2 Corinthians 12:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 12:20
20 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, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 12 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, obedience, salvation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 12:20
20 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, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
Analysis
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, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: Paul voices pastoral anxiety about his upcoming third visit: mutual disappointment. I shall not find you such as I would—he fears finding them unchanged, still embracing false teaching and tolerating sin. Conversely, I shall be found unto you such as ye would not—they fear finding him stern, exercising apostolic discipline (13:2, "I will not spare") rather than the permissive teacher they prefer.
The vice catalog is devastating: eris (ἔρις, "debates," quarrels), zēlos (ζῆλος, "envyings," jealousies), thymoi (θυμοί, "wraths," outbursts of anger), eritheiai (ἐριθεῖαι, "strifes," selfish ambitions), katalalalai (καταλαλιαί, "backbitings," slander), psithyrismoi (ψιθυρισμοί, "whisperings," gossip), physioseis (φυσιώσεις, "swellings," arrogance), akatastasiai (ἀκαταστασίαι, "tumults," disorder). Eight relational sins—primarily speech sins (debates, backbitings, whisperings) and pride sins (envyings, swellings).
This list diagnoses the Corinthian church's ongoing dysfunction: they haven't resolved the factionalism from 1 Corinthians 1-4. Paul's fear is legitimate—without repentance, his third visit will require painful discipline instead of joyful fellowship.
Historical Context
The Corinthian church struggled with division from its founding (1 Corinthians 1:10-17, 3:1-9). Despite Paul's severe letter and Titus's mission producing some repentance (7:8-11), deep-seated relational dysfunction persisted. Paul's catalog of sins (especially speech-related: backbiting, whispering, gossip) suggests the congregation remained fractious, gossipy, and proud—precisely the soil where false apostles thrived.
Reflection
- How does Paul's fear of mutual disappointment ("not finding you as I would / being found as you would not") model honest pastoral expectations versus naive optimism?
- Why are six of the eight vices speech-related sins (debates, backbitings, whisperings, etc.)—what does this reveal about how relational dysfunction manifests?
- What does Paul's willingness to be "such as ye would not" (stern, disciplining) teach about pastoral courage to confront sin despite losing popularity?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:21, Proverbs 16:28, Romans 1:29, 1 Corinthians 1:11, Galatians 5:15, 1 Peter 2:1