What does 2 Corinthians 6:12 mean?

In the previous verse, Paul declared that despite any conflict between him and the Corinthians—and the fact that he has spoken very frankly—his heart remains wide open to them. He has not lost any of his affection for them.

Now he writes that the same is not true of their feelings for him and his co-workers for Christ. They are restricted in their affections for Paul and the other ministers or the gospel. Paul insists such a decline is not coming from him and his associates. It is coming from the Corinthians. They have reduced their affection, likely based on the misinformation campaign of the false apostles or others among them.

Or, perhaps, some of the Corinthians simply resented Paul's corrections and rebukes. They might have been bitter over being challenged to turn back to the right belief and practice. The next chapter will show that at least some still long for Paul, value his ministry, and recognize his authority.