What does 'burdensome to you' in 2 Corinthians 12 refer back to in Paul's earlier dealings with the Corinthians?
The expression refers back to Paul’s earlier request for offerings from the Corinthians. The context explains that this goes back a few programs, to the time when he was asking for offerings, so the concern about being “burdensome” is tied to that prior appeal for financial support or collection.
Les explains that the phrase “burdensome to you” in II Corinthians 12 has to go back a few programs in the study. The earlier context was Paul asking for offerings. So the concern about being burdensome is tied to that prior appeal for offerings from the Corinthians, not to a new or unrelated issue. The surrounding account shows Paul’s preaching had such an impact in a pagan city that many turned from idols to the true and living God, and the Roman world accused him of turning the empire upside down.
For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.