Even if they failed to see in Paul the evidence of genuine apostleship, he hoped that they would give evidence of being genuine Christians. He was willing to be considered a failure, if that would help them succeed.

 Paul’s motive in appealing to the Corinthians to do no wrong was not that he would thereby be proved a genuine apostle (cf. 1 Cor. 9:2), but that they might themselves pass the test, and prove to be true Christians.

 There are not many instances, even in the Bible, of such Christlike unselfishness and love toward others as Paul here reveals (cf. Ex. 32:31, 32; Luke 23:34; Acts. 7:59, 60; Rom. 9:3). He has set forth the evidence of his apostleship, and is confident the Corinthians will believe he has met the test (see on 2 Cor. 12:11, 12). In love, knowledge, patience, service, ministry, and the fruits of the Spirit, Paul stands vindicated. The authority and power of Christ have been manifested through him.