2 Corinthians 12:15

Translations

Modern

And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

Traditional

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Literal

Now I will spend most gladly, and will be utterly spent for your souls. If loving you more abundantly, am I loved less?

Latin

Ego autem libentissime impendam, et super impendar ipse pro animabus vestris: licet plus vos diligens, minus diligar.

Original

Greek

English

And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

Notes

2 Corinthians 12:14–15

a third time: Paul's first visit was when he first preached in Corinth (Acts 18:1–18). The second was an unexpected "painful visit" (2 Corinthians 2:1). Paul hopes the next visit will be happier, but there is still some distrust. They need to clear the air.
I will not be a burden: Paul did not want their money. He wanted them to fully accept his authority. He was willing to give his time and energy for them instead of taking payment.

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.
These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:
1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).
2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.
3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

1 Thessalonians 2:8
We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
Philippians 2:17
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
2 Timothy 2:10
For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
2 Corinthians 2:3
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
2 Corinthians 6:12–13
It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained.
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
2 Corinthians 1:14
…as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
John 10:10–11
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
1 Corinthians 4:8–18
Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!
2 Corinthians 12:14
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: Emoluments (Benefits) of Ingratitude: should be Met With: Persevering Love Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul

2 Corinthians 12:15

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