He didn't self promote or self praise!
“Now I Paul myself beseech you”, v. 1, has a peculiar emphasis, indicating that Paul is not only the grammatical subject of the verse, but the subject under discussion. The chapter is full of references to the accusations made against him, and forms part of the apostle’s vindication which continues into chapter 13.
Some said he was “base”, fainthearted, when with them and “bold” when not, v. 1. They claimed he “walked according to the flesh”, vv. 2, 3, was prone to self-exaltation, v. 8, and used his letters to terrify them, v. 9. Some made fun of his undistinguished personal appearance, v. 10, and the lack of majesty in his manner.
- How does Paul address himself to the task of rebutting these accusations?
- Does he do it with justifiable indignation?
No, he beseeches them by “the meekness and gentleness of Christ”. These qualities were of great price in his eyes, though not in theirs. He remembers the Lord Jesus. He remembers how far He was from violence and passion when under the most hateful provocation; how far from that sinful self-assertion which cannot consider the claims of others.
This is the spirit in which he approaches the situation. He is going to deal with it as Christ would have dealt with it. He displays the characteristics of his Master. He mentions these graces of Christ in particular because, on account of his imitation of them, he was despised.
Note that Paul’s service was for edification, v. 8; 12:19. “Let all things be done to edifying”, 1 Cor. 14:26.
There were, of course, some who were experts in comparing their labours with those of others, v. 12, and that to their own advantage. Paul makes the point that self-praise is always dangerous. Paul himself kept to the limits of labour God had appointed for him, and did not boast in other men’s labours as if they were his own, vv. 14–16.
Note that Paul’s service was for edification, v. 8; 12:19. “Let all things be done to edifying”, 1 Cor. 14:26.
There were, of course, some who were experts in comparing their labours with those of others, v. 12, and that to their own advantage. Paul makes the point that self-praise is always dangerous. Paul himself kept to the limits of labour God had appointed for him, and did not boast in other men’s labours as if they were his own, vv. 14–16.
He does not want it thought that he is engaging in self-praise, or that his achievements are due entirely to himself. His detractors glorify themselves, and by doing so disqualify themselves from receiving God’s approbation. To have God’s approval is Paul’s sole desire. The only things in which we can truly glory are the things which God has already done through us. Concerning them we exclaim, “To God be the glory, great things He hath done”.
