2 Corinthians 11

In this chapter, Paul addresses concerns about false apostles who were leading the Corinthians astray. He uses irony and a bit of sarcasm to underline the foolishness of boasting, but he engages in it to defend his apostleship and highlight the dangers these deceitful workers pose to the community. Paul contrasts his sincere, albeit reluctant, boasting with the arrogant and deceitful boasting of the false apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:1-2 (NKJV) Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy; for I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Paul asks the Corinthians to tolerate what he describes as a small foolish act—his need to boast a little about his work to validate his ministry. His “godly jealousy” reflects his deep concern for them as a spiritual father, aiming to keep their commitment to Christ pure and undivided, like a chaste virgin dedicated to one husband.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NKJV) But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Paul expresses his fear that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, the Corinthians might also be led astray from the pure and simple devotion to Christ. He worries about the possibility of their minds being corrupted by persuasive yet false teachings.

2 Corinthians 11:4 (NKJV) For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Paul is alarmed that the Corinthians might be too tolerant of anyone who preaches a different Jesus, or a different kind of spirit or gospel than the one they originally received from him. His tone suggests surprise and concern over their willingness to accept teachings that differ from the true gospel.

2 Corinthians 11:5-6 (NKJV) For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Paul asserts that he is not inferior to the "super-apostles," emphasizing that while he may lack eloquence, he is not lacking in knowledge of the gospel. He reassures them that his actions and teachings have been transparent and evident to all in the community.

2 Corinthians 11:7 (NKJV) Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

Paul questions whether it was wrong for him to lower himself by not demanding financial support, which allowed the Corinthians to be "exalted" or benefited by receiving the gospel without financial burden. This rhetorical question challenges any criticisms regarding his financial arrangements with them.

2 Corinthians 11:8 (NKJV) I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.

Paul uses the term "robbed" hyperbolically to describe how he accepted support from other churches to serve the Corinthians without charge. This highlights his commitment to their spiritual welfare over his personal gain.

2 Corinthians 11:9 (NKJV) And when I was present with you and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

Even in times of need, Paul ensured he was not a financial burden to the Corinthians. He points out that his needs were met by fellow believers from Macedonia, underlining his effort to avoid imposing on the Corinthian church. He commits to maintaining this practice to not burden them financially.

2 Corinthians 11:10 (NKJV) As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

Paul declares that as long as he is true to Christ, he will continue to boast about not being a burden. He is determined that no one will prevent him from boasting about this aspect of his ministry in Achaia, where Corinth is located.

2 Corinthians 11:11 (NKJV) Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

Paul rhetorically questions if his refusal to accept support might be interpreted as a lack of love for the Corinthians. He immediately dismisses this notion, affirming that God knows the true depth of his love for them.

2 Corinthians 11:12 (NKJV) But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

Paul states his intention to continue not accepting financial support to prevent false apostles from claiming they operate just like him. His strategy aims to expose their motives and differentiate his genuine apostleship from their deceitful practices.

2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (NKJV) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

Paul describes the false apostles as deceitful workers who disguise themselves as legitimate apostles. He likens their ability to deceive to Satan, who is also capable of appearing as an angel of light, highlighting the danger of their deceptions.

2 Corinthians 11:15 (NKJV) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Given the deceitful nature of Satan, Paul argues that it's not surprising his servants also masquerade as ministers of righteousness. He warns that they will ultimately be judged and face consequences based on their deceptive actions.

2 Corinthians 11:16 (NKJV) I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I may also boast a little.

Paul repeats his request for the Corinthians to tolerate his foolishness in boasting. He suggests that even if they consider him a fool, they should allow him this indulgence so he can make a point through his boasting.

2 Corinthians 11:17 (NKJV) What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

Paul clarifies that his current discourse on boasting is not a command from the Lord but his own decision to engage in boasting to counter the false apostles. He acknowledges that this boasting might seem foolish.

2 Corinthians 11:18 (NKJV) Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I will also boast.

Since many are boasting about worldly achievements, Paul decides to boast as well. He implies that if others can boast about earthly matters, he can boast about matters that pertain to his apostolic service.

2 Corinthians 11:19 (NKJV) For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise.

Paul uses irony to critique the Corinthians' willingness to tolerate foolish people. He sarcastically calls them "wise" for enduring such behavior, questioning their discernment.

2 Corinthians 11:20 (NKJV) For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.

Paul continues his criticism by listing abusive behaviors the Corinthians tolerate from others, such as exploitation, aggression, and humiliation. He uses these extremes to illustrate their misplaced tolerance and the severity of the false apostles' actions.

2 Corinthians 11:21 (NKJV) To our shame, I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.

Paul ironically declares that he and his companions were "too weak" to behave with such domineering tactics as the false apostles. He sarcastically claims that if others are bold in their ungodly behavior, he can claim boldness in his service and sufferings for Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:22-23 (NKJV) Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

Paul lists his credentials to underscore his equal or greater standing compared to the false apostles. He highlights his heritage as a Hebrew and an Israelite, and his intense experiences of suffering for the gospel, which far surpass the hardships the false apostles might claim.

2 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NKJV) From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Paul details the severe physical trials he endured for his ministry, including multiple scourgings, beatings, and even a stoning. He also mentions being shipwrecked and spending a terrifying period adrift at sea, emphasizing the extent of his sufferings for Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:26 (NKJV) In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

Continuing with his hardships, Paul describes the constant dangers he faced: from natural elements, criminals, and even from those within his own community and the church. His life was marked by a relentless series of risks and threats in various environments.

2 Corinthians 11:27 (NKJV) In weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—

Paul recounts the physical and emotional toll of his apostolic mission, which included exhaustion, lack of sleep, and periods without adequate food, water, or clothing. These personal sacrifices illustrate his commitment to spreading the gospel.

2 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV) Besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.

Beyond his physical sufferings, Paul shares his ongoing emotional and spiritual burden: his profound concern for the well-being of all the churches he oversees. This daily preoccupation adds another layer to the hardships he endures.

2 Corinthians 11:29 (NKJV) Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

Paul expresses his empathy and emotional connection to other believers. He feels weakness with the weak and is indignant when others are led astray, showing his deep pastoral care and protective instinct for the church.

2 Corinthians 11:30 (NKJV) If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmities.

Rather than boasting in strengths or successes, Paul chooses to boast about his weaknesses and sufferings. This unconventional boasting highlights his reliance on God's power rather than his own abilities.

2 Corinthians 11:31 (NKJV) The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

Paul invokes God as his witness to the truthfulness of his claims, emphasizing the seriousness and honesty of his assertions.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 (NKJV) In Damascus, the governor under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.

Concluding the chapter, Paul recounts a specific incident from his early ministry when he had to flee Damascus because of a threat from the local governor. His escape, involving being lowered in a basket through a city wall, symbolizes the many dangers he faced and overcame with God’s help.