Paul is making his case against the false ministers, “Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also. 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. 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; 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; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I WILL BOAST IN THE THINGS WHICH CONCERN MY INFIRMITY (astheneia: weakness, frailty).” (2 Corinthians 11:18-30)
Using satire and sarcasm, Paul declared he will now engage in the same foolishness as THE DECEPTIVE FALSE APOSTLES in Corinth. He has promised to boast about his qualifications and experiences, just as they do. He began in the previous verse by pointing out that he, too, is a true Hebrew and member of God’s chosen people, the Israelites. That fact may have given his opponents some credibility with the Corinthians, so he reminded them the same was true of him. That’s not much of a boast in itself, however. Opponents in Corinth may have presented themselves as servants of Christ, but Paul has already made clear THEY PRESENT A FALSE VERSION OF JESUS and certainly do not act like Him. Here, Paul’s claim to spiritual credentials is more specific, describing himself as a “BETTER” SERVANT OF CHRIST THAN THE FALSE APOSTLES. Paul’s use of satire here is specific. In fact, he says that to make such a declaration would be the words of a madman.
WE MUST ALWAYS SPEAK UP FOR THE TRUTH…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham