2 Corinthians 11:18 meaning
In addressing the issue of boasting among the Corinthians, Paul contrasts himself with false apostles who had successfully impressed the community with their self-promotional tactics. In his rhetorical strategy, Paul acknowledges the Corinthians' tendency to tolerate such foolishness while making a bold yet ironic claim, positioning himself similarly to those he critiques. He refers to their willingness to "glory after the flesh," which suggests a superficial valuation of achievements based on external measures rather than genuine spiritual credentials. This situation compels him to engage in a bit of boasting himself, but only to remind the Corinthians of what true apostleship entails.
In 2 Corinthians 11:18, Paul reminds them that boasting, while typically unproductive, can serve a purpose in validating his position as an apostle, especially in the face of deceptive counterparts. By adopting this tone, he aims to reestablish his credibility while urging the Corinthians to see through the hollow claims of those who only seek to elevate themselves, resonating with a broader spiritual principle: true worth is not seen in self-commendation but in the integrity of one's service to Christ and the Church.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- 2 Corinthians 11:16-21 meaning. In 2 Corinthians 11:16-21, Paul returns to the topic of what he calls “foolishness,” where he will compare himself to the so-called apostles who are preaching lies in Corinth. These apostles have persuaded the Corinthians to listen to them through boasting about themselves. They have likewise ridiculed Paul to make him disreputable in the Corinthians’ eyes. So, Paul opts to “boast” about himself, though he thinks it is a distraction from the point. Yet the Corinthians apparently need to be reminded of why Paul’s apostleship is authentic and dedicated to the truth of Christ
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- 2 Corinthians 11:1-6 meaning. In 2 Corinthians 11:1-6, Paul builds up to the direct defense of his apostleship. He declares that the need to compare himself to the false apostles is “foolishness.” He wishes the Corinthians would be centered on simply following Christ, not the boastings of teachers. Paul compares the Corinthians to Eve, that they have been tricked, and are tolerating false teaching. Although Paul’s enemies have slandered him as a poor public speaker, Paul asserts that he is not inferior to them. He reminds his readers that he is knowledgeable and that they have seen it through his teaching.
- 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 meaning. We have hope, for the Spirit lives within us. The veil that used to separate us from seeing God’s glory has been removed from our eyes. When believers turn to God, we see the true glory of the Lord. We are in the process of transforming into the image of Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 meaning. Paul finally, begrudgingly, compares his résumé against that of the false apostles here in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33. If he must boast about his qualifications to persuade the Corinthians, then he must. Paul unpacks a lengthy list that illustrates how he is a superior servant to Christ than these self-promoting false apostles: Paul has worked more, been arrested more times, been physically abused with rods and whips more times than he can remember, has been shipwrecked, has starved, has been in danger from Jews, Gentiles, criminals, and nature. Nevermind these physical sufferings; Paul’s greatest daily difficulty is the weight on his shoulders in caring for all the churches he’s planted.