Beside ourselves - Probably he was reputed by some to be deranged. Festus thought so: Paul, thou art beside thyself; too much learning hath made thee mad. And his enemies at Corinth might insinuate not only that he was deranged, but attribute his derangement to a less worthy cause than intense study and deep learning.

It is to God - If we do appear, in speaking of the glories of the eternal world, to be transported beyond ourselves, it is through the good hand of our God upon us, and we do it to promote his honor.

Whether we be sober - Speak of Divine things in a more cool and dispassionate manner, it is that we may the better instruct and encourage you.

we be beside.

2 Corinthians 11:1,16,17 Would to God you could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me...

2 Corinthians 12:6,11 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear...

See on

Acts 26:24,25 And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself; much learning does make you mad...

1 Corinthians 4:10-13 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are despised...

1 Thessalonians 2:3-11 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile...

it is to.

2 Samuel 6:21,22 And David said to Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before your father, and before all his house...

sober.

Acts 26:25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think...

for.

2 Corinthians 7:12 Why, though I wrote to you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong...

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake...

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance...

2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory...

Tent and Building
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.'--2 COR. v. 1. Knowledge and ignorance, doubt and certitude, are remarkably blended in these words. The Apostle knows what many men are not certain of; the Apostle doubts as to what all men now are certain of. 'If our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved'--there is surely no if about that. But we must remember that the first Christians, …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Great Assize
Beside that direct testimony, it should be remembered there is a convincing argument that so it must needs be, from the very fact that God is just as the Ruler over men. In all human governments there must he an assize held. Government cannot be conducted without its days of session and of trial, and, inasmuch as there is evidently sin and evil in this world, it might fairly be anticipated that there would be a time when God will go on circuit, and when he will call the prisoners before him, and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

Substitution
Note the doctrine; the use of it; the enjoyment of it. I. First, THE DOCTRINE. There are three persons mentioned here. "He (that is God) hath made him (that is Christ) who knew no sin, to be sin for us (sinners) that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." Before we can understand the plan of salvation, it is necessary for us to know something about the three persons, and, certainly, unless we understand them in some measure, salvation is to us impossible. 1. Here is first, GOD. Let every …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857