John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 3:1

"Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? or need we, as do some, epistles of commendation to you or from you?" — 2 Corinthians 3:1 (ASV)

Do we begin It appears that this objection was also raised against him—that he was excessively fond of publicizing his own accomplishments. This charge was also made by those who were grieved to find that the fame they eagerly desired was effectively obstructed because of his superior excellence.

In my opinion, they had already criticized the previous letter on this ground: that he indulged excessively in self-praise. To commend here means to boast foolishly and beyond measure, or at least to recount one’s own praises in a spirit of ambition. Paul’s slanderers had a plausible pretext—that it is a disgusting and hateful thing in itself for one to trumpet their own praises.

Paul, however, had an excuse on the ground of necessity, since he boasted only because he was compelled to do so. His purpose also raised him above all slander, as his only aim was that the honor of his apostleship might remain unimpaired for the edification of the Church. For if Christ’s honor had not been infringed upon, he would readily have allowed to pass unnoticed what tended to detract from his own reputation. Besides, he saw that it was very detrimental to the Corinthians that his authority was diminished among them. Therefore, in the first place, he addresses their slander, letting them know that he is not entirely unaware of the kind of talk that was current among them.

Have we need? The answer is suited (to use a common expression) more to the person than to the matter itself, although we will later find him saying as much as was required concerning the matter itself. For now, however, he rebukes their malice, since they were displeased if he at any time reluctantly—indeed, even when they themselves compelled him—mentioned the grace that God had bestowed upon him, while they themselves were begging everywhere for letters that were stuffed entirely with flattering commendations.

He says that he has no need of verbal commendation, as he is abundantly commended by his actions. On the other hand, he convicts them of a greedy desire for glory, since they endeavored to acquire favor through human approval. In this manner, he gracefully and appropriately refutes their slander.

However, we must not infer from this that it is absolutely and inherently wrong to receive recommendations, provided you use them for a good purpose. For Paul himself recommends many, and he would not have done this if it had been unlawful.

Two things, however, are required here:

1. First, that it not be a recommendation obtained through flattery, but an altogether unbiased testimony.
2. Secondly, that it not be given for the purpose of securing advancement for the individual, but simply that it may be the means of promoting the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.

For this reason, I have observed that Paul is mindful of those who had assailed him with slander.