2 Corinthians 12:14-21

Paul's concern for Corinth 2 Corinthians 12:14-21: Paul planned a third visit to Corinth. Even then he did not want to be a burden to them. He said, "What I really want is you, and not what you have." He used this illustration to help them understand. He said, “Children are not supposed to save up for their parents, but parents are supposed to take care of their children.” Paul told these brethren that he would gladly spend and be spent for their souls. He would not allow the indifference or lack of love from the Corinthians stand in the way of his love for them. Paul would keep on loving them with his time, talents and heart.

Some at Corinth were saying that it was true that Paul had not been a burden to them in their having to support him. However, they were saying that he some how tricked them so that he could make a gain of them. He wrote, "But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit." If they felt Paul had cheated them to taken advantage of them he asked them to identify the person that he used to accomplish this. Paul specifically asked if Titus or the brother that was with him had cheated them. Paul, Titus and all the brethren had behaved approximately at Corinth.

Paul did not speak the things that he did to defend himself. He did not need that. He spoke the truth for Christ and he desired to encourage these brethren. Paul did not want to come and find the brethren arguing or jealous or angry or selfish or gossiping or insulting each other. If he came and found them that way he would feel much sorrow because that would mean that they never gave up their old sins. How sad it would be for Paul if they were still doing things that were immoral, indecent, and shameful. His desire was to find the Christians loving each other and conducting themselves decently and orderly.