Fathers

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What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 5:12

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

See how he is continually obviating the suspicion of appearing to praise himself. For nothing is so offensive to the hearers as for any one to say great and marvellous things about himself. Since then he was compelled in what he said to fall upon that subject, he uses a corrective, saying, we do this for your sakes, not for ours, that ye may have somewhat to glory of, not that we may. And not even this absolutely, but because of the false Apostles. …

Homily 11 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Immediately he removes the suspicion of supposed vainglory and says that by these words we do not praise ourselves, that is, exalt ourselves, extol ourselves with praises, but we give you an occasion to boast and take pride in us before the false apostles who slander us. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then because they might suppose that the Apostle said this to commend himself, he removes this false supposition, saying, we are not commending ourselves to you again, i.e., we are not saying this for our commendation, as though trying to commend ourselves again. For above (in chapter three and in 1 Corinthians 3) he said certain things for his commendation: "For it is not the man who commends himself that is accepted, but the man whom the Lord commends" (2 Cor. 10:18). But we say this for your benefit. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗