2 Corinthians 11:22–33
And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? – 2 Corinthians 11:28-29
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Throughout our journey through 2 Corinthians (and also seen in 1 Corinthians), we see Paul’s repeated arguments about his apostolic credentials against those in Corinth who believed him unworthy to be counted among the other teachers of Christianity. Just prior to this passage, Paul warned against following appearances blindly or according to worldly wisdom, because “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.” (2 Cor 11:14-15). All things require a touch of discernment, even when superficially, everything appears to be alright.
In verse 22, Paul begins a long list of characteristics that extend into chapter 12, comparing and contrasting himself with the false apostles currently in Corinth. We will currently limit our examinations to the attributes in Chapter 11. It is instructive that if we superficially look at initial characteristics, like being a Hebrew (v22) or Israelite (v22) or being descendants of Abraham (v22), both sides (Paul & the false apostles) can both claim a “yes” answer. But if we probe a bit deeper, “servants of Christ” (v23), we start to see some differences. While both claim to be servants of Christ, it is obvious that Paul is willing to go far beyond what some of those in Corinth are willing to do. Paul was easily able to let his actions do the talking, whereas many of the false prophets were unable to do so.
Paul goes on to describe the extent to which he has gone through for the sake of Christ, both externally and internally. Externally, he had to endure hurt, hunger, hardship, and humiliation (v24-27, 31-32), yet he persevered through it all. Internally, he experienced the “daily pressure” of concern for all the churches (v28). One can only experience such if one cares enough about something (here referring to the churches), as Paul so aptly described himself.
As we look at this passage, two main thoughts come to my mind. The first is, how far do we examine the truths of the gospel against falsehood? Superficially, many concepts may seem acceptable, but if we put some of these concepts under the microscope, they will start to crack. Are we willing to be like the Bereans, who were described as more noble than those in Thessalonica because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore, many of them believed, also of honourable women who were Greeks, and of men, not a few:” (Acts 17:11b-12). If the Corinthians had subjected the false apostles to greater scrutiny, many more of them might have reached a similar conclusion as those in Berea.
The second thought is that the Apostle Paul was obviously willing to go through a lot for the sake of the gospel and for the fellow believers in Christ. It calls us to assess our level of commitment to God and the extent to which we are eager to experience/suffer both mentally and physically, for the sake of Christ and the church. It is so easy to get discouraged when difficulties or hardships arise in our lives. We need to remember to constantly look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2).
It also reminds us that, as the path ahead remains challenging, we need to bear the daily pressure of concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Constantly looking out for one another and encouraging one another will undoubtedly help us to face the challenges ahead together.
Reflection:
Have we given up on tasks for God when the going got too harsh, even when the task was of great benefit for the kingdom of God?
When was the last time that you encouraged a brother or sister in Christ in the faith?
v Prayer :
Father, thank you for the excellent example of Jesus, your son, and the apostle Paul in their level of commitment to fulfil your will and desires on this earth. Forgive us when we have failed to match their example and standard. Give us the obedience and perseverance to continue the path that you have set for us. Help us also empathise and look out for those who might need encouragement along their life’s journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Click to Read
Throughout our journey through 2 Corinthians (and also seen in 1 Corinthians), we see Paul’s repeated arguments about his apostolic credentials against those in Corinth who believed him unworthy to be counted among the other teachers of Christianity. Just prior to this passage, Paul warned against following appearances blindly or according to worldly wisdom, because “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.” (2 Cor 11:14-15). All things require a touch of discernment, even when superficially, everything appears to be alright.
In verse 22, Paul begins a long list of characteristics that extend into chapter 12, comparing and contrasting himself with the false apostles currently in Corinth. We will currently limit our examinations to the attributes in Chapter 11. It is instructive that if we superficially look at initial characteristics, like being a Hebrew (v22) or Israelite (v22) or being descendants of Abraham (v22), both sides (Paul & the false apostles) can both claim a “yes” answer. But if we probe a bit deeper, “servants of Christ” (v23), we start to see some differences. While both claim to be servants of Christ, it is obvious that Paul is willing to go far beyond what some of those in Corinth are willing to do. Paul was easily able to let his actions do the talking, whereas many of the false prophets were unable to do so.
Paul goes on to describe the extent to which he has gone through for the sake of Christ, both externally and internally. Externally, he had to endure hurt, hunger, hardship, and humiliation (v24-27, 31-32), yet he persevered through it all. Internally, he experienced the “daily pressure” of concern for all the churches (v28). One can only experience such if one cares enough about something (here referring to the churches), as Paul so aptly described himself.
As we look at this passage, two main thoughts come to my mind. The first is, how far do we examine the truths of the gospel against falsehood? Superficially, many concepts may seem acceptable, but if we put some of these concepts under the microscope, they will start to crack. Are we willing to be like the Bereans, who were described as more noble than those in Thessalonica because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore, many of them believed, also of honourable women who were Greeks, and of men, not a few:” (Acts 17:11b-12). If the Corinthians had subjected the false apostles to greater scrutiny, many more of them might have reached a similar conclusion as those in Berea.
The second thought is that the Apostle Paul was obviously willing to go through a lot for the sake of the gospel and for the fellow believers in Christ. It calls us to assess our level of commitment to God and the extent to which we are eager to experience/suffer both mentally and physically, for the sake of Christ and the church. It is so easy to get discouraged when difficulties or hardships arise in our lives. We need to remember to constantly look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2).
It also reminds us that, as the path ahead remains challenging, we need to bear the daily pressure of concern for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Constantly looking out for one another and encouraging one another will undoubtedly help us to face the challenges ahead together.
Reflection:
Have we given up on tasks for God when the going got too harsh, even when the task was of great benefit for the kingdom of God?
When was the last time that you encouraged a brother or sister in Christ in the faith?
v Prayer :
Father, thank you for the excellent example of Jesus, your son, and the apostle Paul in their level of commitment to fulfil your will and desires on this earth. Forgive us when we have failed to match their example and standard. Give us the obedience and perseverance to continue the path that you have set for us. Help us also empathise and look out for those who might need encouragement along their life’s journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen