What does "crafty fellow" in 2 Corinthians 12:16 reveal about Paul's character? Setting the Scene - 2 Corinthians 10–13 finds Paul firmly defending his apostleship. - Some in Corinth charged him with duplicity: “He writes weighty letters but is unimpressive in person” (10:10). - Into that tension he says, “Be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by trickery!” (12:16). What “crafty fellow” Does NOT Mean - Paul is not conceding deceit. He is echoing their accusation with irony—“So I’m the ‘crafty’ one, am I?” - Scripture elsewhere testifies to his integrity: • 2 Corinthians 4:2 — “We have renounced secret and shameful ways.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:3–5 — “Our exhortation does not arise from deceit… we never used flattery.” - The literal text records the slander; it does not affirm it. What the Phrase Reveals about Paul’s Character 1. Self-sacrificing Steward • “I did not burden you” (12:16). He refused financial support from Corinth to keep the gospel free of charge (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:12). • Rather than exploit, he absorbed the cost himself—classic servant–leadership. 2. Transparent yet Perceived as Shrewd • He anticipated criticism and addressed it openly (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:17-18 “Did I exploit you?”). • Like Jesus sending disciples “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16), Paul’s strategic wisdom looked “crafty” to suspicious hearts. 3. Protective Father-Heart • 2 Corinthians 12:14 — “I do not seek what is yours, but you.” Parents provide for children, not vice versa. • Any “cunning” was aimed at guarding the flock, never fleecing it. 4. Bold Ironist • He used sanctified sarcasm to expose error (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:19-21). • This rhetorical edge reveals courage; he risked misunderstanding to unmask false charges. Connected Truths in the Broader Canon - Godly leaders sometimes appear “crafty” to the carnal: • Nehemiah’s detractors claimed, “You are planning rebellion” (Nehemiah 6:6-8). • Jesus was accused of deceiving the people (John 7:12). - The pattern: faithful servants are misread, yet remain devoted to transparent truth. Takeaways for Today • Integrity may still invite suspicion; remain blameless anyway. • Refuse personal gain that clouds the gospel—even if it means tent-making like Paul (Acts 18:3). • Employ holy wisdom: strategic in method, spotless in motive. Paul’s so-called “craftiness” underscores a life of selfless, transparent devotion that contrasts sharply with the manipulative spirit his critics tried to pin on him. |
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