The sermon text (2 Corinthians 12:11-21) for this Lord’s Day serves as an “epilogue” to Paul’s “fool’s speech” (chapters 11-12). He summarizes the main point of the lengthy speech just concluded (11-13), declares his devotion to them (14-16a), insists on the integrity of his ministry among them, corrects their misconception of his “defense,” and begins preparation for his third visit to them (20-21). Embedded in all this, verse 19 contains a profound explanation of his actions that gives us insight into the true nature of ministry in the local church: It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. Paul remembered two important truths that shaped his ministry: 1) God was always watching and he is the one whom we must please. 2) He spoke “in Christ,” that is, he was commissioned by Christ and served under the authority of Christ.
