Paul's Critics ... Religious Mania
Verse 13a has been explained in three main ways: (1) Paul’s critics had accused him of religious mania, of being “out of his mind” (cf. Mark 3:21; John 10:20),40 perhaps because of his allegedly esoteric teaching (cf. Acts 26:24)41 or his indefatigable zeal and tireless work (cf. 6:4–5; 11:23–28). To this charge he replies, “That is for God to judge.” (2) Paul is referring to his experience of religious ecstasy,42 such as glossolalia (cf. 1 Cor. 14:2, 18) or visions (cf. Acts 22:17–21; 2 Cor. 12:1–7), when to some he seemed “beside himself.” “It is a matter between God and me alone,” he answers. (3) Paul is acknowledging previous exaggerated behavior, but is assuring the Corinthians that God knew that his exaggerations were well intention-ed; “we were open to God.” 43 The corresponding contrasts in v. 13 would be: (1) religious “madness” vs. a sane, balanced approach to ministry; (2) ecstatic experience vs. rational speech (?= tongues vs. prophecy); (3) exaggerated behavior vs. sobriety of conduct. Of the three explanations, 44 the first seems the most apt. The link with v. 12 would then be as follows: “We are certainly not promoting ourselves [v. 12a], for (γάρ) whether our words and conduct be thought irrational [v. 13a] or rational [v. 13b], God and you are the ones for whom I speak and work, just as my life is an open book to God and you [v. 11b].” 45
Harris, Murray J. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids, MI; Milton Keynes, UK: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.; Paternoster Press, 2005. Print. New International Greek Testament Commentary.
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