It Starts Small

The so-called “super-apostles” treat the Corinthians horribly. They seem to gladly put up with being bullied. They are ordered around as slaves, taken advantage of, and treated as inferior. Perhaps the Corinthians felt this was the way strong apostles should treat people. Paul sarcastically says he is ashamed he was too weak to treat them that way.

¹⁶ I repeat: Let no one consider me a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool so that I can also boast a little. ¹⁷ What I am saying in this matter of boasting, I don’t speak as the Lord would, but as it were, foolishly. ¹⁸ Since many boast according to the flesh, I will also boast. ¹⁹ For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools! ²⁰ In fact, you put up with it if someone enslaves you, if someone exploits you, if someone takes advantage of you, if someone is arrogant toward you, if someone slaps you in the face. ²¹ I say this to our shame: We have been too weak for that!

2 Corinthians 11:16-21

Let no one think me foolish

In verse 1 of Chapter 11, Paul boldly declares, “I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness.” Yet, it feels almost absurd for Paul to boast. Just moments before, he urged, “let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” He passionately emphasizes that the “one whom the Lord commends” is truly approved (2 Corinthians 10:18). The Corinthians might rightly view Paul as foolish for speaking this way. He presses on with fervor. He insists, “even if you do, accept me as a fool.” In essence, Paul chooses to lower himself to the level of the false teachers for a brief moment. If their boastful claims can sway the Corinthians, then Paul will outshine them. He promises to do this with unwavering determination.

⁴ Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness
or you’ll be like him yourself.
⁵ Answer a fool according to his foolishness
or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.

Proverbs 26:4-5

Paul confronted the profound choice laid out in Proverbs 26:4-5. There are two distinct paths when dealing with a fool. One path urges us to rise majestically above the chaos. It encourages us to ignore the provocations and refuse to stoop to his level. Yet, the other path invites a fierce response, answering him according to his folly. This strategy can ignite a powerful exchange. It uses his own misguided logic and arguments against him. It shows him that we can outmaneuver him in his own game with greater skill and conviction.

So Paul resolutely cast aside the gloves, charging boldly into the arena to confront the battle head-on. Choosing the noble path of silence would mean surrendering victory to the deceitful teachers swaying the Corinthians. Paul refused to allow that to happen without a fierce struggle. In chapter 10, we discovered that we are engaged in a relentless war. Warriors fight with unyielding spirit. Even when the conflict gets gritty, they never back down. Warriors for God are called to “destroy strongholds,” and that’s precisely the fierce mission Paul embraced.

When should you ignore a fool and when should you answer him as his folly deserves?

I say not as the Lord would, but as a fool

This kind of boasting was far from what the Lord would ever commend! Jesus exemplified humility. He never resorted to bragging or defending Himself. Even in the face of vile slander from His accusers, He remained silent. Paul recognized this profound truth—how could he speak of his own achievements when Christ illustrated the beauty of humility? Yet, inspired by his love for the gospel, Paul resolved to do “all things for the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:23). He was willing to share his own triumphs if that would further the gospel.

Since many boast according to the flesh, I will too

The false apostles wielded their boastful words like weapons, ensnaring the Corinthians in a web of deception. Their cunning methods proved alarmingly effective, leading the church at Corinth astray. In such a dire situation, it became essential to confront their arrogance with fervor. We needed to ignite a passionate resistance against their manipulative tactics!

You gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves

The Corinthians astonishingly embraced the deceitful teachers and their outrageous boasting. Paul, with biting sarcasm, points out that they seem to do so because they consider themselves “wise.” This misguided pride in their tolerance and inclusiveness defines the Corinthians. Many today echo this sentiment. They wear their acceptance as a badge of honor. They naively view their embrace of every sinful path as a dazzling virtue. They conveniently avoid calling it sinful, which they see as a testament to their alleged generosity of spirit. In their minds, this so-called tolerance elevates them to a pinnacle of spiritual enlightenment. However, this delusion only blinds them further.

The church should not tolerate false doctrine or false teachers. Jesus commended the church at Ephesus because they did not.

² I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars.

Revelations 2:22

Destroy the lofty opinions which are raised up against the knowledge of God. Do not compromise on the truth.

In verse 20, the false teachers callously disregarded the genuine interests of the Corinthians. They shackled them in the chains of legalism. The teachers relentlessly pressured them for their hard-earned money. They paraded around with an air of superiority. Yet, astonishingly, the body turned a blind eye to their deceitful antics.

To my shame, we were too weak for that

Paul fervently declares his disappointment in not seizing the opportunity with the Corinthians! This serves as a powerful reminder that serving others and embracing humility should never be mistaken for weakness! The world may cheer for bold, aggressive leadership and mistake it for strength. However, believers must recognize the deeper truth behind it!

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Cross Reference

• James 4:16
• Proverbs 27:2
• Galatians 5:1
• Galatians 6:14

Reflective Questions

• What was Paul doing that was “foolish?”
• Why did he find the need to boast?
• What does he mean that “I say not as the Lord would but as a fool?”
• What do other Scriptures teach about boasting?
• Who are the many who boast according to the flesh in verse 18?
• Who are the fools in verse 19?
• Did Paul really think they were “wise” (verse 19)?
• How did the false teachers treat the Corinthians? How did they respond?
• What does Paul mean in verse 21 that “we were too weak for that?”
• How does Paul make use of sarcasm in this passage?

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²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the descendants of Abraham? So am I. ²³ Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death.

²⁴ Five times I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. ²⁶ On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers; ²⁷ toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and without clothing. ²⁸ Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

³⁰ If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses. ³¹ The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows I am not lying. ³² In Damascus, a ruler under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to arrest me. ³³ So I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped from his hands.

2 Corinthians 11:22-33

Paul compares himself to the false apostles

He was a Hebrew, just like them. His roots traced back to Abraham. This connection entwined him in the very fabric of their shared identity. Yet, he stood as a “better” servant of Christ, fiercely dedicated and unwavering in his mission. He endured trials, afflictions, and persecutions as a servant of Christ. These challenges reveal a profound testament to his faith and resolve. By sharing these struggles, he passionately sought to affirm his legitimacy as a genuine apostle of Christ. He reminded the church of the depth of his commitment. He also emphasized the authenticity of his calling.

Paul’s suffering for Christ

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.

John 15:18-19

Jesus fervently warned his disciples. They would endure persecution. Such trials should never shock the hearts of believers when they arise. While most faithful followers will encounter various forms of suffering, the Apostle Paul endured far more than his peers. A staggering twelve times, he faced brutal beatings, cruel stonings, lashings, and perilous shipwrecks. Yet, let it be known that Paul’s mission was far from finished! Ahead lay even greater trials, including long stretches of imprisonment and the ultimate sacrifice of martyrdom.

In addition to the agonizing persecution he endured, Paul confronted a myriad of dangers and hardships in his relentless ministry. The perilous nature of travel during that era loomed large, fraught with threats from nature and marauding bandits alike. He grappled with betrayal from those he trusted, all while the demands of his mission never relented. This devoted servant bore the weight of countless sleepless nights, gnawing hunger, and unquenchable thirst. Yet, beyond these palpable dangers, anxiety weighed heavily on him. He was deeply concerned for the well-being of the churches he cherished. His life was defined by tireless labor. His commitment to others never wavered. He was burdened by a profound sense of responsibility and unceasing trials.

Firstly, we must reject any notion of comparison! God calls every believer to endure varying degrees of persecution—some face fierce trials, while others encounter lesser challenges. Yet, the infinite wisdom of God knows the reasons, which often elude our understanding. Thus, let us not harbor feelings of inferiority if our own struggles seem limited. Instead, we should embrace gratitude for our circumstances! Although this is not a race, the life of Paul stands as a magnificent testament for us all. He pressed on with unwavering resolve. He refused to complain. Similarly, we must stay focused on our commitment to serving the Lord. We should not let the pressures and distractions around us derail this dedication.

When you stand against persecution, a profound choice lies before you: to please God or man. If you choose to please man and forsake Jesus, know this—He will forsake you. You might avoid some troubles in this world. However, the turmoil at the coming judgment will be far more severe. Yet, if you boldly choose to please God, get ready for trials that may come your way. Be prepared even for the horrors of torture or death. Stand firm in your faith. At the end of it all, He will welcome you into His embrace. He will bestow upon you unimaginable rewards!

¹¹ “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death.

Revelation 2:11

Jesus fervently promises that those who remain faithful until the very end shall escape the grips of hell! He may not always rescue us from our fleeting tribulations. However, He powerfully delivers us from hell itself and has willingly paid the ultimate price in our stead. Moreover, He graciously bestows upon the conqueror the glorious crown of life!

Don’t succumb to complacency! The world is racing away from God at an alarming pace. Persecution is increasing in countless places. It could soon invade our lives or the lives of our children. Serious persecution could become a stark reality. Now is the time to prepare our hearts and souls! Now is the time to remain steadfast and faithful! If you find yourself influenced by the harsh words of a family member now, you might struggle to stand firm when the storm of persecution truly breaks.

We simply cannot stand on our own; our sole hope lies in Christ! This compels us to draw near to Him with urgency and fervor! Day by day, we must depend on Him, embracing faithfulness in even the smallest moments. We should approach Him when we face those seemingly trivial temptations. By doing this, we cultivate a powerful lifestyle. It prepares us for the more serious battles ahead!

You can overcome major persecution through Christ. Even if it is just a bit of pressure from family or hostility, you can still overcome it. He conquered it and He will help you to conquer it as well. The key is that you must depend on Him. Come to Him now. Ask Him for strength to be faithful. And if you are faithful in the midst of the persecution, He will give you the crown of life.

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness

These examples did not cast Paul in a favorable light to the world. Instead, many would glance at this list and scoff. They would think, “What a loser,” or “What a waste,” or “How foolish.” Society elevates wealth and celebrity, treating sacrifice and suffering with disdain. To some, these experiences merely underscored Paul’s frailty. He wasn’t a superhero, unable to unleash a mighty breath to vanquish his foes. Yet, within this very vulnerability lay the radiant essence of God’s grace. It provided strength and sufficiency. This empowered him to persevere against all odds.

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

The world views the meek Christian as week. But God chooses the lowly to show that it is His power, not man’s, who changes lives.

Paul let down in a basket

Here, Paul fervently recounts the harrowing tale of one of the earliest persecutions he faced (Acts 9:25). In the Book of Acts, the Jews are portrayed as the relentless persecutors. He bravely mentions the governor, suggesting that the Jews incited the secular leaders against him, fueling the flames of hostility. Imagine the scene: Paul, desperately escaping a city, concealed within a basket as it is lowered down the towering wall. This stark reality epitomizes the turbulence and danger in Paul’s extraordinary life. It may not be a grand or heroic image.

God chose a seemingly “weak” individual like Paul. Paul often fled from challenges. Yet, God chose him to help lay the very foundation of His church! He alone deserves all the glory! Regardless of the trials we encounter while serving God, we must always redirect that glory back to Him! What is one powerful way you can lean on God amidst the afflictions you may face this week?

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Cross Reference

• Revelation 2:8-11
• Romans 8:35
• 1 John 3:13
• James 1:12
• Matthew 10:28

Reflective Questions

• What qualifications and background did Paul have?
• What motivated Paul to share this list of qualifications and suffering?
• Which of these events are recorded in Scripture?
• Share about the background of one of these afflictions Paul endured.
• How could Paul go through so many sufferings and still seek to serve Christ?
• How has Christ sustained you in the midst of suffering?
• Why do many Christians suffer?
• In view of these sufferings, how does this make you feel about inconveniences you encounter while serving Christ?
• What Bible verse would you use to encourage a fellow believer who is facing persecution?
• How did these things show Paul’s weakness (verse 30)?
• What do we learn about God from all of Paul’s sufferings?

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