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2 Corinthians 12:21 — in context
Paul is preparing for another visit to Corinth. His concern is not merely that some Christians have committed serious sins, but that some have continued in them without repentance.The immediate context begins in 2 Corinthians 12:19–21. Paul explains that everything he has been saying is intended for their spiritual strengthening. He fears that when he arrives he may find the church characterized by division, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, gossip, pride, and disorder (v. 20). Then verse 21 moves specifically to sexual sin:
The key issue is “have not repented.” Paul is not saying that Christians who have ever committed these sins are beyond forgiveness. His concern is people who had sinned previously and were still refusing to turn away from those practices.
Paul also says that God may “humble” him and that he will “mourn” over them. Their condition is personally painful to him. He views persistent, unrepentant sin within the church as something to grieve over, not merely something deserving punishment.
The thought continues directly into 2 Corinthians 13:1–2. Paul warns that on his upcoming third visit, those who continue in sin should not assume he will simply overlook it again. So 12:21 should not really be separated from the opening verses of chapter 13.
Related verses:
2 Corinthians 12:20
2 Corinthians 13:1–2
2 Corinthians 7:8–11
1 Corinthians 5:1–13
1 Corinthians 6:9–11
1 Corinthians 6:18–20
1 Corinthians 10:8
Galatians 5:19–21
Ephesians 5:3–7
1 John 1:8–9