God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us.

Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do. The Message

‘Paul now states the primary reason why he cannot live for himself. He is under the all-compelling constraint of Christ’s love for him. this love holds him in its grip; so powerful is its influence that he has no choice but to live a life of loving service for others.’ R.V.G. Tasker.

Paul hopes that others will understand the purity of his motives, but he knows that sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t. Furthermore, he will always be the butt of unfair criticism. But he seeks to live transparently before God. So whether understood or misunderstood; whether it appears he is mad or sane, he can’t help doing all he does out of love for Christ, and people.

R.T. Kendall says that to receive Christ’s personal commendation, when He looks into our eyes and says, ”Well done”, is what will ultimately matter most to us. It won’t be whether we get recognition, vindication or success here below. ‘What we receive here below is a mere shadow of what Christ’s commendation will mean.’

That is ultimate.

Nevertheless, Paul does want his loyal supporters in Corinth to know that his critics are wrong about him; and he wishes to provide them with sufficient information to be able to defend him. Again though, as we have seen previously, this is not primarily for the sake of his own name, but so that the gospel will not be tarnished.