2 Corinthians 12:19

“Again, think you that we excuse ourselves to you? etc..] The apostle would not have the Corinthians imagine, that by what he had said once and again in this epistle, he meant to excuse himself from coming to them, for he really and sincerely intended it; or that by this long defence of himself against the false apostles, he designed so much an apology for himself, or that he used any feigned words, or artful methods, to exculpate himself from any charge against him, particularly that of covetousness just mentioned; for he had no view to cover himself by studied apologies, and set orations, and evade anything exhibited against him, and make himself look innocent when guilty; it was not with…”

“Again--The oldest manuscripts read, "This long time ye think that we are excusing ourselves unto you? (Nay). It is before God (as opposed to 'unto you') that we speak in Christ" (Co2 2:17). English Version Greek text was a correction from Co2 3:1; Co2 5:12.”

“Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? - see the note on 2 Corinthians 5:12. The sense is, Do not suppose that this is said from mere anxiety to obtain your favor, or to ingratiate ourselves into your esteem. This is said doubtless to keep himself from the suspicion of being actuated by improper motives. He had manifested great solicitude certainly in the previous chapter to vindicate his character; but he here says that it was not from a mere desire to show them that his conduct was right; it was from a desire to honor Christ. We speak before God in Christ - We declare the simple and undisguised truth as in the presence of God. I have no mere desire to palliate my conduct; I…”

“Think ye that we again excuse ourselves - That I speak this for my own sake? No. I speak all this for your sakes. 2 Corinthians 12:21”

“12:19 Paul is not simply offering a defense of his conduct and motives; he wants to assure his dear friends of his genuine love and Christian service for the well-being of the church.”

“think: Co2 3:1, Co2 5:12 we speak: Co2 11:10, Co2 11:31; Rom 9:1 but: Co2 5:13, Co2 10:8, Co2 13:10; Co1 9:12-23, Co1 10:33, Co1 14:26 dearly: Co2 12:15, Co2 7:1; Rom 12:19; Co1 10:14; Phi 4:1 2 Corinthians 12:20”