Verse 12
He first claimed, generally, that his actions did not arise from the motives that drive unbelievers, namely, self-serving ambition. This motivation seems wise to the carnal mind, but Paul’s motives resulted from God’s grace at work in his life. He viewed all of life from the perspective of God’s grace, seeking not to advance self but the cause of Christ. He could say what he did unashamedly (with "proud confidence") and with a clear conscience. His motives had been holy and sincere (not a mixture of proper and improper motives). Some feel there is better support here for "simplicity in the sense of singlemindedness." [Note: David K. Lowery, "2 Corinthians," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, p. 556.] The reason for this preference is that this is the only occurrence of hagiotes (sanctity, holiness) in Paul’s epistles (cf. Hebrews 12:10). Such had been his motivation toward all people and especially toward the Corinthians.
"The derivation of the word eilikrinia [sic], translated here and in ii. 17 by sincerity, is uncertain. It may refer to the cleansing process of rolling and shaking in a sieve, so that what is purged and winnowed in this way may be regarded as unadulterated (cf. the only other mention of the word by Paul in 1 Cor. 2 Corinthians 1:8). Or it may denote what is found to be unstained when examined in the sunlight. This latter connotation would convey the suggestion in this passage that Paul’s character would stand the test of the searching gaze of God." [Note: Tasker, p. 45.]
"What Paul means here to say is, that the virtues which distinguished his deportment in Corinth were not merely forms of his own excellence, but forms of the divine life; modes in which the Spirit of God which dwelt in him manifested itself." [Note: Hodge, p. 14.]
"We might well add a new beatitude to the list, ’Blessed is the man who has nothing to hide.’" [Note: Barclay, p. 194.]
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