What does "if we are out of our mind" mean in this context? Context in a Nutshell - 2 Corinthians was written to defend Paul’s ministry and reassure the church that his motives were pure. - Chapter 5 centers on eternal perspective—our future resurrection body and the ministry of reconciliation. - Verse 13 sits between two key statements: • v. 12: “We are not commending ourselves to you again…” • v. 14: “For Christ’s love compels us…” The Phrase in Greek - “If we are out of our mind” = εἰ γὰρ ἐξέστημεν (exestēmen) • Literally: “If we have stood outside ourselves.” • Idiomatically: to be beside oneself, to seem insane, to be ecstatic. Why Would Anyone Call Paul “Crazy”? - Uncompromising gospel preaching drew accusations of madness: • Acts 26:24 – Festus: “Paul, you are out of your mind!” • 1 Corinthians 4:10 – “We are fools for Christ…” • Mark 3:21 – People said Jesus was “out of His mind.” - Paul’s willingness to: • Suffer beatings, imprisonments, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). • Renounce status and financial gain (1 Corinthians 9:15-18). • Live with heavenly priorities that looked irrational to worldly observers. Paul’s Two-Part Response (v. 13) “ If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.” 1. “Out of our mind … for God” • Refers to moments of ecstatic zeal or sacrificial behavior that only make sense vertically. • Points to wholehearted devotion, overflowing worship, prophetic boldness. • God is the audience; His approval alone matters. 2. “Of sound mind … for you” • When ministering to the Corinthians, Paul uses reasoned arguments, tenderness, and orderly conduct. • He restrains his liberty for the sake of edifying the church (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). • Horizontal focus: clarity, coherence, and love toward believers. Driven by Christ’s Love - Verse 14 ties both “madness” and “sanity” to one engine: “For Christ’s love compels us.” - Paul’s extremes are not mood swings; they are calibrated responses to the love that Christ first showed (Galatians 2:20). Echoes Throughout Scripture - John 10:20 – Some said of Jesus, “He is demon-possessed and insane.” - Hosea 9:7 – “The prophet is considered a fool, the inspired man a madman.” - 2 Kings 9:11 – Prophets called “madmen.” - Acts 2:13 – On Pentecost the apostles were mocked as drunk. Takeaways for Believers Today - Expect to be misunderstood when living with eternal priorities. - Measure actions by faithfulness to God first; clarity to people second. - Bold passion and sober teaching are complementary, not contradictory, when shaped by Christ’s love. |
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