John Chrysostom

Knowing therefore, he says, these things, that terrible seat of judgment, we do every thing so as not to give you a handle nor offence, nor any false suspicion of evil practice against us. Seest thou the strictness of life, and zeal of a watchful soul? For we are not only open to accusatation, he saith, if we commit any evil deed; but even if we do not commit, yet are suspected, and having it in our power to repel the suspicion, brave it, we are punished.

Homily 11 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Knowing, he says, about the Dreadful Judgment, we do everything so as not to lead people into temptation, for this is what the words "we persuade men" mean, that is, we heal them from offenses. For we are subject to condemnation not only when we have done something bad, but also when, being able to remove the cause for suspicion and eliminate the offense, we do not do so. "But we are made manifest unto God," for He knows how we conduct our lives, and there is no need to convince Him, as one convinces someone who doubts. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Having shown how the saints prepare themselves for the reward of eternal glory by pleasing God, the Apostle now shows how they prepare themselves for this by helping their neighbor. In regard to this he does two things. First, he shows his own solicitude for the salvation of his neighbor; secondly, he assigns the cause of this solicitude (v. 14). In regard to the first he does three things. First, he mentions the care he has for the salvation of his neighbor by persuading them; secondly, he excludes a false opinion (v. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗