In this passage, Paul transparently describes what he has experienced in his ministry as an apostle. It serves as an autobiographical self-commendation for the purpose of calling the church at Corinth to repent of their estrangement from the apostle. This was necessary for their spiritual health (6:14–7:16). Among other lessons, we learn, under three headings, what characterises God-commended ministry:

1. A Faultless Claim (v. 3)

2. A Favourable Commendation (vv. 4–10)

3. A Fatherly Concern (vv. 11–13)