Chapter 11: 11:1 Would that ye could bear with me [ophelon aneichesthe mou]. Koine

11:1 Would that ye could bear with me [ophelon aneichesthe mou]. Koine way of expressing a wish about the present, [ophelon] (as a conjunction, really second aorist active indicative of [opheilO] without augment) and the imperfect indicative instead of [eithe] or [ei gar] (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Cf. Re 3:15. See Ga 5:12 for future indicative with [ophelon] and 1Co 4:8 for aorist. [Mou] is ablative case after [aneichesthe] (direct middle, hold yourselves back from me). There is a touch of irony here. Bear with me [anechesthe mou]. Either imperative middle or present middle indicative (ye do bear with me). Same form. In a little foolishness [mikron ti aphrosunes]. Accusative of general reference [mikron ti]. "Some little foolishness" (from [aphrOn], foolish). Old word only in this chapter in N.T.

11:2 With a godly jealousy [theou zelOi]. Instrumental case of [zelos]. With a jealousy of God. I espoused [hermosamen]. First aorist middle indicative of [harmozO], old verb to join, to fit together (from [harmos], joint). Common for betrothed, though only here in N.T. The middle voice indicates Paul's interest in the matter. Paul treats the Corinthians as his bride.

11:3 The serpent beguiled Eve [ho ophis exepatesen Heuan]. Paul's only mention of the serpent in Eden. The compound [exapataO] means to deceive completely. Lest by any means [me pOs]. Common conjunction after verbs of fearing. Corrupted [phtharei]. Second aorist passive subjunctive with [me pOs] of [phtheirO], to corrupt.

11:4 Another Jesus [allon Iesoun]. Not necessarily a different Jesus, but any other "Jesus" is a rival and so wrong. That would deny the identity. A different spirit [pneuma heteron]. This is the obvious meaning of [heteron] in distinction from [allon] as seen in Ac 4:12; Ga 1:6f. But this distinction in nature or kind is not always to be insisted on. A different gospel [euaggelion heteron]. Similar use of [heteron]. Ye do well to bear with him [kalOs anechesthe]. Ironical turn again. "Well do you hold yourselves back from him" (the coming one, whoever he is). Some MSS. have the imperfect [aneichesthe] (did bear with).

11:5 That I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles [meden husterekenai tOn huperlian apostolOn]. Perfect active infinitive of [hustereO], old verb to fall short with the ablative case. The rare compound adverb [huperlian] (possibly in use in the vernacular) is probably ironical also, "the super apostles" as these Judaizers set themselves up to be. "The extra-super apostles" (Farrar). Also in 12:11. He is not referring to the pillar-apostles of Ga 2:9.

11:6 Rude in speech [idiOtes tOi logOi]. Locative case with [idiOtes] for which word see on Ac 4:13; 1Co 14:16,23,24. The Greeks regarded a man as [idiOtes] who just attended to his own affairs [ta idia] and took no part in public life. Paul admits that he is not a professional orator (cf. 10:10), but denies that he is unskilled in knowledge [all' ou tei gnOsei]. Among all men [en pasin]. He has made his mastery of the things of Christ plain among all men. He knew his subject.

11:7 In abasing myself [emauton tapeinOn]. Humbling myself by making tents for a living while preaching in Corinth. He is ironical still about "doing a sin" [hamartian epoiesa]. For nought [dOrean]. Gratis. Accusative of general reference, common adverb. It amounts to sarcasm to ask if he did a sin in preaching the gospel free of expense to them "that ye may be exalted."

11:8 I robbed [esulesa]. Old verb to despoil, strip arms from a slain foe, only here in N.T. He allowed other churches to do more than their share. Taking wages [labOn opsOnion]. For [opsOnion] see on 1Co 9:7; Ro 6:17. He got his "rations" from other churches, not from Corinth while there.

11:9 I was not a burden to any man [ou katenarkesa outhenos]. First aorist active indicative of [katanarkaO]. Jerome calls this word one of Paul's cilicisms which he brought from Cilicia. But the word occurs in Hippocrates for growing quite stiff and may be a medical term in popular use. [NarkaO] means to become numb, torpid, and so a burden. It is only here and 12:13f. Paul "did not benumb the Corinthians by his demand for pecuniary aid" (Vincent). From being burdensome [abare]. Old adjective, free from weight or light [a] privative and [baros], weight) . See on 1Th 2:9 for same idea. Paul kept himself independent.

11:10 No man shall stop me of this glorying [he kauchesis haute ou phragesetai eis eme]. More exactly, "This glorying shall not be fenced in as regards me." Second future passive of [phrassO], to fence in, to stop, to block in. Old verb, only here in N.T. In the regions of Achaia [en tois klimasin tes Achaias]. [Klima] from [klinO], to incline, is Koine word for declivity slope, region (our climate). See chapter 1Co 9 for Paul's boast about preaching the gospel without cost to them.

11:11 God knoweth [ho theos oiden]. Whether they do or not. He knows that God understands his motives.

11:12 That I may cut off occasion [hina ekkopsO ten aphormen]. Purpose clause with [hina] and first aorist active subjunctive of [ekkoptO], old verb to cut out or off (Mt 3:10; 5:30). See 2Co 5:12 for [aphormen]. From them which desire an occasion [tOn thelontOn aphormen]. Ablative case after [ekkopsO]. There are always some hunting for occasions to start something against preachers. They may be found [heurethOsin]. First aorist passive subjunctive of [heuriskO], to find with final conjunction [hina].

11:13 False apostles [pseudapostoloi]. From [pseudes], false, and [apostolos]. Paul apparently made this word (cf. Re 2:2). In verse 26 we have [pseudadelphos], a word of like formation (Ga 2:4). See also [pseudochristoi] and [pseudoprophetai] in Mr 13:22. Deceitful [dolioi]. Old word from [dolos] (lure, snare), only here in N.T. (cf. Ro 16:18). Fashioning themselves [metaschematizomenoi]. Present middle (direct) participle of the old verb [metaschematizO] for which see on 1Co 4:6. Masquerading as apostles of Christ by putting on the outward habiliments, posing as ministers of Christ ("gentlemen of the cloth," nothing but cloth). Paul plays with this verb in verses 13, 14, 15.

11:14 An angel of light [aggelon phOtos]. The prince of darkness puts on the garb of light and sets the fashion for his followers in the masquerade to deceive the saints. "Like master like man." Cf. 2:11; Ga 1:8. This terrible portrayal reveals the depth of Paul's feelings about the conduct of the Judaizing leaders in Corinth. In Ga 2:4 he terms those in Jerusalem "false brethren."

11:15 As ministers of righteousness [hOs diakonoi dikaiosunes]. Jesus (Joh 10:1-21) terms these false shepherds thieves and robbers. It is a tragedy to see men in the livery of heaven serve the devil.

11:16 Let no man think me foolish [me tis me doxei aphrona einai]. Usual construction in a negative prohibition with [me] and the aorist subjunctive [doxei] (Robertson, Grammar, p. 933). But if ye do [ei de me ge]. Literally, "But if not at least (or otherwise)," that is, If you do think me foolish. Yet as foolish [kan hOs aphrona]. "Even if as foolish." Paul feels compelled to boast of his career and work as an apostle of Christ after the terrible picture just drawn of the Judaizers. He feels greatly embarrassed in doing it. Some men can do it with complete composure (sang froid).

11:17 Not after the Lord [ou kata Kurion]. Not after the example of the Lord. He had appealed to the example of Christ in 10:1 (the meekness and gentleness of Christ). Paul's conduct here, he admits, is not in keeping with that. But circumstances force him on.

11:18 After the flesh [kata sarka]. It is [kata sarka] not [kata Kurion]. I also [kagO]. But he knows that it is a bit of foolishness and not like Christ.

11:19 Gladly [hedeOs]. Irony again. Cf. [kalos] in 11:4 (Mr 7:9). So as to [phronimoi ontes] (being wise).

11:20 For ye bear with a man [anechesthe gar]. " You tolerate tyranny, extortion, craftiness, arrogance, violence, and insult" (Plummer). Sarcasm that cut to the bone. Note the verb with each of the five conditional clauses (enslaves, devours, takes captive, exalteth himself, smites on the face). The climax of insult, smiting on the face.

11:21 By way of disparagement [kata atimian]. Intense irony. Cf. 6:8. As though [hOs hoti]. Presented as the charge of another. "They more than tolerate those who trample on them while they criticize as weak' one who shows them great consideration" (Plummer). After these prolonged explanations Paul "changes his tone from irony to direct and masterful assertion" (Bernard). I am bold also [tolmO kagO]. Real courage. Cf. 10:2, 12.

11:22 So am I [kagO]. This is his triumphant refrain with each challenge.

11:23 As one beside himself [paraphronOn]. Present active participle of [paraphroneO]. Old verb from [paraphrOn] [para, phren], beside one's wits. Only here in N.T. Such open boasting is out of accord with Paul's spirit and habit. I more [huper egO]. This adverbial use of [huper] appears in ancient Greek (Euripides). It has no effect on [egO], not "more than I," but "I more than they." He claims superiority now to these "superextra apostles." More abundant [perissoterOs]. See on 7:15. No verbs with these clauses, but they are clear. In prisons [en phulakais]. Plural also in 6:5. Clement of Rome (Cor. V.) says that Paul was imprisoned seven times. We know of only five (Philippi, Jerusalem, Caesarea, twice in Rome), and only one before II Corinthians (Philippi). But Luke does not tell them all nor does Paul. Had he been in prison in Ephesus? So many think and it is possible as we have seen. Above measure [huperballontOs]. Old adverb from the participle [huperballontOn] [huperballO], to hurl beyond). Here only in N.T. In deaths oft [en thanatois pollakis]. He had nearly lost his life, as we know, many times (1:9f.; 4:11).

11:24 Five times received I forty stripes save one [pentakis tesserakonta para mian elabon]. The Acts and the Epistles are silent about these Jewish floggings (Mt 27:36). See on Lu 12:47 for omission of [plegas] (stripes). Thirty-nine lashes was the rule for fear of a miscount (De 25:1-3). Cf. Josephus (Ant. IV. 8, 1, 21).

11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods [tris errabdisthen]. Roman (Gentile) punishment. It was forbidden to Roman citizens by the Lex Porcia, but Paul endured it in Philippi (Ac 16:23,37), the only one of the three named in Acts. First aorist passive of [rabdizO], from [rabdos], rod, Koine word, in N.T. only here and Ac 16:22 which see. Once was I stoned [hapax elithasthen]. Once for all [hapax] means. At Lystra (Ac 14:5-19). On [lithazO] Koine verb from [lithos], see on Ac 5:26. Thrice I suffered shipwreck [tris enauagesa]. First aorist active of [nauageO], from [nauagos], shipwrecked [naus], ship, [agnumi], to break). Old and common verb, in N.T. only here and 1Ti 1:19. We know nothing of these. The one told in Ac 27 was much later. What a pity that we have no data for all these varied experiences of Paul. Night and day [nuchthemeron] Rare word. Papyri give [nuktemar] with the same idea (night-day). Have I been in the deep [en tOi buthOi pepoieka]. Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of [poieO], "I have done a night and day in the deep." The memory of it survives like a nightmare. [Buthos] is old word (only here in N.T.) for bottom, depth of the sea, then the sea itself. Paul does not mean that he was a night and day under the water, not a Jonah experience, only that he was far out at sea and shipwrecked. This was one of the three shipwrecks-already named.

11:26 In journeyings [hodoiporiais]. Locative case of old word, only here in N.T. and Joh 4:6, from [hodoiporos], wayfarer. In perils [kindunois]. Locative case of [kindunos], old word for danger or peril. In N.T. only this verse and Ro 8:35. The repetition here is very effective without the preposition [en] (in) and without conjunctions (asyndeton). They are in contrasted pairs. The rivers of Asia Minor are still subject to sudden swellings from floods in the mountains. Cicero and Pompey won fame fighting the Cilician pirates and robbers (note [leistOn], not [kleptOn], thieves, brigands or bandits on which see Mt 26:55). The Jewish perils [ek genous], from my race) can be illustrated in Ac 9:23,29; 13:50; 14:5; 17:5,13; 18:12; 23:12; 24:27, and they were all perils in the city also. Perils from the Gentiles [ex ethnOn] we know in Philippi (Ac 16:20) and in Ephesus (Ac 19:23f.). Travel in the mountains and in the wilderness was perilous in spite of the great Roman highways. Among false brethren [en pseudadelphois]. Chapters 2Co 10; 11 throw a lurid light on this aspect of the subject.

11:27 In labour and travail [kopOi kai mochthOi]. Both old words for severe work, combined here as in 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8, "by toil and moil" (Plummer). The rest of the list is like the items in 2Co 6:4ff. In cold [en psuchei]. Old word from [psuchO], to cool by blowing. See Ac 28:2. See the picture of the aged Paul later in the Roman dungeon (2Ti 4:9-18).

11:28 Besides those things that are without [chOris tOn parektos]. Probably, "apart from those things beside these just mentioned." Surely no man ever found glory in such a peck of troubles as Paul has here recounted. His list should shame us all today who are disposed to find fault with our lot. That which presseth upon me daily [he epistasis moi he kath' hemeran]. For this vivid word [epistasis] see Ac 24:12, the only other place in the N.T. where it occurs. It is like the rush of a mob upon Paul. Anxiety for all the churches [he merimna pasOn tOn ekklesiOn]. Objective genitive after [merimna] (distractions in different directions, from [merizO] for which word see on Mt 13:22. Paul had the shepherd heart. As apostle to the Gentiles he had founded most of these churches.

11:29 I burn [puroumai]. Present passive indicative of [puroO], old verb to inflame (from [pur], fire). When a brother stumbles, Paul is set on fire with grief.

11:30 The things that concern my weakness [ta tes astheneias mou]. Like the list above.

11:31 I am not lying [ou pseudomai]. The list seems so absurd and foolish that Paul takes solemn oath about it (cf. 1:23). For the doxology see Ro 1:25; 9:5.

11:32 The governor under Aretas [ho ethnarches Hareta]. How it came to pass that Damascus, ruled by the Romans after B.C. 65, came at this time to be under the rule of Aretas, fourth of the name, King of the Nabatheans (II Macc. 5:8), we do not know. There is an absence of Roman coins in Damascus from A.D. 34 to 62. It is suggested (Plummer) that Caligula, to mark his dislike for Antipas, gave Damascus to Aretas (enemy of Antipas). Guarded [ephrourei]. Imperfect active of [phroureO], old verb (from [phrouros], a guard) to guard by posting sentries. In Ac 9:24 we read that the Jews kept watch to seize Paul, but there is no conflict as they cooperated with the guard set by Aretas at their request. To seize [piasai]. Doric first aorist active infinitive of [piezO] (Lu 6:38) for which see on Ac 3:7.

11:33 Through a window [dia thuridos]. For this late word see on Ac 20:9, the only N.T. example. Was I let down [echalasthen]. First aorist passive of [chalaO], the very word used by Luke in Ac 9:25. In a basket [en sarganei]. Old word for rope basket whereas Luke (Ac 9:25) has [en sphuridi] (the word for the feeding of the 4,000 while [kophinos] is the one for the 5,000). This was a humiliating experience for Paul in this oldest city of the world whither he had started as a conqueror over the despised Christians. __________________________________________________________________

12:1 I must needs glory [kauchasthai dei]. This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have [de] while K M read [de]. The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient [ou sumpheron]. Visions [optasias]. Late word from [optazO]. See on Lu 1:22; Ac 26:19. Revelations of the Lord [apokalupseis Kuriou]. Unveilings (from [apokaluptO] as in Re 1:1). See on 2Th 1:7; 1Co 1:7; 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Ac 9:3; 16:9; 18:9; 22:17; 27:23f.) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1Co 11:23; 15:3; Ga 1:12; Eph 3:3, etc.).

12:2 I know a man [oida anthrOpon]. Paul singles out one incident of ecstasy in his own experience that he declines to describe. He alludes to it in this indirect way as if it were some other personality. Fourteen years ago [pro etOn dekatessarOn]. Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition [pro] (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in Joh 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Ac 9:30; 11:25). We have no details of that period. Caught up [harpagenta]. Second aorist passive participle of [harpazO], to seize (see on Mt 11:12). Even to the third heaven [heOs tritou ouranou]. It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer).

12:3 I do not know [ouk oida]. Paul declines to pass on his precise condition in this trance. We had best leave it as he has told it.

12:4 Into Paradise [eis paradeison]. See on Lu 23:43 for this interesting word. Paul apparently uses paradise as the equivalent of the third heaven in verse 2. Some Jews (Book of the Secrets of Enoch,

ideas (two heavens, three, seven). We need not commit Paul to any "celestial gradation" (Vincent). Unspeakable words [arreta remata]. Old verbal adjective [a] privative, [retos] from [reO], only here in N.T. Not lawful [ouk exon]. Copula [estin] omitted. Hence Paul does not give these words.

12:5 But on mine own behalf [huper de emautou]. As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (11:30).

12:6 I shall not be foolish [ouk esomai aphrOn]. Apparent contradiction to 11:1, 16. But he is here speaking of the Paul "caught up" in case he should tell the things heard (condition of the third class, [ean] and first aorist subjunctive [thelesO]. Of me [eis eme]. To my credit, almost like dative (cf. [en emoi] in 1Co 14:11).

12:7 By reason of the exceeding greatness [tei huperbolei]. Instrumental case, "by the excess." That I should not be exalted overmuch [hina me huperairOmai]. Present passive subjunctive in final clause of [huperairO], old verb to lift up beyond, only here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence. A thorn in the flesh [skolops tei sarki]. This old word is used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the LXX it is usually thorn. The case of [tei sarki] can be either locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held (malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several at once. Messenger of Satan [aggelos Satana]. Angel of Satan, the affliction personified. Buffet [kolaphizei]. See on Mt 26:67; 1Co 4:11 for this late and rare word from [kolaphos], fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and Paul now sees that it was God's will for it to be so.

12:8 Concerning this thing [huper toutou]. More likely, "concerning this messenger of Satan." That it might depart from me [hina apostei aph' emou]. Second aorist active (intransitive) subjunctive of [aphistemi] in final clause, "that he stand off from me for good."

12:9 He hath said [eireken]. Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ. Is sufficient [arkei]. Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ's grace suffices and abides. Is perfected [teleitai]. Present passive indicative of [teleO], to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See Php 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ's power and grace. Most gladly rather [hedista mallon]. Two adverbs, one superlative [hedista], one comparative [mallon]. "Rather" than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter "most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses." Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Ro 5:2; 2Ti 4:6-8). May rest upon me [episkenOsei ep' eme]. Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with [hina] (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Lu 9:34), the power [dunamis] of the Lord Jesus.

12:10 Wherefore I take pleasure [dio eudokO]. For this noble word see on Mt 3:17; 2Co 5:8. The enemies of Paul will have a hard time now in making Paul unhappy by persecutions even unto death (Php 1:20-26). He is not courting martyrdom, but he does not fear it or anything that is "for Christ's sake" [huper Christou]. For when [hotan gar]. "For whenever," indefinite time. Then I am strong [tote dunatos eimi]. At that very time, but not in myself, but in the fresh access of power from Christ for the emergency.

12:11 I am become foolish [gegona aphrOn]. Perfect active indicative of [ginomai]. In spite of what he said in verse 6 that he would not be foolish if he gloried in the other Paul. But he feels that he has dropped back to the mood of 11:1,16. He has been swept on by the memory of the ecstasy. For I ought to have been commended by you [egO gar Opheilon huph' humOn sunistasthai]. Explanation of "ye compelled me." Imperfect active [Opheilon] of [opheilO], to be under obligation, and the tense here expresses an unfulfilled obligation about the present. But [sunistasthai] is present passive infinitive, not aorist or perfect passive. He literally means, "I ought now to be commended by you" instead of having to glorify myself. He repeats his boast already made (11:5f.), that he is no whit behind "the super-extra apostles" (the Judaizers), "though I am nothing" [ei kai ouden eimi]. Even boasting himself against those false apostles causes a reaction of feeling that he has to express (cf. 1Co 15:9; 1Ti 1:15f.).

12:12 Of an apostle [tou apostolou]. "Of the apostle" (definite article). Note the three words here for miracles wrought by Paul [semeia], signs, [terata], wonders, [dunameis], powers or miracles) as in Heb 2:4.

12:13 Wherein ye were made inferior [ho hessOthete]. First aorist passive indicative of [hessoomai], the text of Aleph B D instead of the usual [hettethete] from the common [hettaomai] to be inferior or less from the comparative [hettOn]. See [hessOn] in verse 15. [Ho] is the neuter accusative with the passive verb (Robertson, Grammar, p. 479). Forgive me this wrong [charisasthe moi ten adikian tauten]. Consummate irony to the stingy element in this church (cf. 11:9).

12:14 Third time I am ready to come [triton touto hetoimOs echO]. Had he been already twice or only once? He had changed his plans once when he did not go (1:15f.). He will not change his plans now. This looks as if he had only been once (that in Ac 18). Note the third use of [katanarkaO] (11:9; 12:13, 14). They need not be apprehensive. He will be as financially independent of them as before. "I shall not sponge on you." Not yours, but you [ou ta humOn, alla humas]. The motto of every real preacher. To lay up [thesaurizein]. For this use of the verb see 1Co 16:2 (Mt 6:19-21; Jas 5:3).

12:15 I will most gladly spend and be spent [hedista dapanesO kai ekdapanethesomai]. Both future active of old verb [dapanaO] (Mr 5:26) to spend money, time, energy, strength and the future passive of [ekdapanaO], late compound to spend utterly, to spend out, [ek-], to spend wholly. Only here in N.T.

12:16 I did not myself burden you [egO ou katebaresa humas]. First aorist active of late verb [katabareO], to press a burden down on one. Only here in N.T. Crafty [panourgos]. Old word from [pan], all, and [ergo], to do anything (good or bad). Good sense is skilful, bad sense cunning. Only here in N.T. and Paul is quoting the word from his enemies. With guile [dolOi]. Instrumental case of [dolos], bait to catch fish with. The enemies of Paul said that he was raising this big collection for himself. Moffatt has done well to put these charges in quotation marks to make it plain to readers that Paul is ironical.

12:17 Did I take advantage [epleonektesa]. Paul goes right to the point without hedging. For this verb from [pleon] and [echO], to have more, see on 2Co 2:11; 7:2. By any one of them [tina--di' autou]. An anacoluthon for [tina] is left in the accusative without a verb and [di' autou] takes up the idea, "as to any one by him." Whom [hOn]. The genitive relative is attracted from the accusative [hous] into the case of the unexpressed antecedent [touton]. [Me] expects the negative answer as does [meti] in 18.

12:18 The brother [ton adelphon]. Probably the brother of Titus (cf. 8:18). Did Titus take advantage of you? [meti epleonektesen humas Titos?]. That puts the issue squarely. By the same Spirit [tOi autOi pneumati]. That translation refers to the Holy Spirit and makes the case instrumental. The locative case, "in the same spirit," makes it mean that Paul's attitude is the same as that of Titus and most likely is correct, for "in the same steps" [tois autois ichnesin] is in locative case.

12:19 Ye think all this time [palai dokeite]. Progressive present indicative, "for a long time ye have been thinking." We are excusing ourselves [apologoumetha]. He is not just apologizing, but is in deadly earnest, as they will find out when he comes.

12:20 Lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would [me pOs elthOn ouch hoious thelO heurO humas]. An idiomatic construction after the verb of fearing [phoboumai] with [me pOs] as the conjunction and with [ouch] as the negative of the verb [heurO] (second aorist active subjunctive of [heuriskO], [me] the conjunction, [ouch] the negative. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 995. And I be found [kagO heurethO]. Same construction with first aorist passive subjunctive. Such as ye would not [hoion ou thelete]. Neat change in voice just before and position of the negative here. Lest by any means [me pOs]. Still further negative purpose by repeating the conjunction. With graphic pen pictures Paul describes what had been going on against him during his long absence. Backbitings [katalaliai]. Late and rare word. In N.T. only here and 1Pe 2:1. If it only existed nowhere else! Whisperings [psithurismoi]. Late word from [psithurizO], to whisper into one's ear. An onomatopoetic word for the sibilant murmur of a snake charmer (Ec 10:11). Only here in N.T. Swellings [phusiOseis]. From [phusioO], to swell up, late word only here and in ecclesiastical writers. Did Paul make up the word for the occasion? See on 1Co 4:6 for verb. Tumults [akatastasiai]. See on 2Co 6:5.

12:21 When I come again [palin elthontos mou]. Genitive absolute. Paul assumes it as true. Lest my God humble me [me tapeinOsei me ho theos mou]. Negative final clause [me] and first aorist active subjunctive), going back to [phoboumai] in 20. He means a public humiliation as his fear. The conduct of the church had been a real humiliation whether he refers to a previous visit or not. That have sinned heretofore [tOn proemartekotOn]. Genitive plural of the articular perfect active participle of [proamartanO] to emphasize continuance of their sinful state as opposed to [me metanoesantOn] (did not repent) in the aorist tense. __________________________________________________________________