John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 12:16

"But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile." — 2 Corinthians 12:16 (ASV)

But be it so. These words suggest that Paul had been blamed by malevolent persons, as if he had secretly obtained, through hired individuals, what he had refused to receive with his own hands — not that he had done any such thing, but they “measure others,” as they say, “by their own standard.” For it is customary for the wicked shamelessly to attribute to the servants of God whatever they themselves would do if they had the opportunity.

Therefore, Paul is compelled, in order to clear himself of a shamelessly fabricated charge, to defend the integrity of those whom he sent; for if they had committed any error, it would have been blamed on him. Now, who would be surprised at his being so cautious regarding alms, when he had been harassed by such unfair judgments concerning his conduct, after taking every precaution?

Let his case, however, be a warning to us not to consider it something new and unbearable if we ever have to answer similar slanders. But, more especially, let this be an admonition to us to be very careful not to provide any pretext to revilers.

For we see that it is not enough to show that we ourselves are upright if those whose help we have used are not also found to be so. Therefore, our choice of them must not be made carelessly, or as a mere formality, but with the greatest possible care.