Add parallel Print Page Options

19 Have you been thinking all along that we are defending[a] ourselves before you? In the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and all for building you up, beloved.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 12:19 This verse looks back at the previous chapters and calls them by their proper name, a defense, an apologia (cf. 1 Cor 9:3). Yet Paul insists on an important distinction: he has indeed been speaking for their benefit, but the ultimate judgment to which he submits is God’s (cf. 1 Cor 4:3–5). This verse also leads into the final section, announcing two of its themes: judgment and building up.

19 Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God(A) as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends,(B) is for your strengthening.(C)

Read full chapter