What does 2 Corinthians 12:15 mean?

Explanation

The verse 2 Corinthians 12:15 conveys the Apostle Paul's deep commitment and self-sacrificial love towards the Corinthian church.

Literally, Paul is expressing his willingness to spend not just his material resources but also his very being (his life, time, and energy) for the sake of the Corinthians.

The paradox he notes is that despite his abundant love, he feels that the more he loves them, the less they reciprocate that love.

This demonstrates Paul's experience of a love that does not seek its own reward, reflecting the nature of true Christian ministry and leadership which is characterized by self-giving love, even in the face of unrequited love or indifference.

Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, which was written approximately in the mid-50s A.D.

The historical context involves Paul defending his apostolic authority and responding to various challenges from false apostles who questioned his credentials.

The Corinthians had a complex relationship with Paul, at times expressing doubt and resistance to his teaching.

Paul's ministry was not without hardship; he often faced persecution, physical dangers, and emotional strain because of his commitment to spreading the gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects Christ-like selflessness, indicative of Paul's theology of the cross.

Just as Christ gave himself up completely for the sake of humanity, Paul sees himself as following in the footsteps of Jesus by being willing to "spend and be spent".

This challenges a prosperity or self-gain gospel, instead promoting a gospel of self-denial and sacrificial giving.

Some theologians may connect this to the notion of 'kenosis' (self-emptying), which is a pattern of Christian life rooted in the example of Christ.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire believers to act out of selfless love and to serve others without expecting anything in return.

It provides a model for leadership within the church and communities, where serving is about giving rather than receiving.

It also speaks to personal relationships, reminding us that love can often mean enduring hardship and offering forgiveness even when it is not reciprocated.

Cross-References

• Philippians 2:17: "Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all."
• Galatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
• John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
• 1 Corinthians 13:3: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "spend and be spent" is notable.

"Spend" (δαπανάω, dapanao) can refer to spending money or resources, while "be spent" (ἐκδαπανάω, ekdapanao) connotes a total expenditure or wasting away of oneself. The use of both terms accentuates the completeness of Paul's self-giving.

The phrase "the less I be loved" (ἧττον ἀγαπᾶσθαι, hetton agapasthai) incorporates a comparative ("less") with the passive form of the verb "to love" (ἀγαπάω, agapao), signifying receiving love, an interesting use since Paul's focus is generally on actively loving others.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other ancient texts, one might look at stoic philosophy, which also emphasized virtues like self-control and selflessness.

Yet, the stoic ideal often held personal tranquility as its ultimate goal, while Paul's selflessness is rooted in the Christian vocation of service and shaped by the narrative of Christ's self-sacrificial love.

In other religious traditions such as Buddhism, there is the ideal of the Bodhisattva, one who seeks enlightenment not just for himself but for all beings, out of compassion.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of altruism is relevant to this verse.

Altruism in biology refers to a behavior that benefits other organisms, sometimes at a cost to oneself.

Research in psychology also investigates unconditional positive regard and altruistic love.

These studies resonate with the kind of self-giving love Paul speaks about, though Paul's motivations are rooted in theology and divine exemplar rather than biological or social evolutionary processes.

commentaries

Commentaries on this verse note Paul's intense dedication despite the Corinthians' lukewarm response.

John Chrysostom, an early church father, emphasized that Paul did not seek his own advantage but was ready to give everything for their souls.

Matthew Henry’s commentary interprets this passage as an example of Paul's ministerial care and reflects on the sad reality that often the most deserving people receive the least affection.

Modern scholars like Gordon D.

Fee, in his commentary on the Corinthians, suggest that Paul’s words here are paradigmatic for Christian ministry, ministry is not about the minister's gain but about giving oneself for the well-being of others.