2 Corinthians 12:20 – “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul shares his deep concern about what he might find when he visits the Corinthians again. He fears that their church is still filled with sinful behavior and division, and that they are not living as they should as followers of Christ.

Paul says, “I may not find you as I want you to be.” He had spent years teaching and guiding them, but now he is worried that they have fallen back into sinful ways instead of growing in faith and unity.

Then he says, “You may not find me as you want me to be.” In other words, if he arrives and sees their sinful behavior, they will not see the gentle and encouraging Paul they might hope for—instead, they will find a firm and corrective Paul who will have to confront their wrongdoing.

Paul lists several sins that he fears he will find:

• Discord (fighting, division)
• Jealousy (envy, resentment toward others)
• Fits of rage (outbursts of anger)
• Selfish ambition (seeking personal gain over others’ well-being)
• Slander (speaking falsely about others)
• Gossip (spreading harmful talk behind others’ backs)
• Arrogance (prideful attitudes, looking down on others)
• Disorder (chaos, lack of unity in the church)

This verse reveals Paul’s love for the Corinthians—he is not angry because they have hurt him, but because their sin is hurting their relationship with God and with one another.

Historical Context

Paul had already visited Corinth twice and was preparing for his third visit. The church he had planted was struggling with serious moral and spiritual problems.

• Corinth was a city known for immorality and corruption. Many Christians were saved from that lifestyle, but some continued in sin or tolerated sinful behavior.
• The church was divided. Some followed Paul, some followed other leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12), and there was jealousy and competition within the congregation.
• False teachers had gained influence. They led people away from Paul’s teaching and encouraged pride, slander, and disorder.

Paul’s fear was that when he arrived, he would find a church still trapped in these sins instead of living in love and unity. He knew that if that were the case, he would have to confront them, which could lead to further conflict.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important spiritual truths:

1. Sin disrupts Christian unity. The sins Paul lists—jealousy, gossip, selfish ambition—tear apart relationships and churches.
2. Accountability is necessary. Paul is willing to confront sin because he loves the Corinthians and wants them to grow in faith.
3. Spiritual growth requires repentance. Paul’s concern shows that being a Christian is not just about believing in Jesus, but also about living in obedience to Him.
4. Godly leaders must correct sin, even when it is difficult. Paul is prepared to lovingly rebuke the Corinthians if necessary, showing that true Christian leadership involves both grace and truth.

Paul’s words challenge Christians to examine their own hearts and make sure they are living in a way that honors God.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s writing in this verse is personal and emotional. He expresses his fear multiple times, showing his deep concern for the Corinthians.

• “I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be.” – This statement reflects Paul’s pastoral heart. He desires to see them thriving in faith, but he worries that they have returned to sin.
• The list of sins – By listing specific sins, Paul is painting a picture of what disunity looks like in a church. These are not random sins—each one damages relationships and prevents spiritual growth.
• The contrast of expectations – Paul wants to see a holy church, but he fears he will find a sinful one. The Corinthians expect a joyful visit, but they may receive a serious rebuke.

This structure highlights the tension between what Paul hopes to see and what he fears he will see.

Biblical Cross-References

• Galatians 5:19-21 – Paul lists similar sins, describing them as “acts of the flesh” that are opposed to the Spirit.
• James 3:14-16 – James warns against jealousy and selfish ambition, saying they lead to disorder and every evil practice.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 – Paul previously rebuked the Corinthians for their divisions and arguments.
• Ephesians 4:31-32 – Paul encourages believers to put away anger, slander, and malice and instead be kind and forgiving.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Paul’s warning is just as relevant today as it was for the Corinthians. Churches, families, and friendships can all suffer from discord, jealousy, gossip, and selfish ambition.

• Examine your relationships. Are you contributing to unity in your church, or are you stirring up division?
• Guard your words. Gossip and slander damage trust and tear people down—choose words that encourage and build up instead.
• Check your motives. Are you seeking personal recognition, or are you serving humbly?
• Be open to correction. If a godly leader or friend corrects you, don’t react in pride—listen, repent, and grow.

Paul’s concern reminds us that Christian life is not just about believing—it is about living out our faith in love and obedience.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is not just gentle encouragement—it also includes correction and discipline. Paul’s words reflect God’s fatherly love, which does not allow His children to continue in sin.

• God disciplines those He loves. (Hebrews 12:6) Like Paul, God corrects His people for their good.
• God desires unity among believers. (John 17:20-23) Jesus prayed for His followers to be one in love and truth.
• God calls us to holiness. (1 Peter 1:15-16) Just as Paul wanted the Corinthians to live in obedience, God calls all believers to live holy lives.

Paul’s concern reflects God’s own desire—not to condemn, but to see His people transformed and living in righteousness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s warning aligns with the teachings of Jesus:

• Jesus also confronted sin in the church. (Matthew 21:12-13) He cleansed the temple when He saw corruption.
• Jesus warned against division. (Mark 3:24-25) He taught that a house divided against itself cannot stand.
• Jesus taught humility over selfish ambition. (Luke 22:26) He told His disciples that the greatest among them must be the servant of all.
• Jesus calls His followers to love and unity. (John 13:34-35) Paul’s concerns are rooted in Christ’s command that His disciples be known for their love.

Paul’s warnings are ultimately rooted in Christ’s mission—to bring sinners into repentance and to create a people who live in love and holiness.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul was so concerned about what he might find in Corinth?
2. Which of the sins listed in this verse do you think are most common in churches today?
3. How can we work toward unity instead of division in our own churches and communities?
4. When confronted about sin, how do you typically respond—with humility or defensiveness?
5. How does this verse challenge you to live more in line with God’s desire for holiness and love?

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:20 serve as a strong reminder that Christian life is about more than words—it is about living in obedience, humility, and unity. May we take his warning seriously and strive to be people who reflect the love, truth, and holiness of Christ.