“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strife, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: “– 2 Corinthians 12:20 (KJV)
“For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.”– 2 Corinthians 12:20 (NLT)
“I’m afraid that when I show up, I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I’m afraid I’ll be forced to be as tough with you as I was the last time—and you’ll remember the pain of that visit.”– 2 Corinthians 12:20 (MSG)
What Does 2 Corinthians 12:20 Mean?
When we look closely at 2 Corinthians 12:20, we come across a profound expression of concern from the Apostle Paul. He is writing to the church in Corinth, and his words reveal the challenge he faces in shepherding a community filled with discord and division. Through this verse, we can sense Paul’s deep emotional investment in the spiritual health of the Corinthians and, consequently, in our own lives as well.
Paul’s fear indicates that he is apprehensive about four key aspects of his relationship with the Corinthians: their behavior, his response to them, their readiness to engage in constructive dialogue, and the overall atmosphere of the community. It invites us to reflect on the importance of unity and the challenges that can arise when disagreements fester among believers.
2 Corinthians 12:20 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we find Paul anticipating his upcoming visit to Corinth with a mix of hope and fear. He hopes to find a spiritually healthy community, but he also fears that their current state may provoke distress for both parties. Paul highlights behaviors he dreads to encounter, such as jealousy, quarreling, and divisions. These issues resonate today as they hinder growth both in individual believers and in the church community.
What stands out is that Paul does not approach his ministry lightly. He does not shy away from addressing issues directly, knowing their potential impact on the church’s witness. His concerns reflect a genuine desire for people to engage in healthy communication and conflict resolution.
Paul’s reference to being found “such as ye would not” invites us to consider our expectations of leaders. We often want leaders to be approachable and gentle; however, we forget that they can also bear the weight of confronting sin among their followers when necessary. This dynamic creates tension that we should address constructively.
Ultimately, Paul encourages us to aspire to become a community characterized by love and harmony, where every member contributes to building up one another with kindness and respect. By nurturing this spirit, we can have meaningful relationships rooted in Christ, balancing accountability with loving support.
Context of 2 Corinthians 12:20
To appreciate 2 Corinthians 12:20 fully, we need to examine the broader context in which Paul wrote this letter. The Corinthian church was facing numerous issues, including moral failings, philosophical disagreements, and controversies surrounding authority and spiritual gifts. As we explore this background, we can better understand the urgency underlying Paul’s message.
Paul had previously visited Corinth, yet his second visit was marked by challenges. The atmosphere was charged with tension between him and certain factions within the church that disputed his authority and questioned his ministry. In 2 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes that he carries not only the burden of the gospel but also the weight of his love for these believers, as he yearns for their spiritual growth.
Throughout the letter, Paul clarifies that his ultimate goal is to bring healing and reconciliation. This sense of longing becomes even more apparent in chapter 12. He acknowledges that his leadership style might be seen as harsh, which creates fear for how his impending visit might play into this tension. Paul is genuinely concerned that addressing conflict head-on may bring emotional pain, yet he recognizes this might be necessary for restoration.
Thus, by understanding the context, we see how Paul navigates the challenges he faces as a leader. The struggles of the Corinthians are not just historical; they reflect struggles within all of us. We are called to challenge one another lovingly, knowing that our growth often comes through discomfort.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Corinthians 12:20
In dissecting key aspects of this verse, we can identify themes that apply to our own lives. For instance, “I fear that when I come, I shall not find you such as I would” highlights the expectation we have for one another as members of a Christian community. We want to be found in a state of spiritual wellness, reflecting Christ’s love and grace.
The mention of behaviors such as “debates, envyings, wraths, strife, backbitings” calls us to examine our hearts. Are we allowing negative attitudes to govern our interactions? These destructive patterns arise not only from individual hearts but can also infect church communities.
When Paul expresses that he will be found “such as ye would not,” we are reminded of the importance of accountability within a church family. We all desire leaders who lead by example, encouraging others to live boldly for Christ. At the same time, we must also recognize that leaders are called to bring correction when needed in a loving manner.
Ultimately, this leads us to the commitment to influences that foster unity rather than division. Both leaders and community members are tasked with intentionally cultivating a space where love prevails. What’s more, we can examine our own actions and think about how our hearts resonate with the healthy traits Paul yearns to find.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Corinthians 12:20
As we reflect on this verse, several lessons come to our minds. One critical takeaway is the call for self-examination. We should look at our behaviors and attitudes to discern whether they align with the fruit of the Spirit. When we focus on love, joy, and peace, we begin to embody the community Paul desires for the Corinthians.
Additionally, this passage challenges us to embrace accountability in our relationships. We can ask trusted friends or leaders to speak into our lives and reveal blind spots that may hinder our growth. This process, while uncomfortable, produces growth that aligns with God’s will.
Paul’s words also remind us of the importance of open communication. In conflicts, we tend to avoid confrontation, fearing that discomfort may arise. However, we should see conflict as an opportunity for deeper understanding rather than mere divisiveness.
The encouragement to seek unity is a strong message from this verse. We should strive to work harmoniously with our family and fellow church members, forming a foundation rooted in Christ’s love. Therefore, seeking to resolve strains will strengthen rather than weaken our community.
In our daily lives, we can dwell on whether our thoughts, words, and actions reflect Christ’s heart. When we internalize Paul’s concerns, we begin to cultivate love and harmony within our lives and communities.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 12:20 serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility towards one another in the church. Paul’s heartfelt concerns ring true even today, as we are all called to foster relationships centered on love and grace. As we move forward, let us remember the importance of accountability, open communication and striving for unity in our lives.
We can take comfort in knowing that God desires to work within our communities and to bring healing where there is discord. As we nurture the environment of trust and empathy, we mirror the love of Christ, building each other up actively while pursuing righteousness.
As you continue your journey through the scriptures, consider exploring other passages such as 1 Corinthians 14:17 or 1 Samuel 20:1 to further enrich your understanding of the importance of unity and love within the body of Christ.