For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
Be, х exesteemen (G1839)] - 'have been' in your opinion. The contrast is between the single act (the past tense), 'If we have ever been beside ourselves,' and the habitual state (the present), 'or whether we be sober' х soofronoumen (G4993)] - i:e., of sound mind-namely, in your estimation, in both cases.
Beside ourselves - the accusation brought by Festus (Acts 26:24). The holy enthusiasm with which he spake of what God effected by his apostolic ministry seemed to many to be boasting madness.
Sober - humbling myself before you, not using may apostolic power.
To God ... for your cause. The glorifying of his office was not for his own, but for God's glory (2 Corinthians 4:7). The abasing of himself was to meet their infirmity and gain them to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22).