2 Corinthians 11:7-15
As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. – 2 Corinthians 11:10
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This passage is Paul’s defense of the way he preached the gospel in the church of Corinth. To ensure the believers in Corinth could hear the gospel without cost, Paul insisted on refusing their financial support. He supported himself by making tents while preaching the gospel (Acts 18:1–4). When he lacked resources, he would rather accept support from the Macedonian churches (v.9) than burden the Corinthians. But in the eyes of the Corinthians, this was a great offense—they were deeply displeased.
Their reaction may be related to the social customs of that time. In the Greco-Roman system, the concept of patronage was very common. Wealthy patrons often offered gifts or advantages to others in order to secure loyal service. For instance, a rich person might sponsor a philosopher’s travel or study expenses. Accepting such sponsorship signified great respect and gratitude; refusing it was considered disrespectful.
Therefore, when Paul refused the Corinthians’ sponsorship but accepted the Macedonians’, he violated their cultural expectations and appeared to dishonor them. When the “false apostles” later came and stirred up trouble, the Corinthians judged Paul because of this “offense” and concluded that he did not love them. But Paul earnestly defended the gospel, saying: “God knows I love you! What I am doing now I will continue to do…” (vv. 11–12)
These “false apostles” (v.13) not only accepted the Corinthians’ payment but also exploited, oppressed, and took advantage of them (v.20). If Paul had also accepted financial support from the Corinthians, those false apostles could have used it as an excuse to argue that they were just like Paul—preaching for profit.
To help the Corinthians understand that the gospel is God’s free gift, and to prevent his ministry from being slandered, Paul gave up his legitimate right to receive their support. He refused the Corinthians’ provision in order to “cut off the opportunity for those who want an opportunity” (v.12). Whether he accepted support from Macedonia or declined it from Corinth, it was always for the purpose of building up the church and acting carefully so that God’s name would not be dishonored.
Throughout church history, wherever God is at work, false prophets and false apostles appear to destroy. As long as Christ has not returned, the work of evangelism cannot stop. Those who truly preach the gospel and are willing to pay the price will be supplied and blessed by God. But those who seek only earthly gain will find their end resembles their reward—quickly vanishing, gone like the wind.
Reflection:
As we reach the final stage of 2025, how much of the gospel have I shared? When I preach the gospel, do I simply adapt to the local culture and allow people to add Jesus as just another god? Or do I have a sensitive heart that recognizes where change is needed, helping people break free from their old ways of life? Am I willing to humble myself so that others may receive the blessings of the gospel and God’s word may be revealed?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, whose love for us never changes, help me to live a holy and set-apart life at all times. Let my life be a beautiful testimony for the gospel, so that Your name may receive the glory it deserves. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!
Click to Read
This passage is Paul’s defense of the way he preached the gospel in the church of Corinth. To ensure the believers in Corinth could hear the gospel without cost, Paul insisted on refusing their financial support. He supported himself by making tents while preaching the gospel (Acts 18:1–4). When he lacked resources, he would rather accept support from the Macedonian churches (v.9) than burden the Corinthians. But in the eyes of the Corinthians, this was a great offense—they were deeply displeased.
Their reaction may be related to the social customs of that time. In the Greco-Roman system, the concept of patronage was very common. Wealthy patrons often offered gifts or advantages to others in order to secure loyal service. For instance, a rich person might sponsor a philosopher’s travel or study expenses. Accepting such sponsorship signified great respect and gratitude; refusing it was considered disrespectful.
Therefore, when Paul refused the Corinthians’ sponsorship but accepted the Macedonians’, he violated their cultural expectations and appeared to dishonor them. When the “false apostles” later came and stirred up trouble, the Corinthians judged Paul because of this “offense” and concluded that he did not love them. But Paul earnestly defended the gospel, saying: “God knows I love you! What I am doing now I will continue to do…” (vv. 11–12)
These “false apostles” (v.13) not only accepted the Corinthians’ payment but also exploited, oppressed, and took advantage of them (v.20). If Paul had also accepted financial support from the Corinthians, those false apostles could have used it as an excuse to argue that they were just like Paul—preaching for profit.
To help the Corinthians understand that the gospel is God’s free gift, and to prevent his ministry from being slandered, Paul gave up his legitimate right to receive their support. He refused the Corinthians’ provision in order to “cut off the opportunity for those who want an opportunity” (v.12). Whether he accepted support from Macedonia or declined it from Corinth, it was always for the purpose of building up the church and acting carefully so that God’s name would not be dishonored.
Throughout church history, wherever God is at work, false prophets and false apostles appear to destroy. As long as Christ has not returned, the work of evangelism cannot stop. Those who truly preach the gospel and are willing to pay the price will be supplied and blessed by God. But those who seek only earthly gain will find their end resembles their reward—quickly vanishing, gone like the wind.
Reflection:
As we reach the final stage of 2025, how much of the gospel have I shared? When I preach the gospel, do I simply adapt to the local culture and allow people to add Jesus as just another god? Or do I have a sensitive heart that recognizes where change is needed, helping people break free from their old ways of life? Am I willing to humble myself so that others may receive the blessings of the gospel and God’s word may be revealed?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, whose love for us never changes, help me to live a holy and set-apart life at all times. Let my life be a beautiful testimony for the gospel, so that Your name may receive the glory it deserves. In the precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!