2 Corinthians 12:19 kjv
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
2 Corinthians 12:19 nkjv
Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.
2 Corinthians 12:19 niv
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.
2 Corinthians 12:19 esv
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
2 Corinthians 12:19 nlt
Perhaps you think we're saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ's servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you.
2 Corinthians 12 19 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 1:10 | That all of you agree and that there be no divisions... | Unity in the church |
| 1 Cor 4:14 | I am not writing these things to shame you... | Rebuke for their own good |
| 1 Cor 4:15 | For in Christ Jesus I became your father... | Spiritual paternity |
| 1 Cor 4:21 | What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod...? | Apostolic authority & love |
| 1 Cor 14:26 | When you come together, each of you has... | Edification of the church |
| 2 Cor 2:3 | And I wrote this very thing, so that when I came... | Sorrow and joy in truth |
| 2 Cor 7:12 | So then, although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of him who did the wrong nor on account of him who suffered the wrong, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be manifested to you before God. | Sincere intent in writing |
| 2 Cor 10:8 | For even if I boast somewhat extravagantly about the authority... | Authority for building up |
| 2 Cor 13:10 | I am writing these things while I am away... | Not to wield authority harshly |
| Gal 1:1 | Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man... | Apostolic authority |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ | Purpose of spiritual gifts |
| Col 1:28 | Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. | Presenting mature in Christ |
| Col 2:5 | For though I am absent in body, I am present in spirit... | Present in spirit for them |
| 1 Thess 2:11 | as you know that like a father would each of his children... | Fatherly care and exhortation |
| 1 Thess 4:1 | Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus... | Exhortation and encouragement |
| 2 Thess 3:4 | We have confidence in the Lord about you... | Confidence in their obedience |
| 1 Tim 1:18 | This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child... | Entrusting charge to a spiritual son |
| Phlm 1:8-10 | Though I am bold enough in Christ to command you... | Appeal based on love |
| Gen 50:20 | As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good... | God's sovereignty over evil intentions |
| Ps 76:10 | Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee... | God turning evil into good |
| Prov 16:7 | When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies be at peace with him. | God's sovereign hand |
2 Corinthians 12 verses
2 Corinthians 12 19 Meaning
This verse speaks to the Corinthian believers about Paul's genuine concern for their spiritual well-being. He asserts that his primary motive in writing and addressing their issues is not to domineer or control them, but rather to foster their spiritual growth and understanding, pointing them toward Christ. The verse expresses a fatherly love and desire for their edification in the faith.
2 Corinthians 12 19 Context
In 2 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul recounts his "thorn in the flesh" and his supernatural experiences to demonstrate his apostleship. He addresses criticism he has faced from within the Corinthian church, possibly from false apostles or influential individuals who were questioning his authority and legitimacy. This verse, near the end of the chapter and the letter, serves to reassure the Corinthians of his genuine love and apostolic purpose for them, clarifying that his actions are not about asserting power for its own sake but for their spiritual benefit and growth in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12 19 Word Analysis
Words-group-by-words:
- "I have spoken this in the presence of God": Emphasizes the solemnity and truthfulness of his statements. The phrase "in Christ" further underlines his dependence on divine authority and connection to God.
- "for your strengthening": This highlights the ultimate purpose behind his communication and admonition—to build them up spiritually, ensuring they are solid and firm in their faith.
- "all for your strengthening": A powerful reiteration of the preceding phrase, emphasizing the singular focus and comprehensive nature of his intentions for their spiritual edification.
Word analysis:
- All (πᾶς, pas): This is an all-encompassing term, indicating completeness and universality in his intention to strengthen them.
- For (εἰς, eis): A preposition indicating purpose or goal. His speaking is directed toward the end of their building up.
- Your (ὑμῶν, hymōn): Refers directly to the Corinthians, emphasizing the personal nature of his concern for their spiritual state.
- Strengthening (οἰκοδομήν, oikodomēn): Derived from "oikos" (house) and "domē" (building), this refers to the process of building up or edifying. It signifies spiritual growth, maturation, and construction in the faith, like building a house. It implies making them firm and secure in Christ.
2 Corinthians 12 19 Bonus Section
The concept of "building up" (oikodomē) is a recurring theme in Paul's epistles, highlighting the corporate growth of believers and the church as the "house of God." This verse directly contrasts with the destructive nature of sin or the manipulative tactics of those who seek to divide and control. Paul's ultimate aim is to present believers mature and firm in Christ, a continuous process of spiritual construction guided by divine truth and love. The transparency implied by speaking "in the presence of God" is a key element of authentic spiritual leadership, rooted in accountability to Christ.
2 Corinthians 12 19 Commentary
Paul reiterates his intention to build up, not tear down, the Corinthian church. His apostolic authority, which he has been defending, is meant for their spiritual construction and development in Christ. He has been transparent and earnest, speaking as before God. This assurance is crucial for them to receive his message, especially the chastisement, with a proper understanding of his loving, fatherly concern. It contrasts his genuine care with the divisive tactics of false teachers. The emphasis is on building a strong, unified community grounded in Christ.