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2 Corinthians 12:15

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And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

And {G1161} I {G1473} will very gladly {G2236} spend {G1159} and {G2532} be spent {G1550} for {G5228} you {G5590}{G5216}; though {G1499} the more abundantly {G4056} I love {G25} you {G5209}, the less {G2276} I be loved {G25}.

And as for me, I will most gladly spend everything I have and be spent myself too for your sakes. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:15 reveals the profound heart of the Apostle Paul towards the Corinthian church, showcasing his selfless dedication and the emotional toll of unreciprocated love in ministry. This verse encapsulates Paul's commitment to sacrificial service, even in the face of apparent ingratitude.

Context of 2 Corinthians 12:15

This verse is part of Paul's ongoing defense of his apostleship and his relationship with the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians chapters 10-13, Paul addresses criticisms and challenges from false apostles who sought to undermine his authority. He reluctantly boasts, not of his own strength, but of his weaknesses and sufferings for Christ, as seen earlier with his "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). Leading up to verse 15, Paul reaffirms his intention to visit them for a third time, emphasizing that he does not seek their possessions but their spiritual well-being, contrasting himself with those who exploited them. His willingness to "spend and be spent" is a direct assertion of his genuine, paternal affection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sacrificial Love and Service: Paul declares his unwavering commitment to the Corinthians, willing to "spend" his resources, time, and energy, and "be spent" — to be utterly consumed or worn out — for their spiritual benefit. This reflects the highest form of Christian service, mirroring the selfless love of Christ. It highlights that true agape love gives without expecting anything in return.
  • The Paradox of Unrequited Affection: The latter part of the verse, "though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved," reveals a painful reality of ministry. Despite his overwhelming and abundant love for them, Paul perceives a lack of reciprocal affection or appreciation from the Corinthians. This highlights the emotional challenges faced by leaders who pour themselves out for others, only to be met with coolness or suspicion. It's a poignant expression of the human cost of selfless devotion.
  • Apostolic Integrity: Paul's statement serves as a powerful testament to his integrity and the purity of his motives. Unlike the false teachers who sought financial gain or personal glory, Paul's focus was solely on the spiritual growth and welfare of the church, even if it meant personal suffering and emotional pain.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spend and be spent" comes from the Greek words dapanēsō (to spend, incur expense) and ekdapanēthēsomai (to be utterly spent, completely used up, consumed). The prefix ek- intensifies the verb, suggesting that Paul was willing to exhaust himself completely, to give his all, even to the point of being utterly worn out or consumed for their sake. This emphasizes the totality of his commitment and the depth of his selfless dedication to the Corinthian church.

Practical Application

2 Corinthians 12:15 offers profound lessons for believers, leaders, and churches today:

  • For Leaders: It sets a high standard for servant leadership, emphasizing a willingness to give fully of oneself, even when it is costly or unappreciated. True Christian leadership is about pouring out one's life for the spiritual good of others, not personal gain or recognition.
  • For Believers: This verse challenges us to reflect on our own capacity for selfless love and service within the body of Christ. Are we willing to "spend and be spent" for the spiritual growth of others, even when it requires sacrifice or goes unnoticed? It also reminds us to appreciate and reciprocate the love and effort of those who minister to us.
  • Embracing the Paradox: Paul's experience of loving more and being loved less is a common reality in various forms of service and relationships. This verse encourages us to persevere in love and good works, even when faced with ingratitude or misunderstanding, trusting that our ultimate reward is from God, not human affirmation. As Paul states elsewhere, we should not grow weary in well-doing.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (8 votes)

    So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

  • Philippians 2:17 (7 votes)

    Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:6 (7 votes)

    And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.

  • Colossians 1:24 (6 votes)

    Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

  • 2 Corinthians 2:3 (5 votes)

    And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10 (5 votes)

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • Hebrews 13:17 (4 votes)

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you.