2 Corinthians 11

Summary

 

2 Corinthians 11 addresses the threat of false apostles and their influence on the Corinthian church. Paul defends his apostolic authority by highlighting his sufferings and sacrifices for the Gospel, contrasting them with the deceptive tactics of the false teachers. He emphasizes the need for the Corinthians to discern between genuine and false apostles.

 

1. Concern for the Corinthians' Devotion (2 Corinthians 11:1-4): Paul expresses his concern for the Corinthians, fearing that they might be led astray by false apostles who preach a different Jesus and a different gospel. He emphasizes the importance of a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
2. Paul's Apostolic Sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:5-15): Paul defends his credentials as an apostle by listing his sufferings and hardships endured for the sake of the Gospel. He contrasts his genuine service with the deceptive tactics of the false apostles who seek to exploit the Corinthians.
3. Boasting as Folly (2 Corinthians 11:16-21): Paul engages in a bit of "foolish" boasting to counter the boasting of the false apostles. He highlights his own weaknesses and suffering, contrasting his genuine service with the false apostles' deceptive tactics.
4. Paul's Revelations and Thorn in the Flesh (2 Corinthians 11:22-33): Paul recounts his Jewish heritage and details his various hardships, imprisonments, beatings, and dangers for the sake of Christ. He acknowledges that, to keep him from becoming conceited, he was given a "thorn in the flesh," a weakness that humbled him.

 

 

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