©2002 Pastor Tom Miles

2 Corinthians Chapter Eleven

Now as we begin chapter 11 we will receive more insight as to why Paul felt it necessary to engage in "foolish boasting.”  We will also see how a person might be lead astray by “false apostles” and dishonest workers.”  Paul also gives mention of the great suffering he endured as a minister of Christ.  As Paul continues to defend his authority as an apostle he says he finds it necessary to take on "a little folly."  This he says is done out of his concern for their faithfulness to Christ.  Paul is also fearful that some may have corrupted their minds from the simple truth of Christ.  With this brief introduction let us journey into chapter 11.

He also finds himself having to explain why he did not accept support from them.  Evidently this was the basis for charges against him by those who considered themselves "the most eminent apostles".  But Paul, who had good reasons for not accepting their support, recognizes these critics as they really were:  "false apostles" and "deceitful workers" (5-15).

While not desiring to act foolishly, he finds it necessary since it seems that the Corinthians are so willing to accept those who do (16-21).  With some foolish boldness, then, Paul claims equal footing with his critics as it pertains to physical heritage.  But when it comes to service as a minister of Christ, he far surpasses them as is evident in the things he suffered.  After listing many examples of suffering, he concludes that if he must boast it will be in the things which concern his infirmity, giving his escape from Damascus as an illustration (22-33).

2 Corinthians 11:1 Paul says ‘my folly’ in reference to the all the things that had happened to him for Christ and, for some, might have sounded foolish at any other time but imploring them to have patience with him he says please extend to me more of your understanding as you have in the past.  Paul is making it known that a true humble Believer will not boast of self or speak out about self and that which he has done unless there is a need of it for the bodies benefit or good.  And even then the Believer will not speak in a way that glories or edifies self but still brings about exaltation of God and God's love and grace!

2 Corinthians 11:2 It had been Paul's joy and striving to bring the Corinthians together in unity as one body in Christ and with a ‘godly spirit of jealousy’ Paul speaks boastingly for their profit.

2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul gives comparison to Genesis 3:1-5 when he says he is concerned that they may be corrupted by false teachers as Eve was corrupted.  Christ's message is one of purity and simplicity towards them and Paul desires that their devotion remain simple toward the Gospel of Christ and that an awareness is developed in them of the temptations to sin that are amidst them.

2 Corinthians 11:4 Paul says if anyone can show you another person more capable, more loving, more caring than the Savior Paul talks about which is Jesus Christ let them do so!  But as Paul says it is not the case because there is no one that compares to Christ!  These new teachers boasting in themselves have nothing to offer that has not already been heard and their main agenda is to discredit Paul!

2 Corinthians 11:5-6 These false teachers claiming to be apostles are not supported by Paul or any of the other apostles.  Paul does not stand behind anything these men say or do.  “Thoroughly made manifest” means that Paul gave them more than enough proof of his character as an apostle what more did they need?

2 Corinthians 11:7-12 Paul now gives the reasons he refused to accept support from them.  While he was with them he received support from other churches; he mentions the brothers from Macedonia sending support to meet his needs.  He says he did nothing to make a burden on them financially.  Paul feels that since he began not receiving from them he will continue to do so not because he shouldn't receive it but because of his love for them and so they can come to giving on their own volition.  He says he will not stop spreading the Gospel in that area for what else does he know other than Christ!

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Paul says these folks that have been boasting and carrying on are false apostles that deceit people and try to make themselves look differently than they really are which is not hard since their tactics seem to come from Satan the master of deceit.

2 Corinthians 11:16-21 I'm not a fool says Paul, but if you feel I am, then accept me as one as I begin to boast because it is for your good I do it.  Boasting, Paul says, is foolish and is not of the Lord.  Paul says since so many of them seem to be so boastful and happy to do so I might as well also.  Because the Corinthians seem to take abuse from others claiming to be true and honest when they are false and deceitful Paul says he will be bold and boast some also!

2 Corinthians 11:22 Now Paul talks about his heritage.  He says like those that come against him he is a Hebrew.  Like those that come against he is also an Israelite and is of the seed of Abraham.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Paul says it's folly to talk about his critics as if they were ministers of the Gospel because no matter what they have done it comes no where near what Christ has done through Paul.  Paul says if they are ministers how much more am I one.  I have labored and suffered more than any.

2 Corinthians 11:24-29 Now Paul goes into an rather detailed list of his sufferings for Christ:
     a. Five times he says Jews beat him with 39 stripes
     b. Three times he was beaten with sticks
     c. One time he was stoned
     d. Three times he suffered a shipwreck
     e. For one night and day he suffered in the water adrift
     f. Many various perils and discomforts came upon him during his journeys
     h. Constantly he was worried about the churches

2 Corinthians 11:30-33 If I must boast, he says, let me boast of the affliction upon me.  This most probably references the ‘thorn in the flesh’ spoken of in 11:7-10.  Paul was persecuted during his service to Christ and even had to flee Damascus in fear of his life.  Being lowered from a window in a basket so the king could not capture him.  Paul has given a perilous description of his service to Christ and even in doing so saying he was boasting, the boasting glorified God not Paul.

Father, let me walk the way Paul walked.  Give me the boldness, the courage, the humility of Paul.  Fill me to overflowing with Your love and grace in Jesus name Amen!

Where Jesus is Lord!
Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles

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