Paul seeks to clarify a misunderstanding or to respond to a reproach that, apparently, has been directed at him. In fact, the planned itinerary included a second and third visit to Corinth. The second visit was probably intended to personally address local issues (cf. 13:1f). Instead of going there again, he chose to write them a letter, which led the Corinthians to complain about this change: they seem to think Paul promises a visit but does not follow through, thus questioning his apostolic credibility. Paul defends himself in the only way he knows, appealing to the testimony of Christ Jesus, who guides all his steps and informs his decisions: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” he will affirm in Galatians 2:20. In essence, his actions toward the community were not guided by human prudence but by the “simplicity and sincerity that God requires” (12), which are the core qualities of his apostolic ministry.