2 Corinthians 11

Sunday, 13 December 2015

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. 2 Corinthians 11:23

Continuing in his comparison of himself to the false apostles, Paul asks, “Are they ministers of Christ?” This is obviously what they had claimed to be. In verse 10:7, a close comparison was made –

“Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s.”

If they were claiming that they were ministers of Christ, then Paul would reduce himself to their level and boast of his own ministry. In doing so, he says, “I speak as a fool.” The word here for “fool” is not the same as the one he has been using. Instead he uses the word paraphroneó. This is its only use in the New Testament and it comes from two separate words, para – beside and phroneo – mind.

Translators vary on how they present the word, but “fool” should be excluded because of its use in previous verses. Instead, words like insane, out of my mind, a madman, deranged, beside myself, in stupidity, and so on are used to convey a strong, but different intent than “fool.” His use of the words, “I am more” is being used sarcastically to show that the false apostles were, in fact, really deranged.

For Paul, it is in this sarcastically “deranged” state that he will boast about his ministry. Whatever type of ministers of Christ they are, Paul has exceeded them “in labors more often.” For the next five verses, he will list his labors in his ministry. And yet, in comparing them to the book of Acts, he only relays a small portion of what he endured for Christ. Were he to tell all, the book would be a large one.

Continuing on, he says, “…in stripes above measure.” He will explain this in verses 24 and 25. The words “above measure” mean that he, above all the others, had received such punishment. What is implied is that more punishments meant that more evangelism had been accomplished. Most would be reticent to speak after a session with rods or scourges, but Paul became more vocal, not less.

He also mentions that he was subject to “prisons more frequently.” At this point in the book of Acts, only one period of imprisonment was mentioned for Paul, but this doesn’t mean there weren’t others. His words here testify that, in fact, he had already had multiple incarcerations.

To finish out the verse, he says that he was “in deaths often.” This means that the work he did brought him close to death, or into a position where death could rightfully be expected. In 2 Corinthians 1:9, he said –

“Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”

If the false apostles had faced any trials at all, none of them compared to Paul’s in either type or in severity. He has begun to lay out the trials and pains he was willing to go through as a minister of Christ. Either he was truly insane, or he was willing to endure these trials because of his wholehearted devotion to Christ.

Life application: How strong is your faith in Christ? Would you be willing to endure the types of trials that Paul was in order to share the truth of God’s word? If not, it is time for a faith tune-up. Who knows when such proofs of allegiance to Christ will be necessary for you!

Heavenly Father, can it be that I will face real persecution in my life for standing up for the truth of Your word? How many already do in my own nation. Christians have lost their businesses and have been sued of their possessions because of the perverse agendas of modern society. Others have lost their jobs and are publicly shamed for holding to the truths found in Your word. Even our own leader has mockingly accused them of being misguided. I would rather be “misguided” by the truth of Your word than to be “accepted” for twisting it into a perverse thing. Grant each of us the stamina to endure the course set before us as we hold to right application of the Holy Bible. Amen.

Saturday, 12 December 2015

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
2 Corinthians 11:22

In Paul’s “boasting” out his defense against his accusers, he now contrasts himself with them. What is evident is that they matched each of these things that he will now describe and they boasted of their status because of it to the Corinthians. They claimed a special right and status because of this heritage and therefore they were more worthy to be listened to and followed. Be advised that nothing has changed today. As you read these words, know that the exact same arguments are used by the exact same category of people to sway others to their own misguided use of Scripture.

He begins with, “Are they Hebrews?” This points to the special status of those who have “crossed over,” which is what the term Hebrew implies. They thus claimed the cultural privilege of being of this pure stock. They were probably born and raised in the land of Israel, spoke the Hebrew language, and read the Scriptures in that language. In contrast, they would claim that Paul was merely a knock-off of this pure line who mostly used the Greek translation of the Scriptures and who was born outside of the land of Israel.

However, Paul defended his status as a Hebrew. He was “a Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5). He was born to Hebrews who were born in the land. He could rightfully claim that he descended from the same pure line. He also was trained under Gamliel and knew the Hebrew Scriptures in the original language. Just because he was born in Tarsus in no way affected his pure genealogy. Rather, it gave him something more than they possessed because he could unite the pure doctrine of the Hebrews with the languages and experiences of the world beyond Israel. Thus, he was more qualified than they were to bring the message to the Gentiles. In essence, Jesus made no mistake in His selection. He was no knock-off, but was rather eminently qualified to be called a “Hebrew.” Thus his words, “So am I.”

He next asks, “Are they Israelites?” They came to the church at Corinth boasting in this national status. Israel is comprised of the 12 tribes of people who descended from Jacob. They had gone down to Egypt and lived in bondage; they were delivered out of there by God’s hand; they were taken to Sinai where they received the law; and God spoke through His prophets of Israel to the people of Israel. They claimed this special status as a point of boasting to those at Corinth. “We descend from this great tradition of people who are the recipients, stewards, and interpreters of God’s law.” Paul notes in his defense, “So am I.” In Philippians 3, he gives even greater detail when he says that he was “circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin” (verse 5).

Thirdly, he questions, “Are they the seed of Abraham?” The false apostles noted that they could trace their lineage back to Abraham, just as the genealogy found in Matthew does for Christ Jesus. They could then say to those at Corinth, “See, we have the same credentials as the Messiah as far as our birthright and heritage. We are His same stock and are His brothers because Abraham is our father. Surely we have the right stuff to properly train you and guide you into all perfect knowledge.” In response, Paul says, “So am I.”

In his “boasting” to those at Corinth, Paul has thus far successfully defended that he is in no way “at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.” Rather, he meets and exceeds them in these external boastings of the flesh. He has incrementally arranged these points to show that he is a Hebrew, thus meeting the nationality they claimed to possess. He was an Israelite, thus being an honored and special relative to God’s chosen people who received the law and the covenants. And he was of the seed of Abraham, thus entitled to all of the messianic privileges associated with that great father of the faith.

But Paul’s message, the gospel message, is not one based on these things. It is one based on faith in the finished work of Christ. The Corinthians held onto the false apostles because of the externals, but it is the internal which makes one right with God. Paul needed them to first get beyond the externals by showing that he was as qualified as them. After this, he will have proven that they had no advantage over him in their boasts.

Life application: When you evaluate someone who is a teacher, the last thing you should be looking for is their worldly status. Who cares if someone is a Jew? Who cares if they read Hebrew or Greek? Who cares if they have a doctorate degree in theology? None of these things mean a thing if their message isn’t in line with truths found in the Bible. Don’t follow pope, preacher, priest, or pastor because of their externals. Instead, follow God’s word and listen to the one who is willing to place that above all else.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for following spiritual leaders because of their external attributes, but who don’t follow Your word. Help us not to get caught up in their nationality, level of education, or rank in a particular denomination. Instead, prompt us to listen to those who will properly honor and rightly divide Your word. If Pope Pontificator, Dr. Deuteronomy, or Pastor Puffed-Up is unwilling to stand on Your word alone, then give us the wisdom to turn from that false teacher and to search out one who will. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Friday, 11 December 2015

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. 2 Corinthians 11:21

In the preceding verses, Paul noted that the Corinthians had put up with fools who brought them into bondage, devoured them, stolen from them, exalted themselves above them, and even struck them in the face. Paul now says that, “To our shame I say that we were too weak for that!” The “we” is emphatic and is intended with the greatest of irony. In essence, “They treated you shamefully, but we were too weak to be able to treat you in that same way.”

The irony is that no one should ever treat one they love that way and so his “weakness” was that he treated them with respect and love. And yet, the Corinthians were turning their hearts to the ones who shamefully treated them and away from their loving father in the faith.

However, to show that he really isn’t weak, but that his conduct was appropriate, he continues on with the words, “But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.” The word “bold” is translated various ways – daring, courageous, to presume, to boast. The idea is a type of boasting in his many achievements, some of which were more than daring. This will be seen in the explanation that follows.

In his foolish speaking, he will describe his qualifications to show that he is not only comparable to them in their boasting, but that he is eminently qualified. Starting in the next verse, and going on through verse 10 of the next chapter, he will list those qualifications. It is a foolish endeavor, yes, but it is one which has been necessitated by the attitude of the Corinthians towards the false teachers. If they need to have someone to follow who can boast about his qualifications, then they will get a mouthful from Paul!

Life application: It is right to be humble and not bragging about one’s own achievements, but Paul shows that there is a time when it becomes necessary to show past achievements in order to establish a baseline for others to understand the quality of the man. This doesn’t mean unnecessary boasting, but rather it may be as simple as providing proof that you can empathize with the plight of others because you have been in the same place as they are. When necessary, be ready to use your past to help others properly evaluate the world around them.

Heavenly Father, help keep me from unnecessary boasting in my achievements. Should revealing my past be necessary for others to understand who I am or my qualifications in whatever issue arises, help me to return the glory to you for having placed me where I was in order to become who I am now. My life has been directed by You, and so help me to acknowledge that truth at all times. Keep me from self-boasting and the pride which so easily misdirects my allegiance to You. Amen.

Thursday, 10 December 2015

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. 2 Corinthians 11:20

Paul had just mentioned that the Corinthians were “wise” because they “put up with fools.” To show them their level of wisdom, he ironically shows them their dullness. His words here are reflective of the attitude of the Pharisees towards those around them in Israel, a concept with which Paul was eminently familiar, having come from their ranks.

First he says to them that “you put up with it if one brings you into bondage.” This is what the Lord said the Pharisees did to the Israelites –

“For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.” Matthew 24:4

They brought them into bondage, as if they were oxen required to carry their heavy burdens of legalism. The false teachers were there at Corinth, doing exactly the same thing. They were adding to the simplicity of the gospel. Paul continues with, “…if one devours you.” Jesus told the Pharisees they were doing just this –

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.” Matthew 24:14

In their greed for power and money, the supposedly pious class of Pharisees devoured those around them, robbing from them even the homes they lived in. The false teachers were no different. They came in with piety and consumed like lions. Continuing on, he says, “…if one takes from you.” Jesus noted the same trait among the Pharisees –

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.” Matthew 23:25

The Pharisees extorted from those around them in order to feed their own self-indulgence. The false apostles were obviously doing the same thing to the Corinthians. Titus had been there and had certainly reported to Paul all that he saw going on. Adding on to the charges against them, he next says, “…if one exalts himself.” Jesus noted the same trait in the Pharisees –

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. ²⁸ Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27, 28

The Pharisees exalted themselves in outward beauty and in outward righteousness. But it was a mere facade. The same was true with the false apostles who came to Corinth. They looked marvelous, but they were full of corruption. To finish the verse, Paul says, “…if one strikes you on the face.” This is exactly what Jesus’ accusers did in Luke 22:64 and what happened to Paul in Acts 23:2. Likewise, the false apostles came in and had wielded such strong authority over the Corinthians that they had either literally or figuratively done the same to them.

Life application: Legalism always leads to the demeaning of those who are brought into its strong hold. Knowing your Bible is the only way to avoid being trapped by its heavy bonds.

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are caught up in the bonds of legalism. “Don’t touch! Don’t taste! Don’t do this! You must do that!” Lord, if people would just learn the truth of Your word, they wouldn’t be caught up in such bondage. Help us to understand the freedoms as well as the expectations which come as followers of You. Help us to stand on what is right in accordance with Your word, and Your word alone. Amen.

Wednesday, 9 December 2015

For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 2 Corinthians 11:19

The words of this verse are parallel to those of 2 Corinthians 4:10 –

“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ!”

However, the words here contain far more irony, ranking as the epitome of Paul’s sarcastic attempts to instill reason into the Corinthians. “For you put up with fools gladly” is Paul’s way of calling himself a fool. This is based on the previous verse. Taken together, they read, “Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly.”

In essence, he is saying that his boasting is a foolish attempt to get them to recognize his status according to a fleshly nature. If that is what impresses them, then he will break down his fleshly achievements, proving that he is the cream of the crop in worldly attainments. In so doing this, they will have to put up with great foolishness!

In contrast to this are his scathingly sarcastic words, “…since you yourselves are wise!” This shows that their “wisdom” is to bear with foolishness. It is a contradiction that he is openly highlighting to show how silly it is that they would put up with the boasting of the false apostles. In his words here and to follow, it is Paul’s intent to show them that the flesh and the ways of the world mean nothing. Instead, all that matters is Christ and His gospel.

Life application: As soon as we elevate a teacher, a preacher, or a TV evangelist to any level of importance, we actually tread into dangerous waters. Who is it that we are following: a person or the message? If the message, then the person should not be elevated. If he is, then the message, either sound or false, becomes a secondary issue.

Lord God, Heavenly Father – Grant us the wisdom to think clearly and correctly about matters of faith. Help us to not get caught up in the idolizing of personalities who teach the Bible, but to keep our allegiance to You pure and undefiled. If we get excited about an individual, then if his message is wrong, we may miss the error in it. Instead, help us to follow Your word alone. Remind us daily that doctrine matters and that all else is secondary. Amen.