2 Corinthians 12:19 “Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you?…”

2 Corinthians 12:19

Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

World English Bible

Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

American Standard Version

Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

Geneva Bible 1599

Againe, thinke yee that wee excuse our selues vnto you? we speake before God in Christ. But wee doe all thinges, dearely beloued, for your edifying.

Darby Translation

Ye have long been supposing that we excuse ourselves to you: we speak before God in Christ; and all things, beloved, for your building up.

Young's Literal Translation

Again, think ye that to you we are making defence? before God in Christ do we speak; and the all things, beloved, [are] for your up-building,

Bible in Basic English

It may seem to you that all this time we have been attempting to put ourselves in the right; but we are saying these things before God in Christ. For all things, dear brothers, are for your profit.

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Cross references

“think”

2 Corinthians 3:1 2 Corinthians 5:12

2 Corinthians 3:1 · BSB

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

2 Corinthians 5:12 · BSB

We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.

“we speak”

Romans 9:1 2 Corinthians 11:10 2 Corinthians 11:31

Romans 9:1 · BSB

I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 11:10 · BSB

As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.

2 Corinthians 11:31 · BSB

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.

“but”

2 Corinthians 10:8 1 Corinthians 14:26 2 Corinthians 13:10 1 Corinthians 9:12–23 1 Corinthians 10:33 2 Corinthians 5:13

2 Corinthians 10:8 · BSB

For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

1 Corinthians 14:26 · BSB

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

2 Corinthians 13:10 · BSB

This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

1 Corinthians 9:12–23 · BSB

If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:33 · BSB

as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:13 · BSB

If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

“dearly”

1 Corinthians 10:14 2 Corinthians 12:15 2 Corinthians 7:1 Romans 12:19 Philippians 4:1

1 Corinthians 10:14 · BSB

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

2 Corinthians 12:15 · BSB

And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

2 Corinthians 7:1 · BSB

Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Romans 12:19 · BSB

Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Philippians 4:1 · BSB

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

18I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?

20For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

Read 2 Corinthians 12