2Cor 12:19-21 | TNotes | STEP | 12:19 Paul is not simply offering a defense of his conduct and motives; he wants to assure his dear friends of his genuine love and Christian service for the well-being of the church.

b12:20-21►

c1:23–2:17►

d1 Cor 4:21►

g6:14–7:1►

‏ 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

12:19 ^a Paul is not simply offering a defense of his conduct and motives; he wants to assure his dear friends of his genuine love and Christian service for the well-being of the church.
Summary for 2Cor 12:20-21: 12:20-21 ^b Paul feared encountering renewed rebellion and resistance during his upcoming visit, with the Corinthians relapsed into their old ways.

• and you won’t like my response: If Paul had to, he would deal sternly with flagrant sinners (cp. 1:23–2:17 ^c; 1 Cor 4:21 ^d).
12:21 ^e Paul fears that God will humble me in your presence—a reprise of the previous visit (2:1 ^f), when the Corinthians had rebuffed and humiliated Paul.

• The vices listed were among the Corinthians’ old sins (see 6:14–7:1 ^g; 1 Corinthians Book Introduction, “Setting”).