12:11 Again Paul reminded his readers that he had spoken of his own qualifications as an apostle as he had only because the Corinthians required such proof. He had not done so because he wanted to commend himself or because his critics boastfully commended themselves. The majority in the church should have defended him before the critical minority.
"If any Christian community was qualified to write Paul's testimonial, it was the Corinthian church. They had remained silent, forcing Paul to speak up. His action had been excusable, but not theirs. Commendation was what he deserved and they owed."281
They knew he was just as qualified as the "super-apostles"(Gr. huperlian apostolon, i.e., probably the Twelve or possibly the false apostles, cf. 11:5). Paul considered himself a "nobody"in the sense that he had received everything that made him an apostle. Apart from the grace and calling of God he was not superior to any other believer. Another possibility is that when Paul called himself a nobody he was speaking ironically, using a description of himself that his critics employed.
12:12 The "signs of an apostle"refer generally to the supernatural gifts and activities that marked the true apostles. This reference seems to indicate that Paul was referring to the Twelve rather than to the professed apostles when he used the term "super-apostles"(v. 11; 11:5). God had enabled Paul to manifest these signs, so he described them as being done among them rather than as he having done them. Paul's perseverance in his apostolic mission in Corinth despite much opposition distinguished him from the false apostles (cf. 10:1; 11:4; 13:14; Acts 18:6, 9-10, 12-16). "Signs,""wonders,"and "miracles"are synonymous terms that emphasize respectively their authenticating value, astonishing effect, and divine power.
"These passages [i.e., Acts 2:22; Rom. 15:18-19; 2 Thess. 2:9; Heb. 2:4] demonstrate that in the New Testament the purpose of signs and wonders and powers is that of authentication, even when deceitfully imitated by satanic forces."282
12:13 In irony again Paul appealed to his readers for forgiveness because he had not treated them as he had a right to do as an apostle. It was only in refraining to demand his rights of support as an apostle that Paul had not treated the Corinthians as an apostle would normally (cf. 11:5-12; 1 Cor. 9:1-18). He had given them special privileges. This treatment had led some to criticize him.
Paul's focusing on the signs (evidences) of an apostle rather than on the rights of an apostle is helpful for all servants of the Lord to observe. We, too, should concentrate on demonstrating the proofs of our ambassadorship in our works, especially our perseverance, rather than expecting those we serve to follow us because we claim our rights. We need to earn the respect of those we serve with our works rather than demanding it because of our position.
