2 Corinthians 5:13

For, if we were “beside ourselves,” it was in God’s service! If we are not in our senses, it is in yours!

Twentieth Century New Testament

In The King James Version

For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

In Context

12We are not “commending ourselves” again to you, but rather are giving you cause for pride in us, so that you may have an answer ready for those who pride themselves on appearances and not on character.

14It is the love of the Christ which compels us, when we reflect that, as one died for all, therefore all died;

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Cross References

Romans 12:3In fulfilment of the charge with which I have been entrusted, I bid every one of you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think till he learns to think soberly — in accordance with the measure of faith that God has allotted to each.

2 Corinthians 7:12So, then, even though I did write to you, it was not for the sake of the wrong-doer, or of the man who was wronged, but to make you conscious, in the sight of God, of your own earnest care for us. And it is this that has encouraged us.

2 Corinthians 11:16I say again — Let no one think me a fool! Yet, if you do, at least welcome me as you would a fool, that I, too may indulge in a little boasting.

2 Corinthians 12:11I have been “playing the fool!” It is you who drove me to it. For it is you who ought to have been commending me! Although I am nobody, in no respect did I prove inferior to the most eminent Apostles.

1 Thessalonians 1:5because the Good News that we brought came home to you, not merely as so many words, but with a power and a fulness of conviction due to the Holy Spirit. For you know the life that we lived among you for your good.

Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 5:13-16

Apology for Seeming Self-Commendation. ( a. d. 57.) 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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