12:19
“Have you been thinking ....” At a superficial level it might look as though Paul and his companions have been defending themselves, pointing out the differences between themselves and the “super apostles”. But that is a misreading of the situation. In fact Paul was speaking in the sight of God. What does this mean? It means that Paul spoke knowing that God watches everything and knows everything. So there can be no room for empty boasting, indeed no room for boasting at all. So Paul was not trying to impress anyone. For if God is our judge what room can there possibly be for seeking to impress people (even ourselves!). No, Paul was speaking to strengthen the Corinthians, to teach them to focus on what really matters, to not be taken in by empty boasts, and to know that everything is about God’s power.
12:20
Paul then outlines the things he fears he might find in Corinth when he visits. So if any of these things (jealousy, discord etc) are around they can get themselves sorted out before Paul arrives. The list here bears similarity to the “vice list” in Galatians 5:19-21. So Paul has been telling them what life should be like in Christ.
12:21
Paul does not seem to be in a good state of mind. He fears that when he visits them again he will find that they have not repented of their sins, in particular sexual sins and impurity. We should note how concerned Paul, indeed the whole Bible, is about sexual sins. They have a profound effect on us and on society. He fears he will be humbled, presumably in the sense in appearing not to have succeeded in sorting the Corinthians out.
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