2 Corinthians 5:13

Context

Second Corinthians is a deeply personal epistle where the Apostle Paul defends his apostolic authority, sincerity, and the nature of his ministry against various accusations and misunderstandings within the Corinthian church. This particular verse, 2 Corinthians 5:13, comes within a section (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) where Paul is explaining his motivations and methods. He has just spoken about the fear of the Lord and persuading men (2 Corinthians 5:11) and his desire to give the Corinthians a reason to boast about him, rather than judging by outward appearance (2 Corinthians 5:12). Here, he addresses the perception of his behavior, which some might have deemed extreme or irrational, while others might have seen it as disciplined and sensible. He clarifies that both modes of conduct serve a specific, righteous purpose.

Key Themes

• Divine Motivation: Paul asserts that any behavior perceived as "beside ourselves" – perhaps characterized by intense spiritual fervor, ecstatic utterances, or unconventional actions – was ultimately directed towards God. This emphasizes that his deepest motivations were to please and glorify the Lord, regardless of human judgment.
• Edification of Others: Conversely, his "sober" or rational conduct was for the benefit of the Corinthians. This speaks to the practical, instructional, and orderly aspects of his ministry, aimed at teaching, guiding, and stabilizing the church. It highlights the apostle's self-sacrificial approach, adapting his communication and conduct to best serve those he ministered to.
• Authenticity and Flexibility in Ministry: The verse reveals Paul's commitment to ministry that is both passionately devoted to God and practically beneficial to people. It suggests that true Christian service might involve a spectrum of expressions – from deep, personal spiritual experiences (which might appear "mad" to some) to clear, rational instruction – all driven by pure motives. This resonates with his broader message of being an ambassador for Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "beside ourselves" translates the Greek word exestēmen (ἐξεστῆμεν), which means "to be out of one's mind," "to be astonished," or "to be in a trance." It suggests a state of intense emotion, spiritual ecstasy, or behavior that might appear irrational or even mad to observers. This could refer to Paul's ecstatic experiences, his fervent preaching, or perhaps the sheer dedication that seemed excessive to his critics. The term "sober" translates sōphronoumen (σωφρονοῦμεν), meaning "to be of sound mind," "sensible," "prudent," or "self-controlled." This refers to his rational, clear-headed teaching, his organizational efforts, and his measured responses to criticisms. The contrast highlights the duality of Paul's ministry style: deeply passionate for God, yet rationally focused on the needs of the church.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 5:13 offers valuable insights into the nature of Christian service and the importance of motivation. It reminds us that:

• Our most fervent spiritual expressions and personal devotion should be primarily directed towards God, not for human applause or recognition.
• Our more measured, rational, and practical actions in ministry should always be for the benefit, edification, and spiritual growth of others. This echoes Paul's emphasis on all things being done for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26).
• We should not be overly concerned with how others perceive our spiritual zeal or our prudent conduct, as long as our underlying motives are pure – to glorify God and to serve His people. This verse encourages a balanced approach to ministry, allowing for both passionate worship and sound teaching, all rooted in selfless love.