Much of 2 Corinthians is Paul’s defense of his ministry. First, he does not compartmentalize his evangelistic ministry from his disciple-making ministry. He sees them as one and the same. There is a difference, of course, in helping someone to begin the walk of faith and then bringing them further in that walk, but many of the activities and principles are the same.
Second, Paul does not mince words about the difficulty of being a disciple maker. He would not mention that he does not lose heart (v. 1, v. 16) if that were not a real danger. Today we call it burnout; many experience it and walk away from the disciple making and mentoring opportunities Christ has given them.
Third, Paul recognizes that his work is to reveal truth; specifically the truth of the gospel of Christ (vs. 2-3). Not only is this necessary in reaching the unbeliever, but also in protecting the believers in Corinth from false teaching (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). Paul refers several times to the sincerity of his message. There was nothing in it that was not from God (2 Corinthians 2:17).
Finally, Paul recognized that he was not first and foremost an apostle, but rather a servant, a bondservant of Christ and of those to whom he ministered (vs. 5-6). This servanthood, however, has a great purpose, “For it is all for your sakes, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God” (v. 15).
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