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• 2 CORINTHIANS 11 – COMMENTARY 

Bible Text:

2 Corinthians 11:16-21a (ESV)

¹⁶ I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. ¹⁷ What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool. ¹⁸ Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. ¹⁹ For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! ²⁰ For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. ²¹ To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!

Reflection & Application

2 Corinthians 11:19-21

“In yet another statement of biting irony, even sarcasm, Paul therefore admits to the ‘shame’ he feels over being too ‘weak’ to act like his opponents (11:21a; cf. the earlier reference to his physical weakness in 10:10). His ‘weakness’ is the strength of his apostolic calling and character; his opponents’ supposed ‘strength’ reveals the weakness of their claims and the sinfulness of their attitudes and actions.” [1]

• Why would the Corinthians have responded favorably to these false apostles who were boastful, oppressive, “[put] on airs,” and “[struck them] in the face”?  
• Think about the notions of “strength” and “weakness” as they played out between the Corinthians and Apostle Paul.  What is the biblical view of strength?
• Which of the two differing approaches characterizes my typical view toward others or the way I conduct my relationships?  

[1]  Scott J. Hafemann, “2 Corinthians 11:1-33,” in NIV Application Commentary, New Testament: 2 Corinthians. 421-456. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ©2000.

Prayer