2 Corinthians 12:15

Spend and be spent. Literally, “spend and be outspent,” that is, exhaust his resources. In Greek the second verb is much stronger than the first. Paul would give them everything he had, including himself.

For you. Literally, “for your souls.” Paul’s primary concern was not for their physical welfare. The apostle is thinking of “that meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27), of food for the mind and food for the soul. The cost of such food in time, energy, planning, and sacrifice is far greater than for physical food. In the nurture of spiritual life great sacrifice is often necessary. It requires the unreserved dedication of all that a man is and has to God, in the service of his fellow men (Phil. 2:17).

The less I be loved. How often the truest of love is unappreciated. Had Paul done less for them they might have appreciated him more! See ch. 11:7.