Note 1 at 2 Cor. 1:12: Many people today are not rejoicing in the testimony of their own conscience. They are looking for the approval of man, which always brings a snare (Prov. 29:25). Paul was seeking first of all to please God (Gal. 1:10), and if his conscience bore witness that he had done that with all his heart, that was all he needed. Man pleasers will never be God pleasers (Heb. 11:6).

Note 2 at 2 Cor. 1:12: Paul listed two rare qualities which were foundational to him having a clear conscience; simplicity and sincerity.

The word "simple" has many definitions but at least three apply to the way Paul was using it here. "Simple" means "not involved or complicated, easy; unassuming or unpretentious; humble or lowly in condition or rank." Paul made a very strong argument for "words easy to be understood" in 1 Corinthians 14:9 (see note 15 at 1 Cor. 14:9, p. 945).

The word "sincere" means "without false appearance or nature; true." There was no hypocrisy in Paul's ministry. He didn't use "hype" or exaggeration to make his point. He simply spoke the word and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Many ministers feel that "the ends justify the means." That is to say that as long as people respond, it doesn't matter what methods are employed. That's not true. People who have been conditioned to respond to God through carnal means will also be susceptible to the carnal means Satan employs to lead them astray. But those who have received ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit will easily be able to distinguish between God's methods and those of the enemy and avoid Satan's snares.

Today, more than ever, we need ministers with simplicity and Godly sincerity.

Note 3 at 2 Cor. 1:12: Paul is defending his actions in this verse. There were obviously those in the Corinthian church who not only challenged Paul's apostleship (see note 1 at 1 Cor. 1:1, p. 858) but who also challenged his sincerity and motives in his Christian walk. Paul now declares that his conscience and behavior are clear in his dealings with the world and especially toward the Corinthians (Acts 23:1).

Paul did not act in the wisdom of the flesh, i.e. with motives of self-interests and self-service, but rather his life-style was guided and controlled by the grace of God. It was Paul himself that stated that God's grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and to live self-controlled, righteous, and godly lives in this present world (Ti. 2:11-12).

Paul is now stating that he has no hidden motives and no hidden actions, but rather his conduct is dominated by the grace of God (Rom. 6:1-2). Paul practiced what he preached.