2 Corinthians 2:12-14

Paul's Sincerity

If his words sounded boastful, Paul's conscience could withstand the test of God's scrutiny and still show him holy and truthful. He had not lived as one after earthly gain, but as one following God's instruction. This was true in all his actions and especially in Corinth. His dealings with the Corinthians could withstand the inspection of the divisive teachers (2 Corinthians 1:12).

Paul had used the same sincere approach in his writings to them. He had written plainly and without double meaning. All his writings were public, open to anyone's inspection. He did not write privately to some to clarify or change his meaning. He hoped they would continue to confess the truth of his words until the day they died. If they continued to acknowledge his truthful words till death, they could glory in one another in judgment. Paul could be proud of them as his children in the faith and they could be proud of him as their father in the faith (2 Corinthians 1:13-14).