2 Corinthians 5:12

Paul is not boasting, but giving the Corinthians grounds to defend his ministry against critics who value outward show. He equips them to answer those who judge by appearances.

Cross-references · 11

• 2 Cor 3:1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?
• 2 Cor 1:14as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
• Gal 6:12–14Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They only do this to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ.
• 2 Cor 11:12–16But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.
• 2 Cor 10:18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
• 2 Cor 10:12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they show their ignorance.
• 2 Cor 12:11I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
• Prov 27:2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.
• 2 Cor 6:4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;
• 2 Cor 10:8For 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.
• 2 Cor 12:1–9I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.