2 Corinthians 5:13

13 For either we by mind pass to God, either we be sober to you. [Soothly whether we by mind, or reason, pass it is to God, whether we be sober it is to you?]

2 Corinthians 5:13 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 5:13

For whether we be besides ourselves
As some took them to be, and as Festus thought the Apostle Paul was, because of the doctrines they preached, and the self-commendation they were obliged to enter into through the calumnies of their adversaries; in which they did not so much seek their own reputation, as the honour and glory of God, which was struck at through them:

it is to God;
it is for his glory, and not our own, that we act this part, for which we are condemned as madmen.

Or whether we be sober;
think and speak meanly of ourselves, and behave with all modesty and lowliness of mind: it is for your cause; for your instruction and imitation. The glory of God, and the good of his churches, were what concerned them in every part of life. Some refer this to the apostle's being, or not being, in an ecstasy or rapture. Others to his speaking, either of the more sublime doctrines of the Gospel, on account of which he was reckoned mad, though in the delivering of them he had nothing else but the glory of God in view; or of the lower and easier truths of it, which were more accommodated to meaner capacities; in doing which he sought their edification and advantage.

2 Corinthians 5:13 In-Context

11 Therefore we witting the dread of the Lord, counsel men, for to God we be open; and I hope, that we be open also in your consciences.

12 We commend not us selves again to you, but we give to you occasion to have glory for us [We commend not ourselves again to you, but we give to you occasion to glory for us], that ye have [understanding] to them that glory in the face, and not in the heart.

13 For either we by mind pass to God, either we be sober to you. [Soothly whether we by mind, or reason, pass it is to God, whether we be sober it is to you?]

14 For the charity of Christ driveth us; guessing this thing [guessing, or deeming, this thing], that if one died for all, then all were dead.

15 And Christ died for all, that they that live, live not now to themselves, but to him that died for them, and rose again.