2 Corinthians 5:12

“For we commend not ourselves again to you, etc..] We have no need to do so, being well known to you; nor do we intend it when we thus speak of ourselves, and of our ministrations: but give you occasion to glory on our behalf; suggest some things to you which you may make use of in our favour, for the vindicating of our characters and conduct: that you may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart; by whom are meant the false apostles who gloried in an outward show, in their learning, eloquence, and popular applause they had acquired, and not in the sincerity of their hearts, and the testimony of a good conscience, things which the true apostles of Christ were…”

“For--the reason why he leaves the manifestation of his sincerity in preaching to their consciences (Co2 3:1), namely, his not wishing to "commend" himself again. occasion to glory-- (Co2 1:14), namely, as to our sincerity. in appearance--Greek, "face" (compare Sa1 16:7). The false teachers gloried in their outward appearance, and in external recommendations (Co2 11:18) their learning, eloquence, wisdom, riches, not in vital religion in their heart. Their conscience does not attest their inward sincerity, as mine does (Co2 1:12).”

“For we commend not ourselves again unto you - This refers to what he had said in the previous verse. He had there said that he had such a consciousness of integrity that he could appeal to God, and that he was persuaded that the Corinthians also approved his course, or admitted that he was influenced by right motives. He here states the reason why he had said this. It was not to commend himself to them. It was not to boast of his own character, nor was it in order to secure their praise or favor. Some might be disposed to misrepresent all that Paul said of himself, and to suppose that it was said for mere vain-glory, or the love of praise. He tells them, therefore, that his sole aim was…”

“We do not say this, as if we thought there was any need of again recommending ourselves to you, but to give you an occasion of rejoicing and praising God, and to furnish you with an answer to those false apostles who glory in appearance, but not in heart, being condemned by their own conscience. 2 Corinthians 5:13”

“5:12 Paul’s opponents bragged about having a spectacular ministry outwardly, but they did not have a sincere heart (cp. 1 Sam 16:7; Rom 2:28-29).”

“we: Co2 3:1, Co2 6:4, Co2 10:8, Co2 10:12, Co2 10:18, Co2 12:11; Pro 27:2 give: Co2 1:14, Co2 11:12-16, Co2 12:1-9 appearance: Gr. the face, Gal 6:12-14 2 Corinthians 5:13”