2 Corinthians 12:20

Context of 2 Corinthians 12:20

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul is defending his apostleship against false teachers and preparing the Corinthian church for his third visit. He has just shared about his profound spiritual experiences, including being caught up to the third heaven, and his "thorn in the flesh," which kept him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). His ultimate goal is not self-vindication but the spiritual well-being and health of the believers in Corinth.

This verse reveals Paul's deep pastoral concern and apprehension. He fears that upon his arrival, he will find the church in a state of disunity and moral decay, which would necessitate him exercising his apostolic authority in a way that would be unpleasant for both him and them. This concern echoes earlier warnings and appeals for repentance throughout his letters to them, highlighting ongoing issues within the Corinthian community.

Key Themes and Messages

• Pastoral Concern: Paul's words demonstrate his profound love and concern for the spiritual purity and unity of the Corinthian church. He dreads having to confront them over unrepentant sin.
• Consequences of Division and Immorality: The verse lists a catalogue of destructive behaviors that undermine Christian fellowship and witness. Paul understands that these vices, if left unaddressed, would lead to spiritual disorder and hinder their growth.
• Apostolic Authority and Discipline: Paul's fear implies his readiness to apply corrective discipline if necessary, though he would much prefer to find them in good order. This underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to address sin within the community for its ultimate health (see 2 Corinthians 13:10).
• Call to Repentance and Self-Examination: Implicit in Paul's fear is a call for the Corinthians to examine their own conduct and repent of these divisive and ungodly practices before his arrival.

Linguistic Insights

The list of vices in this verse provides a stark picture of the internal struggles within the Corinthian church:

• Debates (ἔρις - eris): Refers to contention, strife, or discord, often born from pride and a desire to win arguments rather than seek truth or unity.
• Envyings (ζῆλος - zelos): Denotes jealousy or fervent rivalry, where one desires what another has, leading to bitterness and division.
• Wraths (θυμοί - thymoi): Signifies outbursts of anger or fits of passion, indicating a lack of self-control.
• Strifes (ἐριθεῖαι - eritheiai): Points to selfish ambition, factiousness, or a spirit of rivalry aimed at gaining personal prominence, often at the expense of others. This is a recurring issue Paul addresses, notably in 1 Corinthians 3:3.
• Backbitings (καταλαλιαί - katalaliai): Means slander or speaking evil against others, often behind their backs, damaging reputations.
• Whisperings (ψιθυρισμοί - psithurismoi): Refers to secret slanders, gossip, or murmuring, designed to undermine trust and create suspicion.
• Swellings (φυσιώσεις - physioseis): Describes arrogance, conceit, or being "puffed up" with pride, reflecting a self-important attitude rather than humility.
• Tumults (ἀκαταστασίαι - akatastasiai): Implies disorder, confusion, or general instability within the community, the natural outcome of the preceding vices.

Practical Application

Paul's concerns for the Corinthian church remain highly relevant for Christian communities today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder for self-examination and communal health:

• Examine Personal Conduct: Do any of these destructive behaviors manifest in our own lives? Are we quick to debate, harbor envy, or engage in gossip?
• Cultivate Unity and Love: The list of vices highlights actions that destroy unity. Believers are called to actively pursue peace and fellowship, striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
• Address Conflict Biblically: Healthy Christian communities must learn to address disagreements and sin biblically, with humility and a desire for restoration, rather than allowing strife and division to fester.
• Promote Humility: Many of these vices stem from pride and a lack of humility. Cultivating a servant heart and prioritizing the needs of others helps to counter these negative tendencies.