Having exhorted the Corinthians to recognize his God-given ministry of reconciliation (5:16–6:2), Paul continues the discussion of his ministry in 6:3–13 by declaring that he is completely innocent of any aspersions that have been cast on his ministry. Paul claims that, in word and deed, he commends himself as a genuine apostle who is motivated by sincere love.

6:3 The new section opens quite defensively. Paul knows that his ministry has come under fire because of his alleged inconsistency and double-mindedness, and he has handled such accusations in 1:12–2:13. In the face of these accusations, Paul forcefully asserts with an unmistakable apologetic tone that he did not put a stumbling block in anyone’s way. Paul uses similar terms in admonitions to “strong” believers not to cause “weaker…