2 Coríntios 11

2 Coríntios 11

Trapp - He confirms it with an oath, that he will not take a penny of them while he preaches in those parts. A minister should be careful of whom he receives a kindness. Note further from this text, that lawful things, when they prove inexpedient and gravaminous, may be forborne by the bond of a covenant. This boasting (kauchesis) of mine will not be stopped (phrasso) in the regions of Achaia - Amplified = "my boast [of independence] shall not be debarred (silenced or checked) in the regions of Achaia (most of Greece)." The question is what is he boasting about? If we allow the context to rule in interpretation, it is clearly he is "boasting" that he refused to take funds from the Corinthians and apparently made this fact known to the other churches in Achaia (the province of Corinth). In other words he offered the gospel free of charge to the Corinthians (cf 2C?o 11:7). Will not be stopped is a strong term in Greek and was used in the Septuagint for blocking up a river. Barton - Paul knew that the fact he hadn't taken any money from the Corinthians was the strongest rebuttal to the false teachers, for their whole purpose in preaching was to gather a following who would support them (see 2Co 2:17). (1 & 2 Corinthians Life Application Bible Commentary) Thayer writes "his glorying shall not be stopped, i. e. no one shall get from my conduct an argument to prove that it is empty." Homer Kent - Paul had found a sense of personal satisfaction in being able to preach among the Corinthians without imposing any monetary obligations on them. It was not something to be ashamed of; certainly it was not a demeaning practice. Consequently, he felt free for “boasting” about it because it brought no credit to him, but to his Lord. Christ had supplied every need—partly by providing manual employment in Corinth, and the rest by the generous gifts of other churches. Paul did not intend to let the misinterpretation which had been placed on this policy prevent him from continuing it. It had been his general practice everywhere (1 Cor. 9:18), even though he had the right to expect proper remuneration if he chose to accept it (1 Cor. 9:14–15). The province of Achaia, of which Corinth was the capital, had doubtless heard already of Paul’s practice, and perhaps had learned of the false charges also. At least one other church, the one at Cenchrea, had been established in Achaia by this time (Rom. 16:1), and there may have been others (2 Cor. 1:1). (A Heart Opened Wide: Studies in 2 Corinthians) Boasting (2746) kauchesis from kauchaomai = to boast) refers to the act of boasting about something. It expresses the idea of self-congratulation with or without sufficient reason.To boast means to speak of or assert with excessive pride, to express pride in oneself or one’s accomplishments and often suggests ostentation or even exaggeration. In the present context kauchesis denotes the assertion of a claim upon God on the ground of one’s works. Used 11x in the NT - Ro 3:27; Ro 15:17; 1Co. 15:31; 2Co. 1:12; 2Co. 7:4; 2Co. 7:14; 2Co. 8:24; 2Co. 11:10; 2Co. 11:17; 1Th 2:19; Jas. 4:16 Stopped (5420) phrasso akin to phragmos = a fence) means to fence, to enclose with a fence, hedge or wall, to block up, stop up, close up and so to keep from opening. To fence in, hedge round, esp. for protection or defence, to fence, secure, fortify ("they fenced in their ships"). This word was used in Greek meaning to fence in, hedge round, especially for protection or defence, to fence, secure, fortify. to put up as a fence, fra,xantej do,ru douri,( sa,koj sa,kei? joining spear close to spear, shield to shield (so as to make a fence). It was used in the idiomatic phrase "stop the mouth" meaning put to silence, to muzzle or to remove any reason to speak. In Romans 3:19, the meaning of phrasso is that all excuse is taken away for all people, both Jew and Gentile. Phrasso is used two other times in the NT, both referring to the mouth being stopped. The writer of Hebrews describes those who by faith "shut the mouths of lions (Heb 11:33+) In his letter to the Corinthians Paul wrote "As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine (about his ministering free of charge) will not be stopped (meaning to cause his speech to cease or stop) in the regions of Achaia." (2Cor 11:10) 3v - Rom. 3:19; 2 Co. 11:10; Heb. 11:33 2 Corinthians 11:11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! AMP And why? Because I do not love you [do not have a preference for you, wish you well, and regard your welfare]? God perceives and knows that I do! KJV 2 Corinthians 11:11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. NET 2 Corinthians 11:11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! BGT 2 Corinthians 11:11 διὰ τί; ὅτι οὐκ ἀγαπῶ ὑμᾶς; ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν. NLT 2 Corinthians 11:11 Why? Because I don't love you? God knows that I do. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:11 And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! NIV 2 Corinthians 11:11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! AMP And why? Because I do not love you [do not have a preference for you, wish you well, and regard your welfare]? God perceives and knows that I do! EXPNT And why do I not depend on you? Do you think it is because I do not love you? God knows that I love you. because: 2Co 6:11,12 2Co 7:3 2Co 12:15 God: 2Co 11:10 2Co 12:2,3 Jos 22:22 Ps 44:21 Joh 2:24,25 21:17 Ac 15:8 Heb 4:13 Rev 2:23 2 Corinthians 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Corinthians 6:11; 12 Our mouth has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 2 Corinthians 7:3 I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. 2 Corinthians 12:15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? PAUL'S TWO QUESTIONS Broomall - Paul calls God to witness that he loves the Corinthians even while they impute wrong motives to him (cf. 2Co 12:15). (Wycliffe Bible Commentary - 11 - online) Why? Because I do not (present tense - continually) love (agapao) you? God knows (perfect of eido) I do! - Why in context refers to Paul's refusal to depend on the Corinthians for financial support (he would rather have their spiritual support!) Failure to accept their money was no indication he did not unconditionally, continually love them. God knows is an "affirmation formula" (Paul uses it again in 2Co 12:2-3 and no where else in Scripture) meaning that Paul affirms his love earnestly. Paul calls God as his Witness for only God can see his true heart attitude toward the Corinthians, which was that he loves the Corinthians. Barton - Why did Paul refuse support? Why did he boast in his own integrity? Why did he oppose the false teachers? It was because of his deep love for the Corinthians. As the founder of the church of Corinth, Paul was concerned for the Corinthians' spiritual welfare. He was jealous for their spiritual purity. (1 & 2 Corinthians Life Application Bible Commentary) Ralph Martin on why? - Paul’s self-reflecting protestation of love mirrors both his pastoral concern (see 2Co 12:15) and his response to the implied innuendo that he did not love the Corinthians (ED: BECAUSE HE DID NOT ASK FOR OR ACCEPT THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT). Whether they had questioned his love for them in view of his practice regarding apostolic support, or the opponents in 11:4 had sowed this suspicion in their minds is not clear. Either way, it is a situation calling for redress. He retorts warmly but affectionately (a trait noted earlier in 2Co 6:11–13; 7:2, 3).(Word Biblical Commentary - 2 Corinthians) Bruce Barton - LOVE 'EM OR LEAVE 'EM Paul loved those to whom he was writing (2Co 11:11). What he wrote (as challenging and harsh as it is) must be understood against the backdrop of his undying commitment to their best interests. Those being taught can easily detect whether a pastor or teacher declaring God's Word has a sincere interest in their lives or only in disseminating information. People who know they are loved respond to truth and open their hearts to be filled by the Spirit. Do you love those to whom you open God's Word? Ask the Lord to make you tender to those you serve. As you stand before those faces, contemplate the fact that each face has a name and each name a story that explains their idiosyncrasies. Make mention on occasion how much you appreciate them. Publicly thank God for the privilege to serve this group of people. (1 & 2 Corinthians Life Application Bible Commentary) J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) comments on Paul's zeal as evidenced in this section "A zealous man in religion is preemiently a man of one thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest,--hearty,--uncompromising,--thorough-going,--whole hearted,--fervent in spirit. He only sees one thing,--he cares for one thing,--he lives for one thing,--he is swallowed up in one thing, and that one thing is to please God. Whether he lives, or whether he dies,--whether he has health, or whether he has sickness,--whether he is rich, or whether he is poor,--whether he pleases man, or whether he gives offense,--whether he is thought wise, or whether he is thought foolish,--whether he gets blame, or whether he gets praise,--whether he gets honour, or whether he gets shame,--for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please God, and to advance God's glory. If he is consumed in the very burning, he cares not for it,--he is content. He feels that like a lamp, he is made to burn, and if consumed in burning, he has but done the work for which God appointed him. Such an one will always find a sphere for his zeal. If he cannot preach, and work, and give money, he will cry, and sigh, and pray. Yes! if he is only a pauper, on a perpetual bed of sickness, he will make the wheels of sin around him drive heavily, by continually interceding against it. If he cannot fight in the valley with Joshua, he will do the work of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, on the hill. If he is cut off from working himself, he will give the Lord no rest till help is raised up from another quarter, and the work is done. This is what I mean, when I speak of zeal in religion." 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. KJV 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. NET 2 Corinthians 11:12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about. BGT 2 Corinthians 11:12 Ὃ δὲ ποιῶ, καὶ ποιήσω, ἵνα ἐκκόψω τὴν ἀφορμὴν τῶν θελόντων ἀφορμήν, ἵνα ἐν ᾧ καυχῶνται εὑρεθῶσιν καθὼς καὶ ἡμεῖς. NLT 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:12 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. NIV 2 Corinthians 11:12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. YLT 2 Corinthians 11:12 and what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also; ASV 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. CSB 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about. MIT 2 Corinthians 11:12 That which I am doing I shall continue to do in order to cut out the pretext of those wanting a basis for accusation. As a result their true colors will be found out in the matter in which they boast, just as also our character will be revealed. NKJ 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. NRS 2 Corinthians 11:12 And what I do I will also continue to do, in order to deny an opportunity to those who want an opportunity to be recognized as our equals in what they boast about. NAB 2 Corinthians 11:12 And what I do I will continue to do, in order to end this pretext of those who seek a pretext for being regarded as we are in the mission of which they boast. NJB 2 Corinthians 11:12 I will go on acting as I do at present, to cut the ground from under the feet of those who are looking for a chance to be proved my equals in grounds for boasting. GWN 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I'll go on doing what I'm doing. This will take away the opportunity of those people who want to brag because they think they're like us. BBE 2 Corinthians 11:12 But what I do, that I will go on doing, so that I may give no chance to those who are looking for one; so that, in the cause of their pride, they may be seen to be the same as we are. Phillips but I am determined to maintain this boast, so as to cut the ground from under the feet of those who profess to be God's messengers on the same terms as I am. God's messengers. The Message I’m just trying to keep things open and honest between us. And I’m not changing my position on this. I’d die before taking your money. I’m giving nobody grounds for lumping me in with those money-grubbing “preachers,” vaunting themselves as something special. AMP But what I do, I will continue to do, [for I am determined to maintain this independence] in order to cut off the claim of those who would like [to find an occasion and incentive] to claim that in their boasted [mission] they work on the same terms that we do. The Living Bible But I will do it to cut out the ground from under the feet of those who boast that they are doing God’s work in just the same way we are. what: 2Co 11:9 1:17 Job 23:13 that I may: 1Co 9:12 1Ti 5:14 them: Ga 1:7 Php 1:15-30 about which they are boasting 2Co 11:18 5:12 10:17 1Co 5:6 Ga 6:13,14 2 Corinthians 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE PURPOSE OF CONTINUED BOASTING But what I am doing (poieo) I will continue to do (poieo) - Paul will continue boasting, something that he would rather not do, but feels is a necessity to refute the false teachers. He will continue boasting to set the record straight, boasting that he had not charged to preached the Gospel (2Co 6:10; 7:2; 11:27; 12:16-18;1Co 9:3-18) Storms - Paul's opponents longed for the opportunity to boast that they had ministered in Corinth on the same terms as he. But as long as he refused money (something they would never do), such a desire would go unfulfilled, for they were financial parasites on the church. So that I may cut off (ekkopto) opportunity (aphorme) from those who desire an opportunity (aphorme) to be regarded (heurisko) just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting - NLT = "This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours." Amplified = "But what I do, I will continue to do, [for I am determined to maintain this independence] in order to cut off the claim of those who would like [to find an occasion and incentive] to claim that in their boasted [mission] they work on the same terms that we do." The purpose of Paul's continued boasting is the "cut the ground from under the feet of those who profess to be God's messengers" (Phillips) They were claiming to be apostles just like Paul and they were boasting about it. Paul's true boasting in his financial independence would counter their boasting and their actions. Peterson says "I’m giving nobody grounds for lumping me in with those money-grubbing “preachers,” vaunting themselves as something special."