12 Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness [1] and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God-and all the more toward you. 13 For we write you nothing other than what you can read and also understand; I hope you will understand until the end- 14 as you have already understood us in part-that on the day of the Lord Jesus we are your boast even as you are our boast.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:12-14
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:12-14
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-14)
Though, as a sinner, the apostle could only rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus, yet, as a believer, he might rejoice and glory in being really what he professed. Conscience witnesses concerning the steady course and tenor of the life. Thereby we may judge ourselves, and not by this or by that single act. Our conversation will be well ordered, when we live and act under such a gracious principle in the heart. Having this, we may leave our characters in the Lord's hands, but using proper means to clear them, when the credit of the gospel, or our usefulness, calls for it.