2 Corinthians 5:13 (AMPC), “For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit,”

In the context of this verse, Paul was explaining to the Corinthian believers that in spite of what his critics might think, his ministry was completely sincere. It seems there were some ministers who were stirring up confusion concerning the message he was preaching. So, he gave the believers a reply to these teachers who criticized him. Verse 12 says, “…so that you may have a reply for those who pride themselves on surface appearances [on the virtues they only appear to have], although their heart is devoid of them.” One translation says, “so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart.” Verse 13 tells us what Paul was doing to warrant their critical comments. It seems their ministries appeared to have order, excellence and a rational, calm way of presenting their teachings; making them popular because they pleased their followers, putting them at ease and never challenging them by what they taught. Contrast this with the ‘unplugged’ moments Paul and his colleagues experienced, as they followed the leading of the Holy Spirit; themselves being caught up in spontaneous outpourings of His manifest Power. They would often, in their yielding to the Holy Spirit’s power, be filled with the joy of the Lord, unspeakable and full of glory! As you can well imagine, as Paul would minister under the control of the Spirit, he would speak in tongues and operate in ministry gifts that to onlookers, made him appear to be ‘out of his mind’. One translation says, “If we are out of our minds in a blissful, divine ecstasy, it is for God, …” Needless to say, Paul was completely unashamed of the spontaneous, unconventional ministry of the Holy Spirit, even when it made him and those under the Spirit’s influence look out of control. There were also moments where Paul preached with absolute clarity and conviction, for the advantage of his hearers, to understand the message of salvation and the wonderful benefits of finished work of the cross.  Never be ashamed of the glorious, unconventional ministry of the Holy Spirit. Those who criticize it are either ignorant of it, or outrightly reject its purifying fire in their own lives.