God. His conscience is clear.
The Corinthians could accuse Paul of being out of his mind, confused, or not making any sense. From a worldly perspective, this would be true. The way of the world is all about outward appearance and seeking a life of ease. But from the perspective of God’s kingdom, what matters most is a person’s heart. But what is inside will also be seen on the outside, so what we do does matter. We will be judged by what we do (v. 10). The apparent confusion about which Paul could be accused is actually quite clear from God’s perspective. It makes perfect sense in the kingdom context. This all should make sense to the Corinthians also. It should be reasonable and clear if they will only align their thinking with Paul’s thinking, which aligns with God’s ways.
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