13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
13 If we are "out of our mind," as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
13 If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you.
13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:13
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:9-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-15)
The apostle quickens himself and others to acts of duty. Well-grounded hopes of heaven will not encourage sloth and sinful security. Let all consider the judgment to come, which is called, The terror of the Lord. Knowing what terrible vengeance the Lord would execute upon the workers of iniquity, the apostle and his brethren used every argument and persuasion, to lead men to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to act as his disciples. Their zeal and diligence were for the glory of God and the good of the church. Christ's love to us will have a like effect upon us, if duly considered and rightly judged. All were lost and undone, dead and ruined, slaves to sin, having no power to deliver themselves, and must have remained thus miserable for ever, if Christ had not died. We should not make ourselves, but Christ, the end of our living and actions. A Christian's life should be devoted to Christ. Alas, how many show the worthlessness of their professed faith and love, by living to themselves and to the world!