2Co 3:1. Ἀρχόμεθα, do we begin?) A just reproof to some of those who had so begun.-πάλιν, again) as was formerly done in the first epistle; so, again, ch. 2Co 5:12.-συνιστάνειν, to commend) after the manner of men; 2Co 12:19, by mentioning transactions that took place elsewhere.-εἰ μὴ) unless. A particle expressive of conciliation [morata]. Is it thus and thus only that we are equal to the task of commending ourselves [i.e., by mentioning transactions that took place elsewhere], if we do not need [without needing] also letters? Some read ἤ.[15]-τινές, some) of many, 2Co 2:17. In this respect also, he shows that he utterly differs from the false apostles. They did need letters of recommendation.-ἐξ ὑμῶν, from you) to others. This then was the practice at Corinth.
[15] So CD(Λ)Gfg Vulg. (“aut numquid”). But AB (judging from silence acc. to Tisch: But Lachm. quotes B for ἤ) read εἰ μὴ as Rec. Text.-ED.