In 2 Corinthians, what does Paul claim about his authority and integrity?

• A. He defends his apostleship and ministry as genuine, authorized by God, not dependent on human approval.
• B. He withdraws from ministry due to criticism.
• C. He claims only his companions witnessed miracles.
• D. He relies on human approval to validate his mission.

Answer: (A)

Paul centers on the source and trustworthiness of his ministry. He argues that his apostleship is real and sanctioned by God, not something earned by pleasing people or by human approval. The authority he claims comes from the Lord who called him, and its legitimacy is shown through the signs, hardships, and faithful fruit of his work, rather than through popularity or what critics say. This means his integrity isn’t tied to worldly validation but to God’s approval and the truth of the gospel he preaches. The goal is to reassure the Corinthians that the message and the ministry they received through him are genuine, grounded in divine commissioning, and aimed at building up the church.