2 Corinthians 5:13

Beside ourselves. Gr. existemi, “to throw out of position,” hence, “to be out of one’s mind,” or “to be insane.” It is also defined “to be astonished,” “to be amazed.” Here the context requires the former definition. Paul’s opponents had apparently charged Paul with being mentally deranged, perhaps basing their accusation on his miraculous conversion, his visions (2 Cor. 12:1-4; Gal. 1:12), his burning zeal for God, his apparent courting of almost certain martyrdom (2 Cor. 12:10), and the revolutionary character of his teaching. Some years later Festus made the same charge (Acts 26:24), one that even Jesus’ friends had once made against Jesus (see on Mark 3:21; cf. Matt. 12:24).

It is to God. Those aspects of Paul’s life and ministry to which his enemies might have pointed as symptoms of mental derangement were actually evidences of his devotion to the Lord.

Sober. Gr. sophroneo, “to be of sound mind,” “to be in [one’s] right mind,” the opposite of being “beside” oneself. Acts reflecting sober-mindedness and moderation were for the welfare and salvation of his converts. Paul cared not about the charges. What if his enemies did think him insane? He had but one objective in view — the honor and glory of God and the salvation of his fellow men.

For your cause. Ever forgetful of himself, as his ceaseless labors and frequent sufferings made evident, Paul lived for others.