2 Corinthians 12:13
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Paul is calling out the Corinthian church for their hypocrisy, pointing out they received all the same spiritual gifts as other churches. The "wrong" he asks them to forgive isn't his lack of burdening them, but rather their own failure to recognize his selfless love and sacrifice for them. It's a sharp rebuke, highlighting how they've missed the point of his ministry among them.
For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter, addressing the Corinthians' criticisms about his apostleship and the fact that he hasn't taken financial support from them like other traveling apostles. He's been recounting his ministry experiences, highlighting his weaknesses and God's power, in contrast to those who boast about their own achievements. This verse concludes his defense, pointing out that their only perceived disadvantage was his refusal to be a financial burden, a decision he humorously frames as a "wrong" he asks them to forgive.
Paul closes his argument in 2 Corinthians with a touch of sarcasm and a heavy dose of love. What does he want the Corinthians to see about his ministry among them?
Paul addresses the accusation that he is somehow inferior to other apostles because he hasn't
The Apostle Paul could have demanded payment and support, but he chose a different path. What does this reveal about the nature of true spiritual leadership?
Paul's 'wrong' was not taking what he was due. He deliberately chose to forego his right to financial support from the Corinthian church. This wasn't a sign of weakness, but of profound love and a strategic choice to avoid hindering the Gospel.
A Leader's Burden is Often Self-Denial
Paul saw himself as a father to the Corinthian believers. Like any loving parent, he was willing to endure hardship and go without so that his children would not be disadvantaged. His restraint was an act of service, aiming to build them up in faith, not to exploit them.
The Cost of Spiritual Care
This act of 'not burdening' them was a tangible expression of his deep affection. He could have demanded support, but he chose self-sacrifice to ensure his ministry was received without financial strings attached. This allowed the focus to remain on the message of Christ, not on Paul's personal needs.
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This verse reflects the strained relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church. After difficult interactions, Paul here uses irony, pleading with them to 'forgive' him for *not* being a financial burden, a stark contrast to some 'super-apostles' who exploited them.
c. AD 47-48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This marks the beginning of Gentile churches.
c. AD 50
The Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting where apostles address whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The decision is made that they are not required, a landmark moment for the inclusion of all people in Christ.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey (Corinth Founding)
Paul travels to Corinth, a major Roman city, and spends about 18 months there, planting the church that would become a significant, though often troubled, center for his ministry.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches, strengthening believers. He spends a lengthy period in Ephesus, a hub of activity, and continues to minister throughout the region.
c. AD 55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Written from Ephesus during Paul's third journey, this letter addresses severe problems within the Corinthian church. It reveals deep divisions and struggles among believers there.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul's Painful Visit to Corinth
Following the first letter, Paul makes a difficult, brief visit to Corinth. This visit is marked by conflict and further distress, prompting him to write a severe 'letter of tears'.
c. AD 55-56
Second Letter to the Corinthians
Written after the painful visit, this letter is deeply personal and emotional. Paul defends his apostleship, deals with false apostles, and discusses the collection for the Jerusalem church.
Paul addresses the issue of receiving financial support from the Corinthian church, stating that he didn't exercise his right to be supported, just like in this passage.
2 Corinthians 11:7-9Here, Paul explicitly defends his decision not to be a financial burden to the Corinthians, even mentioning that churches from other areas supported him.
Acts 18:3This passage shows Paul working as a tentmaker to support himself while ministering in Corinth, demonstrating his principle of not burdening the church financially.
1 Thessalonians 2:9Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he worked with his own hands so as not to be a financial burden to any of them, reflecting the same self-sacrificing principle.
Paul is calling out the Corinthian church for their hypocrisy, pointing out they received all the same spiritual gifts as other churches. The "wrong" he asks them to forgive isn't his lack of burdening them, but rather their own failure to recognize his selfless love and sacrifice for them. It's a sharp rebuke, highlighting how they've missed the point of his ministry among them.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, addressing the Corinthians' criticisms about his apostleship and the fact that he hasn't taken financial support from them like other traveling apostles. He's been recounting his ministry experiences, highlighting his weaknesses and God's power, in contrast to those who boast about their own achievements. This verse concludes his defense, pointing out that their only perceived disadvantage was his refusal to be a financial burden, a decision he humorously frames as a "wrong" he asks them to forgive.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, addressing the Corinthians' criticisms about his apostleship and the fact that he hasn't taken financial support from them like other traveling apostles. He's been recounting his ministry experiences, highlighting his weaknesses and God's power, in contrast to those who boast about their own achievements. This verse concludes his defense, pointing out that their only perceived disadvantage was his refusal to be a financial burden, a decision he humorously frames as a "wrong" he asks them to forgive.
"For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!" — Paul is calling out the Corinthian church for their hypocrisy, pointing out they received all the same spiritual gifts as other churches. The "wrong" he asks them to forgive isn't his lack of burdeni…
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Last reviewed October 2026
