What does 2 Corinthians 12:20 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 12:20 expresses the Apostle Paul's concern about the potential moral and relational issues he might find in the Corinthian church when he visits.

He fears that he will not find them living in accordance with Christian virtues and that this would lead to mutual disappointment.

Paul is concerned that the Corinthians may be engaged in behaviors that contradict their faith, such as quarreling, jealousy, anger, factionalism, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

This verse reflects Paul's pastoral care and his desire to address these problems before they become more serious.

Historical Context

The historical context of 2 Corinthians 12:20 is the complex relationship between Paul and the church in Corinth.

This letter was written during Paul's third missionary journey, circa 55-57 AD.

The city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan and morally lax trade center, and the church established there faced numerous challenges, including moral and doctrinal issues.

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to address problems, defend his apostleship, and prepare for a subsequent visit to Corinth.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse highlights the nature of Christian community and sanctification.

Paul's concerns reflect the expectation that believers should demonstrate growth in Christlike character and conduct.

The fears Paul lists are antithetical to the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

The verse also underscores the responsibility of church leaders to correct and guide their congregations toward holiness.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse suggests that individuals within a church community should self-examine and seek to resolve interpersonal issues with humility.

The verse calls for reconciliation and personal transformation, and it serves as a reminder to avoid destructive behaviors that harm unity and witness. It encourages believers to foster harmony and peace within their spiritual family.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:19-21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
• Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
• Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:"
• James 3:14-16: "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth."

Language Study

Key words in Greek from this passage include:

• "Debates" (ἔρις, eris): Strife or contention.
• "Envyings" (ζῆλος, zēlos): Jealousy or zeal in a negative sense.
• "Wraths" (θυμός, thymos): Fierce anger.
• "Strifes" (ἐριθεία, eritheia): Selfish ambition or factionalism.
• "Backbitings" (καταλαλιά, katalalia): Slander or evil speaking.
• "Whisperings" (ψιθυρισμός, psithurismos): Secret slander or gossip.
• "Swellings" (φυσίωσις, physiōsis): Arrogance or conceit.
• "Tumults" (ἀκαταστασία, akatastasia): Instability or disorder.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's concerns about moral behavior in the Corinthians church echo ethical teachings found in other ancient religious and philosophical texts.

In Greco-Roman virtue ethics, similar vices and virtues are discussed, emphasizing the importance of character and moral conduct in the social fabric.

Paul's approach integrates these concerns into a Christian framework, where ethical conduct is seen as a reflection of one's relationship with Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies in psychology and sociology can provide insights into the behaviors Paul describes.

Modern research on group dynamics, conflict resolution, and the psychological impacts of envy and strife could offer explanations for why such issues arise in communities and how they might be effectively addressed.

Commentaries

A variety of biblical scholars and theologians interpret this verse with a focus on its call for Christian maturity and ethical living.

Some commentaries highlight the need for church discipline and pastoral guidance, while others emphasize the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sinful behaviors.

There is a consensus that Paul's candid expression of concern is aimed at preventing moral decay within the Corinthian church and promoting a community that reflects the values of the gospel.