Paul's claim that it's unnecessary to write to the Corinthians about collecting money for the saints in Jerusalem may seem odd. However, he urges them to maintain their initial enthusiasm and complete what they started. Paul intends to visit them with some Macedonians. If they fail to fulfill their commitment, Paul's trust in them will be shattered, exposing his previous praise as empty and misguided.

The question is not whether we will sow but how. Sowing bountifully leads to abundant reaping. We give with joy, appreciating God's grace. A stingy Christian contradicts their faith. We have received new life in Christ and are called to be givers. Such giving is what God loves. It is a wholehearted, grace-driven obedience that surrenders everything to God, knowing what truly matters cannot be taken away.

Paul refers to Psalms 112, highlighting the generosity of demonstrating righteousness before God in this life and the next. Using agricultural imagery, Paul affirms that God is the provider of the harvest's beginning (seed) and end (bread). God not only provides but also multiplies. Genuine gratitude should be directed towards God, the ultimate source of all giving. This doesn't negate the need to express gratitude towards others; it simply emphasizes its rightful place.

The Corinthian generosity will lead to a heartfelt outpouring of gratitude. This parallels Acts 21:19–20 when Paul arrives in Jerusalem. Paul looks forward to the Corinthians' giving and the response of the Jerusalem saints. Even though they may never meet, their hearts will be filled with longing and prayer. The grace of God received through Christ is indescribable. As sinners, we have been given the incomparable riches of Christ.

Paul appeals to the Corinthians by embodying the meekness and gentleness of Christ, aiming to mend their strained relationship caused by the influence of the super-apostles. Using sarcasm, Paul reflects on the accusations against him (verse 10) - that he acts differently with the Corinthians than when he is away. Paul hopes that when he arrives in Corinth, he won't have to confront them like he will the super-apostles.

"According to the flesh" refers to a mindset aligned with our natural sinful inclinations. The super-apostles fully expressed this mindset as they mocked Paul. Instead, our weapons possess divine power to break down strongholds. So, what is the purpose of this battle? To subdue "Every thought." The goal is to capture our thoughts and follow Christ, humbling our self-centeredness and developing a desire to exalt Him. This requires transforming our natural mindset. Paul punishes the opposition, and the Corinthians obey by rejecting their disruptive ways. As long as the super-apostles influence the church, the Corinthians are not fully obedient to Christ.

He subtly reminds the Corinthians that despite his unimpressive appearance, his ministry is empowered by God. This power demolishes strongholds opposing Christ. In contrast, the infiltrators may seem impressive outwardly but lack spiritual potency. If the Corinthians consider the evident power displayed in Paul's apostolic ministry, even if it appears foolish by worldly standards, it will jolt them out of spiritual apathy. Paul has the authority to assert himself but desires to love rather than bully the Corinthians.

Paul's authority is derived from divine means. He emphasizes his dedication to benefiting and encouraging others rather than exerting apostolic influence. This passage offers insight into the perspective of infiltrators or super-apostles, as Paul quotes their claims about his letters, physical presence, and speech. The only known description of Paul's physical appearance is from the second-century Acts of Paul, which portrays him as "short, bald, bow-legged, healthy-looking, with a unibrow and a slightly long nose" (3.3). Whether present or absent, Paul remains steadfast in his character.

Paul appeals directly to the opposition ("Let such a person understand") and indirectly to the entire Corinthian community to recognize his and his colleagues' integrity. Paul acknowledges their self-assessment and their condescending accusations while comparing themselves. His adversaries are trapped in self-reference, measuring and comparing themselves. The flesh delights in such activities. There may be subtle irony: opponents measure themselves for unhealthy boasting and comparison, while Paul measures himself differently, aiming to restrain unhealthy boasting.

Paul doesn't boast beyond the truth, yet he doesn't deny his ministry's accomplishments. He openly acknowledged his actions and, together with his colleagues, successfully brought the gospel to Corinth. This is significant considering Corinth's geographical distance from Jesus' life and ministry. Paul took the initiative to go there, hoping their faith would grow and their influence expand. The Mediterranean world presented an untamed frontier for spreading the gospel, and Paul's calling was to preach following this reality.

With joyful reverence for the Lord, we celebrate the work accomplished by Paul and his companions, recognizing that it is only through God's summoning and sustaining that such achievements are possible (1 Cor. 15:10; Col. 1:29). It is natural for the human heart to seek validation and draw strength from a self-centered narrative, but ultimately, all human approval is hollow. What truly matters for eternity is the commendation of the Divine.