Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 5:13

"For whether we are beside ourselves, it is unto God; or whether we are of sober mind, it is unto you." — 2 Corinthians 5:13 (ASV)

Whatever the background to this difficult verse, its general message seems clear. Paul disowns self-interest as a motive for any of his actions; all is for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 1:15). Of this the Corinthians can be justly proud (v.12). This interpretation accords well with his following appeal to Christ (v.14) and his definition of the purpose of Christ’s death (v.15)—that believers should lead a life that is not centered on self but on Christ.

Verse 13a has been explained in several ways: (1) Paul’s critics had accused him of being “out of his mind” (cf. Mark 3:21), perhaps because of his allegedly esoteric teaching (cf. Acts 26:24), his ecstatic experiences, or his indefatigable zeal in his work. To this charge he replies, “That is for God to judge.” (2) Paul is referring to his experience of speaking in tongues or having visions (cf. Acts 22:17–21; 1 Corinthians 14:18, 23). If this is the charge, his answer is, “That is a matter between God and me.” (3) Sometimes the Corinthians had viewed Paul as having been carried away by excessive emotion. To this charge he affirms, “It led to the glory to God.” (4) Paul had been criticized for his self-commendation, which appeared to be sheer lunacy (cf. 11:1, 16–21). To this charge he replies, “It is in defense of God’s cause.”