2 Corinthians 11:29–31

2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 11

Paul’s Boast of His Apostolic Calling. 2 Cor 11, 16–33.

A further recital of hardships arid difficulties: v.29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not? V.30. If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. V. 31. The God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed forevermore, knoweth that I lie not.

The first rhetorical questions contain a further explanation of the fact that Paul was burdened with the details of business concerning many congregations. If any important question of faith or of Christian life was to be decided, or when there was a quarrel, or when his advice was desired in any matter whatsoever, the apostle was invariably approached to give his assistance and decision.

Not only the weal and woe of entire congregations, however, rested upon his shoulders, but he also bore with the individual Christians. His apostolic sympathy went out to those that were weak in faith; he felt their weakness with them; he found the right word at the right time; he knew when to make allowances and when to use firmness; he became weak with the weak.

On the other hand, when he heard that any person was being offended, was made to stumble, he was inflamed with righteous indignation. He felt the injury as though it had been done to himself. As a true pastor, he felt the spiritual troubles and perils of all his members everywhere and stood by their side with prayer and advice.

The principle which has guided the apostle thus far in his glorying he gives in the sentence: If it is necessary for me to boast, I will boast of my weakness. As though he would say: It is not my own free will, it is not my own choice to glory, but you Corinthians have compelled me to boast in order that the gospel of Christ may remain in your midst.

Since it is thus laid upon me as a necessity, I shall not boast as other people do, of my strength, of my successes, but of that which belongs to my weakness, of my sufferings, of the persecutions and tribulations which I have endured.

And herein the apostle solemnly protests that he is speaking the truth: The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. This exclamation shows the depth of the feeling which was agitating the apostle. God is his witness. Not his own person, not the truth of his doctrine, hut the gospel of Jesus Christ, the honor of his Lord, is endangered, and therefore this solemn assertion in the midst of his impassioned speech.