Paul is once again on the defensive following this lengthy explanation of his ministry. From the middle of verse 11 to the end of the chapter. He appeals to God and to the consciences of his readers who had felt the benefit and force of his preaching, as witness to his faithfulness, verse 11.

The approval of God must come before the approval of men but if we do have His approval there will be an approving amongst men.

PAUL EXPLAINS WHY HE HAD GIVEN DETAILS OF HIS MINISTRY

He was anticipating the criticism of his opponents following what was written in verse 1-11. Consequently he answers their anticipated criticisms.

1. He was not commending himself. Paul did not indulge in self-praise but he did engage in self-defence in the face of criticism.

2. He wished to arm his friends with answers for his critics. To defame Paul was to defame the gospel, his doctrine, teaching. These must be vindicated for the form the foundation of the faith of the churches he had founded under the Lord.

3. Paul shows us a picture of his critics. Them which glory in appearance, and not in heart, verse12. It is a three-fold description. They gloried. They gloried in the outward appearance, or the face. They considered not the heart. This is the attitude that Samuel was rebuked for, 1 Sam 16:6-7.

A GODLY MAN MAY BE CONSIDERED MAD

Paul had been called proud. That he had answered inverse 12. Now he deals with the charge of being mad or excessively zealous. We be beside ourselves, verse 13. Acts 8:8, 11 — bewitched.

1. Carnal men count the behaviour of the godly to be madness. A prophet, 2 Kings 9:11. Jer 29:26, Acts 26:24. Paul frequently uses such a term of himself for this how his enemies spake of him, 11:1, 16. So was Christ also spoken of, Mark 3:21, John 10:20.

2. Why do they think so. The Christian's behaviour is unreasonable for sinners are blind to eternity. Self-denial, seriousness, prayer, holy duties, rejection of world—these are unreasonable things. 1 Cor 2:14, 2 Cor 4:4, 1 Peter 4:4.