Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. I pray. 'Aleph (') A B Delta G f g, Vulgate, read 'we pray.'
Not that we should appear approved - not to gain credit for ourselves by your Christian conduct, but for your good, (Alford). But the antithesis to "reprobates" suggests supplying the ellipsis: ('therefore our aim is) not х ouch (G3756), objective; but mee (G3361), subjective, in the preceding clause] that we may appear approved,' by your giving us occasion to restrain you when ye do evil; 'but that ye should do what is right' ( kalon (G2570)); here not in general, but right in relation to his apostolic authority and teaching.
Though we be as reprobates - though we be thereby deprived of occasion for exercising apostolic power (namely, in punishing), and so may appear 'as void of proof' of Christ speaking in us.