2 Corinthians 11:7-11 (WEL) Have I committed some offense by humbling myself, so you could be exalted, just because I have preached the Gospel of God freely to you? 8 I robbed other congregations, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 When I was with you and in need, I was not burdensome to anyone, for what was lacking, the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in everything, and so I will continue to keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do.
V7 Have I committed some offense by humbling myself, so you could be exalted, just because I have preached the Gospel of God freely to you?
Humbling himself by asking for donations and accepting gifts from other churches. Paul didn’t ask for anything from the Corinthians.
The Greek word for humbling is G5013 ταπεινόω tapeinoō, which means (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains (Louw & Nida)) “to cause something to become low in height – to make low.” A lowering of oneself to ask an embarrassing question or request.”
The Gospel indeed is free, but there are costs in preaching, such as food, housing, travel expenses, etc. We should be aware of needs and be willing to help. Compare Galatians 6:6.
V8 I robbed other congregations, taking wages from them to minister to you.
This is not illegal but uses hyperbole to illustrate his point. The other churches were willing and glad to help the evangelist and his team.
V9 When I was with you and in need, I was not burdensome to anyone, for what was lacking, the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in everything, and so I will continue to keep myself.
It was Paul’s goal to continue not to ask for help. The false apostles must have been asking for donations.
(Ryrie Study Bible Notes) “When Paul first arrived at Corinth, he worked as a tentmaker, but then he devoted himself entirely to preaching when gifts for his support came from Macedonia (Acts 18:3-5; Philippians 4:15).”
(ESV Archaeology Study Bible Notes) “It is likely that as the church grew in Corinth, Paul had less and less time to work as a tentmaker, hence the need for support. Paul refused compensation from the Corinthian church when he was there because he did not want to be considered a traveling philosopher or debater who earned a living through public speaking. He is accusing the false apostles of having a financial motivation behind their ministry.”
V10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
Paul makes an oath of sorts to show his seriousness of his joy from other churches helping him and his team.
V11 Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows I do.
Paul wants to boast about the help from the Corinthians. He is not slighting the brethren but speaking the truth.
Bridge Commentary: “One reason why Paul supports himself is his love for the Corinthians. He has no intention of changing his practice of self-support, because he wants the Corinthians to see the difference between the true apostle and the false apostles (10-12).”
We learn:
- Boasting is not wrong if it refers to others.
- Speaking the truth in love is important.
Questions:
- Do you boast about yourself?
- Do you boast about others’ help and assistance?