2 Corinthians 5:13

‘For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is to you.'

Indeed some of his opponents may say that they were mad. Probably this has reference to his constant statement that they must share the sufferings of Christ, and to the constant dangers they were willing to face, claiming that they were of God. Not being themselves willing to face such outlandish dangers (such as Paul will describe in the following Chapter s) their opponents rather declared that Paul and his fellow-workers must be ‘mad' to face them and take up that attitude. Would not God have kept them out of danger? Well, says Paul, we do it ‘to God'. It is God Who leads us and requires this of us, and we can only follow. So they do ‘mad things' for Him because that is what He has showed them, and because loving Him they are ready to behave with such ‘madness'. It was not the last time that those who heard the call of God and forsook all for him were to be called mad. For some it is true today.

‘Or whether we are of sober mind, it is to you.' On the other hand their ‘madness' as they obey God is in contrast with the sober-minded way they deal with God's people. Their ‘madness' as described, can be contrasted with a sober mind in ministry. Both arise because of their sole purpose, which is in order to be able to bring benefit to God's people, including the Corinthians. So let them recognise that while they might be described by some as somewhat ‘mad' in what they do, let that be left to God's judgment. It is not a madness that affects their ministry. That is carried out in full sober-mindedness towards its beneficiaries. For you, he says, we are totally sober-minded. Our thought is concentrated on what will benefit you the most.

The suggestion that ‘beside ourselves' refers to ecstatic worship is countered by the fact that Paul nowhere sees spiritual gifts as any other than controlled. Their use does not result for him in the kind of behaviour that is likened to madness. And as he only uses tongues in private they would not know how he prayed. He would not therefore be likely to speak of them as suggesting he is beside himself for this reason. (Unless of course someone had seized on his statement that he prayed in tongues more than all, and seen it in the light of the behaviour of some in the Corinthian church meetings).