2 Corinthians 1:12 kjv

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Corinthians 1:12 nkjv

For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

2 Corinthians 1:12 niv

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God's grace.

2 Corinthians 1:12 esv

For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.

2 Corinthians 1:12 nlt

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.

2 Corinthians 1 verses

2 Corinthians 1 12 Meaning

In 2 Corinthians 1:12, Paul asserts the integrity of his ministry and conduct, especially towards the Corinthian believers. His "boasting" or confidence stems from the pure testimony of his conscience, confirming that his actions in the world, and particularly with them, were characterized by transparency, simplicity, and purity rooted in God. He explicitly contrasts this with any manipulation or deceit driven by human wisdom, attributing his faithful conduct instead to divine grace. This verse serves as a crucial part of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry against those who questioned his motives and consistency.

2 Corinthians 1 12 Context

The second letter to the Corinthians is a deeply personal and often emotionally charged epistle where the Apostle Paul defends his apostleship, clarifies his intentions, and addresses ongoing issues within the church at Corinth. This verse (2 Cor 1:12) specifically serves as Paul's explanation and justification for his previous change of travel plans (which had been misinterpreted as fickleness or unreliability). Some in Corinth were criticizing Paul, potentially accusing him of insincerity or of being worldly-wise in his approach rather than spiritually consistent. Paul's very personal ministry style, which often involved flexibility for the sake of the gospel, was being misrepresented. He seeks to reassure them of his unwavering love and consistent character. In the broader chapter 1, Paul focuses on the God of all comfort, sharing his own experiences of suffering and deliverance, preparing the Corinthians to understand that his actions are always under God's hand and for their ultimate benefit and comfort.

2 Corinthians 1 12 Word analysis

• "For our boasting is this:" (καύχησις - kauchēsis) - Paul uses "boasting" not in the sense of arrogance or self-exaltation (which he frequently warns against, see Gal 6:14), but as an appeal to what gives him confidence or cause for commendation. It's a justification or a confident assertion of his character and conduct, presented humbly before God, rather than a self-aggrandizing declaration. This is a common theme for Paul when defending his apostolic credentials against critics.

• "the testimony of our conscience" (μαρτύριον - marturion for testimony; συνείδησις - syneidēsis for conscience) - Paul points to an internal witness. His "conscience" (the inner moral faculty that discerns right from wrong and bears witness to one's actions and motives) gives him a clear "testimony" or verifiable evidence. This suggests that his motives were pure and his conduct blameless even when scrutinized by his inner moral compass. It implies he had nothing to hide.

• "that we conducted ourselves" (ἀνεστράφημεν - anestraphēmen, from anastrephō) - This Greek verb refers to one's manner of life, behavior, or conduct. It describes the consistent pattern of their living and interacting. The use of the perfect tense implies a past action with continuing results—their consistent lifestyle throughout their ministry.

• "in the world, and especially toward you," - Paul's conduct was consistent both generally "in the world" (publicly, before all men) and specifically "especially toward you" (in his most intimate and vital relationships, like that with the Corinthians, who were a focus of scrutiny). This emphasizes that his integrity was not merely external but also personal and authentic even among those who knew him best. This specificity implies that any criticism directed at his conduct towards them was unfounded.

• "with sincerity and godly sincerity," (ἁπλότητι - haplotēti for sincerity/simplicity; εἰλικρινείᾳ Θεοῦ - eilikrineia Theou for godly sincerity/purity of God) - This is a crucial phrase.

  • Haplotēti (from haplotes) often means "simplicity," "singleness of purpose," "generosity," "frankness," or "honesty." It conveys an absence of duplicity or hidden motives, implying straightforwardness and unfeigned intention.
  • Eilikrineia Theou (godly sincerity) refers to a purity that can withstand the light, as if something has been examined in bright sunshine to expose any flaws or impurities. The genitive "Theou" (of God) means this purity is either from God, tested by God, or akin to God's own pure character. It's sincerity that reflects God's own holiness, free from any impurity, self-interest, or cunning. It indicates conduct "as in the sight of God."

• "not with worldly wisdom but with God's grace," (σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ - sophia sarkikē for worldly wisdom; χάριτι Θεοῦ - chariti Theou for God's grace) - Paul presents a stark contrast in the source and nature of his conduct.

  • Sophia sarkikē (worldly wisdom or fleshly wisdom) refers to human cleverness, manipulation, deceitful strategies, persuasive rhetoric, or self-serving ingenuity. This kind of wisdom is driven by human logic and often for human advantage, separate from divine guidance. It includes flattery, political maneuvering, or opportunistic behavior. This implies an indirect polemic against any philosophy or rhetorical skill that values cunning over truth.
  • Chariti Theou (God's grace) signifies divine favor, enablement, and power. Paul asserts that his conduct flowed from God's undeserved kindness, not his own intellect or strength. This grounds his integrity not in himself but in God, making it a powerful theological statement about reliance on God for effective and pure ministry.

• "and we have done so to this day." - This emphasizes the ongoing and consistent nature of his conduct. His purity of motive and dependence on grace are not episodic but characterize his ministry throughout his relationship with the Corinthians up to the present moment of writing. It underscores his unwavering commitment and character.

2 Corinthians 1 12 Bonus section

The specific choice of the Greek term eilikrineia (sincerity/purity) for "godly sincerity" is quite profound. It literally suggests something "judged by sunlight" or "tested in pure sunlight." Imagine a substance or object being held up to the brightest light to ensure it contains no hidden flaws or adulterations. Paul is essentially saying that his conduct, if examined under God's purest light, would reveal no hidden agendas, no impure motives, and no elements of deceit. This level of transparency and integrity is only possible when human wisdom is completely forsaken, and ministry becomes solely reliant on and expressive of God's unmerited grace. This divine authentication is the bedrock of Paul's confidence, not human opinion.

2 Corinthians 1 12 Commentary

Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 1:12 is a foundational statement about the authentic Christian ministry. His "boasting" is not self-congratulation, but a clear affirmation of a life lived transparently and without guile before God and man, validated by his own inner conscience. This pure conscience is not merely a product of moral effort but is divinely enabled. The twin terms "sincerity" and "godly sincerity" (or "simplicity" and "purity of God") are crucial. "Sincerity" (or simplicity) implies straightforwardness, lacking ulterior motives, much like an honest friend who tells you things directly. "Godly sincerity" takes it further, referring to a purity so absolute it can be held up to the brightest divine light without revealing a flaw or hidden agenda. This is ministry conducted as if God Himself is shining His spotlight on every action.

This posture stands in direct opposition to "worldly wisdom," which epitomizes human cunning, strategic manipulation, or self-promoting eloquence—the very tactics Paul disdained (1 Cor 2:1-5). Paul adamantly states that his ministry's foundation and continuous sustenance is "God's grace." This shifts the credit entirely from human capability to divine power and benevolence, reiterating that true gospel work is empowered by God's unmerited favor, not by human artifice. His enduring commitment "to this day" further highlights the consistency and unwavering nature of his character and message, reinforcing his genuine concern and steadfastness towards the Corinthian church despite their criticisms.