Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Corinthians 5:13

εἴτε γὰρ ἑξέστημεν κ. τ. λ.: for whether (see on 2 Corinthians 1:6 for constr.) we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you (note the dat. commodi). At a later period Festus told Paul that he was mad (Acts 26:24), so impressed was he with the Apostle's enthusiasm; and it is probable that the anti-Pauline party at Corinth were not slow to point to the “visions and revelations of the Lord” which St. Paul claimed for himself (chap. 2 Corinthians 12:1-6), and to the facility with which he spoke “with tongues” (1 Corinthians 14:18), as proofs of his madness. A similar accusation was made against his Master (Mark 3:21). But St. Paul bids them (2 Corinthians 5:12) look a little deeper, and not judge by mere outward phenomena such as these. He repeatedly asks them to bear with his seeming foolishness (chap. 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:16-17; 2 Corinthians 12:6; 2 Corinthians 12:11). It is possible that a charge of a contrary nature had been also made by his opponents, and that his regard for other men's prejudices (1 Corinthians 9:20), and the “craftiness” with which he caught the Corinthians “with guile” (chap. 2 Corinthians 12:16), were urged as savouring more of worldly wisdom than of true piety. His answer to both charges is contained in this verse. If he has exceeded the bounds of moderation, it is in his moods of highest devotion, when he is pouring out his soul to God and not to man; if he has exercised a sober prudence in his dealings with his converts, it is all for their sakes, and not for selfish ends.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

2 Corinthians 5:13

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