2 corinthians 12:16 - But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 corinthians 12:16" mean?
This verse in 2 Corinthians 12:16 is a complex statement by Paul that requires understanding the context of the whole letter, especially chapters 10-13. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context is Key:
Paul's Defense: In 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his apostleship against critics in the Corinthian church. These critics were questioning his authority, claiming he was not a "real" apostle because he didn't demand financial support from them.
Financial Support: A central point of contention was Paul's decision not to receive financial support from the Corinthians. He had accepted support from other churches instead. The critics twisted this, implying it was because he didn't think the Corinthians were worthy or capable.
Humility vs. Weakness: Paul's critics saw his gentleness and reluctance to assert his authority as weakness. They favored a more forceful and charismatic (in their view) leadership style.
Breaking Down the Verse:
"But be it so, I did not myself burden you..."
This acknowledges the critics' point that Paul did not personally take money or resources directly from the Corinthians. He is conceding this factual point.
"Burden" here refers to financial burden or being a weight on them.
"...But, being crafty, I caught you with deception."
This is the controversial part. It can be interpreted in a few ways, and understanding the ironic nature of Paul's writing here is crucial.
Irony and Sarcasm: Most scholars believe Paul is using irony and perhaps even sarcasm. He's mocking the kind of accusations his opponents would level against him.
Possible Interpretations:
1. "I didn't burden you directly, but maybe I tricked you into giving through others." This suggests that even though he didn't take money directly, he might have indirectly manipulated them into giving by having other people (like Titus, mentioned in the surrounding verses) collect funds for other churches, thus subtly benefiting from their generosity. He's being deliberately provocative to expose the absurdity of the accusations.
2. "You think I'm so clever that I must have manipulated you somehow!" This highlights the irrational and suspicious attitude of his detractors. They assumed that since Paul was not directly receiving support, he must be using some underhanded trickery. The verse is a way of saying, "You think I'm being sly and deceptive? Fine, then I must have tricked you!"
3. Responding to Accusations: Paul is possibly quoting a specific accusation that was made against him. It's like he's saying, "So, you think I was being crafty and deceived you? Is that what you're saying?"
Key Takeaways:
Defense of Motives: Paul is ultimately defending his motives. He wants the Corinthians to understand that his decision not to be a financial burden to them was based on his love for them and his desire to preach the gospel freely. He didn't want anything to hinder their acceptance of the message.
Addressing False Accusations: The verse confronts the specific, albeit illogical, accusations of craftiness and deception.
Irony and Rhetoric: Paul uses irony and rhetorical devices to expose the flaws in his opponents' arguments and to persuade the Corinthians to see the truth.
Humility vs. Control: By highlighting that he wasn't a burden, and by using irony to illustrate the absurdity of the "deception" claim, Paul is trying to show that he isn't motivated by self-gain and a desire for control. He is seeking to serve the Corinthians in the best way possible, even if that means going against cultural norms regarding apostolic support.
In Summary:
2 Corinthians 12:16 is not a straightforward admission of guilt. It's a complex statement designed to expose the baseless accusations against Paul, highlight his selfless motives, and ultimately defend his apostleship and his relationship with the Corinthian church. He is sarcastically playing along with their accusations to show how ridiculous they sound.
To fully grasp the meaning, you need to read this verse in the context of the entire letter, paying attention to the themes of humility, suffering, and the defense of Paul's apostolic authority.
2 corinthians 12:16 - But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.
What does "2 corinthians 12:16" mean?
This verse in 2 Corinthians 12:16 is a complex statement by Paul that requires understanding the context of the whole letter, especially chapters 10-13. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context is Key:
Paul's Defense: In 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his apostleship against critics in the Corinthian church. These critics were questioning his authority, claiming he was not a "real" apostle because he didn't demand financial support from them.
Financial Support: A central point of contention was Paul's decision not to receive financial support from the Corinthians. He had accepted support from other churches instead. The critics twisted this, implying it was because he didn't think the Corinthians were worthy or capable.
Humility vs. Weakness: Paul's critics saw his gentleness and reluctance to assert his authority as weakness. They favored a more forceful and charismatic (in their view) leadership style.
Breaking Down the Verse:
"But be it so, I did not myself burden you..."
This acknowledges the critics' point that Paul did not personally take money or resources directly from the Corinthians. He is conceding this factual point.
"Burden" here refers to financial burden or being a weight on them.
"...But, being crafty, I caught you with deception."
This is the controversial part. It can be interpreted in a few ways, and understanding the ironic nature of Paul's writing here is crucial.
Irony and Sarcasm: Most scholars believe Paul is using irony and perhaps even sarcasm. He's mocking the kind of accusations his opponents would level against him.
Possible Interpretations:
1. "I didn't burden you directly, but maybe I tricked you into giving through others." This suggests that even though he didn't take money directly, he might have indirectly manipulated them into giving by having other people (like Titus, mentioned in the surrounding verses) collect funds for other churches, thus subtly benefiting from their generosity. He's being deliberately provocative to expose the absurdity of the accusations.
2. "You think I'm so clever that I must have manipulated you somehow!" This highlights the irrational and suspicious attitude of his detractors. They assumed that since Paul was not directly receiving support, he must be using some underhanded trickery. The verse is a way of saying, "You think I'm being sly and deceptive? Fine, then I must have tricked you!"
3. Responding to Accusations: Paul is possibly quoting a specific accusation that was made against him. It's like he's saying, "So, you think I was being crafty and deceived you? Is that what you're saying?"
Key Takeaways:
Defense of Motives: Paul is ultimately defending his motives. He wants the Corinthians to understand that his decision not to be a financial burden to them was based on his love for them and his desire to preach the gospel freely. He didn't want anything to hinder their acceptance of the message.
Addressing False Accusations: The verse confronts the specific, albeit illogical, accusations of craftiness and deception.
Irony and Rhetoric: Paul uses irony and rhetorical devices to expose the flaws in his opponents' arguments and to persuade the Corinthians to see the truth.
Humility vs. Control: By highlighting that he wasn't a burden, and by using irony to illustrate the absurdity of the "deception" claim, Paul is trying to show that he isn't motivated by self-gain and a desire for control. He is seeking to serve the Corinthians in the best way possible, even if that means going against cultural norms regarding apostolic support.
In Summary:
2 Corinthians 12:16 is not a straightforward admission of guilt. It's a complex statement designed to expose the baseless accusations against Paul, highlight his selfless motives, and ultimately defend his apostleship and his relationship with the Corinthian church. He is sarcastically playing along with their accusations to show how ridiculous they sound.
To fully grasp the meaning, you need to read this verse in the context of the entire letter, paying attention to the themes of humility, suffering, and the defense of Paul's apostolic authority.