2 Corinthians 12:14

Behold, the third time We can either interpret this (1) with most commentators, of some unrecorded visit to Corinth, or (2) with Paley, that St Paul is speaking here and in ch. 2 Corinthians 13:1 of the intentionmerely of visiting Corinth, such as we know (ch. 2 Corinthians 1:15-17) was frustrated once, and probably more than once. (1) is rendered improbable by the fact that St Paul had carefully avoided visiting Corinth for some time. The whole tenor of the Epistles, moreover, implies that he had not been to Corinth since his long stay there, since it would have been hardly possible, had such a visit been paid, that some more distinct notice of it should not appear in letters so overflowing with personal details as these. On the other hand, it must be admitted that our information (see notes on ch. 11) of St Paul's movements is extremely incomplete.

I am ready The phrase is almost the same as in ch. 2 Corinthians 10:6. St Paul does not say here that he has been to Corinth twice before, but simply that this is the third time in which he is holding himself in readiness to come. Whether he comes or not will depend upon their conduct. See ch. 2 Corinthians 13:10. Also ch. 2 Corinthians 13:1.

not yours, but you Not their money, nor their praise, nor even their affections (see next verse), but simply to induce them to give themselves to Christ.

but the parents for the children Cf. 1 Corinthians 4:15. The treasures which were laid up by St Paul for his converts were the inexhaustible stores of Divine love and mercy given us in Jesus Christ. See Romans 9:33; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 1:18; Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:8; Colossians 2:9, &c.