2 Corinthians 11:16–21: I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also.
False teachers were not ashamed to boast, and the Corinthians were not afraid to accept their boasting. “Since boasting is the ‘in thing’ in your fellowship,” Paul seemed to be saying, “then I will boast.” Paul may have had the principle of Proverbs 26:5 in mind: “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Furthermore, Paul was boasting so that he might help the church, while the false teachers boasted so that they might “help themselves” to what they could get out of the church. Paul’s motive was pure; theirs was selfish. 1
Personal Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:17. What is it about the Lord that you can give glory to Him today?
Godly Encouragement
- He must increase, but I must decrease. –John 3:30
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
An uncommitted generation glories in their unaccomplished self. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for showing us that You are the only One worthy of all glory.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles
