2 Corinthians 13:9 Commentary and Bible Study

Gone from Paul is all thought of his own good at the expense of others. He has learnt to put to death all self-consideration to the extent that he genuinely prefers to see those who belong to Christ profiting as disciples, even though he is disadvantaged. The sacrificial behaviour of a parent has become instinctive for him, and the progress of his spiritual children is now a genuine source of pleasure. Behind the second part of the verse is all that he has said about the necessity of correction. It is all done with a benefit for the Corinthians in mind. Paul is not being harsh for the sake of it, and if he could he would avoid speaking severely to them. This is why he has delayed coming, and even now he hopes that they will genuinely reform before he arrives and so minimise the sharpness of what needs to be said.