2 Corinthians 5:13

“For whether we be besides ourselves, etc..] As some took them to be, and as Festus thought the Apostle Paul was, because of the doctrines they preached, and the self-commendation they were obliged to enter into through the calumnies of their adversaries; in which they did not so much seek their own reputation, as the honour and glory of God, which was struck at through them: it is to God; it is for his glory, and not our own, that we act this part, for which we are condemned as madmen. Or whether we be sober; think and speak meanly of ourselves, and behave with all modesty and lowliness of mind: it is for your cause; for your instruction and imitation. The glory of God, and the good of his…”

“be--rather as Greek, "have been." The contrast is between the single act implied by the past tense, "If we have ever been beside ourselves," and the habitual state implied by the present, "Or whether we be sober," that is, of sound mind. beside ourselves--The accusation brought by Festus against him (Act 26:24). The holy enthusiasm with which he spake of what God effected by His apostolic ministry, seemed to many to be boasting madness. sober--humbling myself before you, and not using my apostolic power and privileges. to God . . . for your cause--The glorifying of his office was not for his own, but for God's glory. The abasing of himself was in adaptation to their infirmity, to gain them…”

“For whether we be beside ourselves - This is probably designed to meet some of the charges which the false teachers in Corinth brought against him, and to furnish his friends there with a ready answer, as well as to show them the true principles on which he acted, and his real love for them. It is altogether probable that he was charged with being deranged; that many who boasted themselves of prudence, and soberness, and wisdom, regarded him as acting like a madman. It has not been uncommon, by any means, for the cold and the prudent; for formal professors and for hypocrites to regard the warm-hearted and zealous friends of religion as maniacs. Festus thought Paul was deranged, when he said,…”

“For if we are transported beyond ourselves - Or at least, appear so to others, treated of, Co2 5:15-21, speaking or writing with uncommon vehemence. It is to God - He understands (if men do not) the emotion which himself inspires. If we be sober - Treated of, Co2 6:1-10. If I proceed in a more calm, sedate manner. It is for your sakes - Even good men bear this, rather than the other method, in their teachers. But these must obey God, whoever is offended by it. 2 Corinthians 5:14”

“5:13 If . . . we are crazy: This statement might imply a charge on Paul’s previous visit to Corinth (2:1-2) that he was out of his mind when he proclaimed the simple Good News there (1 Cor 2:2).”

“we be beside: Co2 11:1, Co2 11:16, Co2 11:17, Co2 12:6, Co2 12:11; Act 26:24, Act 26:25; Co1 4:10-13; Th1 2:3-11 it is to: Sa2 6:21, Sa2 6:22 sober: Act 26:25; Rom 12:3 for: Co2 7:12; Col 1:24; Th1 1:5; Ti2 2:10 2 Corinthians 5:14”