2 Coríntios 11

2 Coríntios 11

Constable - Some writers refer to 2Co 11:1-12:13 as Paul's "Fool's Speech" because of the recurring "foolishness" terminology in this passage (aphrosyne, aphron, paraphron; cf. 2Co 11:1, 16 [twice], 2Co 11:17, 19, 23; 2Co 12:11, 16). (2 Corinthians 11) Wish (3785)(ophelon from opheilo - to owe) would that, where one wishes that a thing had happened which has not happened or a thing be done which probably will not be done. In its earlier forms ophelon may have been an unaugmented verb used with an infinitive to express a wish. However, many scholars do not think it was an aorist form of opheilō without the augment but instead was a participle (cf. Bauer). Later the word was used as a particle to introduce wishes that are difficult or seemingly unattainable to fulfill and was usually translated “Oh that” or “would that” (ibid.). It can express such a wish for the past (“I would to God ye did reign” [KJV], “I would indeed that you had become kings” [NASB], 1 Corinthians 4:8); for the present (“I would thou wert cold or hot,” Revelation 3:15); or for the future (“I would they were even cut off” [KJV], “Would that those … would even mutilate themselves” [NASB], Galatians 5:12). The only other reference is also future. In 2 Corinthians 11:1 Paul asked that the Corinthians would “put up” with him as he presented his argument. 4 Uses in NT - 1Co. 4:8; 2Co. 11:1; Gal. 5:12; Rev. 3:15 Bear (430) anechomai from aná = in, up + echomai, the middle voice of echo = to have, to hold) means literally to hold one’s self up, erect, upright and by extension firm against a person or thing. Thus anechomai means to put up with, to bear with (equanimity or evenness of mind especially under stress), to tolerate, to forbear, to be patient with. The figurative idea is to endure discomfort or to hold out in spite of persecution, threats, injury, indifference, or complaints and not to retaliate (esp 1Cor 4:12). It conveys the sense of putting up with others, exercising self-restraint (for believers only possible empowered by the Spirit) and tolerance. Foolishness (877)(aphrosune from a = negative + phren = thought) morally or intellectually, not using one's ability to understand foolishness, lack of sense, (boastful) folly. 4v in NT - Mk. 7:22; 2 Co. 11:1; 2 Co. 11:17; 2 Co. 11:21 Septuagint - technical term in Wisdom literature - Deut. 22:21; Jdg. 19:23; Jdg. 19:24; Jdg. 20:6; Jdg. 20:10; 1 Sam. 25:25; 2 Sam. 13:12; Job 1:22; Job 4:6; Ps. 38:5; Ps. 69:5; Prov. 5:5; Prov. 5:23; Prov. 9:6; Prov. 18:2; Prov. 18:13; Prov. 19:3; Prov. 26:4; Prov. 26:5; Prov. 27:22; Eccl. 2:3; Eccl. 2:12; Eccl. 2:13; Eccl. 7:25; Eccl. 9:17; Eccl. 10:1; Eccl. 10:3; Eccl. 10:13; Lam. 2:14; Gilbrant - The noun aphrosunē, “foolishness, folly” (cf. the adjective aphrōn [871], “foolish”), is a compound of the negating prefix a (1), and phrēn (5260), “understanding, thinking mind.” In classical Greek this involved both a lack of mental prowess and an absence of common sense, a distorted mental perception. In the Septuagint aphrosunē occurs about 35 times, aphrōn more than 100. The most frequent Hebrew equivalents are the words from the root kās̱al and the term nevālāh, but many other terms are used as well. The New Testament has aphrosunē 4 times and aphrōn 11 times. On the whole, the term carries the same basic meaning as in the Septuagint. “Folly” in Scripture first follows ordinary usage; in other words, it is a contrast to mental wisdom, sense (Proverbs 3:35; 10:8). The distinguishing marks of folly are arrogance and a sense of self-sufficiency (Psalm 85:8) as well as a flippant attitude (2 Corinthians 11:1). From an intellectual perspective folly ignores the true nature of existence and humanity’s relationship to God. It is further characterized by a lack of foresight and a thorough inability to make rational and practical choices (Luke 11:40; 1 Corinthians 15:36). Therefore the value system, decision making abilities, and the attitudes of the fool are all wrong (Mark 7:18; Luke 12:20). Folly acquires a moral sense in many cases, and it may indicate a moral deficiency rather than mental ineptitude. It is not so much that the fool always lacks mental resources, but that he uses them wrongly. His selfish desires originate equally in his corrupt heart as well as in his mind. His blindness to spiritual matters impedes his natural abilities and talents. The life of the fool is characterized by lust (Proverbs 9:13), foolish talk (Proverbs 15:2; Ecclesiastes 10:15), quarrels (Proverbs 20:3), lethargy and indifference (Ecclesiastes 10:15), slander and gossip (Proverbs 10:18). In a religious sense folly signals “godlessness” (Psalms 14:1; 53:1; Isaiah 9:17). Folly here is marked by a contempt for moral, ethical, and religious principles of life and conduct, especially as these have been revealed in the Word of God and by the life and testimony of Jesus (Matthew 7:24–27). The fool believes that he can overlook the eternal and righteous law of God (Jeremiah 17:10, 11) and yet avoid the judgment of God. When Jesus forbade calling anyone a fool (Matthew 5:22), His basis was the moral and ethical connotations behind the expression. The fool exists in an utterly unholy condition and he faces the eternal consequences for his “foolishness.” To call another a “fool” would therefore be tantamount to judging someone. The fool’s existence is typified by an entirely materialistic philosophy for life and conduct which is totally oblivious to higher values of life, especially those found in God (Luke 12:20). In His eschatological discourse Jesus told the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1ff.). Their folly was their failure to make adequate preparations for the bridegroom’s return. The consequences of such “foolishness” were exclusion from the marriage feast (probably a veiled reference to the eschatological banquet [cf. Luke 14:15 and Revelation 19:9, “Marriage Supper of the Lamb”]). Paul considered it folly to forsake the original way of faith—salvation, justification, and the fullness of the Spirit—for the “dead-end” of trying to justify oneself through works of the Law (Galatians 3:1–5). Folly of an entirely different kind is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:18–25. Here the apostle speaks of the “foolishness” of God. Contained in this expression is a reference to the gospel’s central message of the Cross. This is “folly” from the perspective of human reason. The message that the death and the resurrection of a simple Galilean carpenter, who died the ignominious death of a state criminal and has secured salvation for all mankind, challenges every human criterion of reason. However, in His great wisdom God did not plan salvation according to human design. Neither the Jew’s demand for signs of power, nor the Greeks’ desire for great “wisdom” were avenues of God’s approach. The witnesses and heralds of the gospel are also marked as fools by the “rational and wise” (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:10). True wisdom can only be achieved by laying down the wisdom of this world at the feet of God and taking up the “foolishness” of the Cross (1 Corinthians 3:18). (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) Related Resources: Sam Storms The Jealousy of God in the Heart of a Human (2 Cor. 11:1-2) Excerpt - Few people can maintain a godly balance between sarcasm and sincerity. The latter is all too often swallowed up and eclipsed by the former. The apostle Paul was a notable exception to that general rule. The sarcasm of the apostle is quite evident in the opening words of 2 Corinthians 11. 10 Things You Should Know about the Jealousy of God Father of the Bride (2 Cor. 11:2) - Excerpt - I’d like to conduct an experiment. I want you to think about your local church, regardless of its denominational affiliation or lack thereof. Do you have it in mind? Are you ready? OK. Now, what’s the first word that comes to mind? Take a moment. Don’t be in a rush. I wish it were possible to compile a list of the many answers to my question. I’m sure it would be quite instructive and enlightening, perhaps even alarming. Words such as healthy, sick, vibrant, languishing, growing, shrinking, exciting, boring, traditional, contemporary, evangelical, and emerging would all probably be mentioned. But let me come straight to the point. I seriously doubt if anyone instantly and instinctively said, “virginal.” Virginal? Yes, virginal. A Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ (1) - Excerpt - I want to be a person known for one thing. Although I’m an author, it matters little if people buy my books. Although I’m a speaker, it matters little if they hear what I say. What ultimately matters, what is of preeminent importance, is that I be a person known for “a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). A Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ (2) (2 Cor. 11:3) - Excerpt - I fear the corruption of my sincere and pure devotion to Christ. So should you. To think that you are immune from the deceptive tactics of the enemy is both arrogant and dangerous. Paul feared that some of the Corinthians had been duped, or were on the verge of being so. That is why he speaks so energetically of his jealous concern for them and the state of their souls. The Horror of a Different Jesus (2 Cor 11:4) - Excerpt - Our pluralistic, consumer driven society is all about choices, options, and diversity. If you don’t like what you see, be patient; another version, an updated edition, a new and improved alternative will soon appear. This is often the case in certain expressions of contemporary “Christianity” (so-called). Don’t like the Jesus of evangelical, orthodox biblical faith? No problem. There are plenty of other Jesuses to choose from. There’s the liberal Jesus, the liberation Jesus, the Christ of the cults, and the Christ of Islam. There’s the entirely human but not so divine Jesus or, if you prefer, the entirely divine and hardly human Christ. Or perhaps you relish a more homegrown Jesus, one that is fashioned after the desires of your own heart. Messianic pretender Philosophical sage? How about the Jesus of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code? Or the Jesus of The Gospel of Judas? If you’re into politics, cast your vote: the Democratic Jesus or the Republican version? Too political? That’s OK—he can be as revolutionary, politically incorrect, and nonconformist as you need him to be. After all, when it comes to Jesus, to each his own! Price-less Preaching (Don’t Ignore the Hyphen) (2 Cor. 11:5-12) Excerpt - When one first reads 2 Corinthians 11:7–12, it sounds outlandish, virtually incomprehensible. Paul preached the gospel of God in Corinth for free. He refused to accept payment for his ministry in that city. He labored tirelessly with his hands to support himself so that he need never take up an offering after proclaiming the truth. And they accused him of committing a sin in doing so! As I said, outlandish and incomprehensible! Knowing your Enemy (2 Cor. 11:13-15) Excerpt - One of the things I learned about my wife on our first date was that she didn’t believe in a real, personal devil. Having been raised in a liberal, mainline denominational church, she rarely if ever heard the gospel proclaimed, while numerous biblical truths were routinely mocked and denied, Satan’s existence being one. Whether or not one believes that a literal, personal, spiritual being called Satan actually exists depends on one’s view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture. If one affirms the latter, he or she will affirm the former (as is now the case with my wife!). The opposite almost always holds true as well. The Devil Disguised and the False Apostles who serve him (2 Corinthians 11:13–15) Excerpt - Before departing from Ephesus, the apostle Paul gathered to himself the elders of the church and spoke words of encouragement, exhortation, and stern warning. The latter proved to be prophetic. “I know that after my departure,” Paul said, “fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29–30). It’s simply stunning to think that from within the body of Christ, indeed, from within that very group to whom has been given the sacred task of leading and teaching the people of God, “fierce wolves” will emerge. Such people have no regard for the spiritual health of God’s people. They have even less regard for the truth. They are utterly self-serving. In order to gain a following and increase their authority, they speak “twisted things” and undermine the confidence of God’s people in the finality and sufficiency of the work of Christ. Answering a Fool according to His Folly (2 Corinthians 11:16–21) Excerpt - Some have struggled to reconcile Proverbs 26:4 (“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself”) with Proverbs 26:5 (“Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes”). But there’s no contradiction here. On most occasions, when a fool speaks, keep your mouth shut. There are times, though, albeit rare, when an answer is essential. Evidently Paul was faced with just such a situation in his relationship with the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 11:16–21 Paul is about to boast, and he is sickened by the thought of it. His words “are no reflection of the real Paul, but only of the Paul who, to preserve the Corinthian church from moral and doctrinal seduction, must answer the real fools according to their folly.” He is clearly compelled, contrary to normal practice (Prov. 29:4), to momentarily stoop to the level of his enemies to gain a hearing with the Corinthians and hopefully bring to an end the slanderous accusations brought against him. Writing Your Spiritual CV (2 Corinthians 11:21–23) - Excerpt - Reading 2 Corinthians 11:21–33 leaves me breathless. Even more important, it leaves me embarrassed and ashamed. It reminds me of those many occasions when people have asked me to share my spiritual journey or perhaps themselves proceeded to recite what they consider my accomplishments in life and my achievements in ministry. Awards I’ve won. Pulpits I’ve filled. Books I’ve written. Places I’ve traveled. People I’ve known. Money I’ve raised. Sermons I’ve preached. Endorsements I’ve received. Churches I’ve pastored. Degrees I’ve earned. Enough already! Suffering is a Gift of God! (2 Cor. 11:24-25) - Excerpt - The first time I can remember being struck repeatedly by an instrument was in the fifth grade at Fannin Elementary School in Midland, Texas (yes, my father spanked me, but always with his open hand). Mr. Holmes, my teacher, was a short but powerful man who seemed at times to relish the opportunity to discipline rowdy young boys like me. And yes, we certainly deserved it (or at least I did). Through many Dangers, Toils, and Snares (2 Cor. 11:26-27) - Excerpt - In the aftermath of 9/11 and with the ever-increasing price of gasoline, traveling has become something of a hassle. Increased air fares, long security lines that often move at a snail’s pace, overcrowded flights, delayed flights, canceled flights, well, you get the picture. I must confess that on a couple of occasions I’ve lost my patience at such inconveniences, although I’ve tried not to direct my displeasure toward ticket agents and flight attendants who have no control over the variety of factors that create the problem. During these past few years, ministry has taken me throughout the United States and on multiple trips overseas. But I have to confess, I’ve always felt safe, even pampered. Because of the frequency of my journeys I’ve attained elite status with American Airlines and routinely am upgraded to first class. Wherever I have gone, my hosts have been gracious and occasionally lavish in providing for my needs. I’ve had good drivers (for the most part) and adequate accommodations. Paul the Pastor (2 Cor. 11:28-29) Excerpt - Caricatures are hard to shake. Once people have an image of someone indelibly printed in their minds, not even the facts can dislodge it. As a student of Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) I’ve seen this firsthand. Ask the man on the street (or even the person in the pew) about Edwards, and they’ll immediately mention his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” and how stern, negative, and condemning a personality he must have been. Of course, anyone who has spent time reading Edwards knows he was nothing of the sort. But the image is probably here to stay. Much of the same is true when it comes to the apostle Paul. His sharp theological mind, together with his unflinching and uncompromising stand for truth, have contributed to an image of him as being a relationally stunted, remote, ivory tower pinhead who had little time and even less compassion for people and their problems. I trust that as you’ve read through 2 Corinthians you’ve come to see how much of a distortion this is and how it fails to grasp the true heart of this deeply passionate and profoundly tenderhearted man of God. Boasting in Weakness (2 Cor. 11:30-33) Excerpt - We are all pretty adept at avoiding embarrassing topics. Most people have learned the art of maneuvering a conversation away from anything that might show them in a bad light or disclose their incompetence. And should it happen that some shameful item is noted, we’re also pretty good at explaining it away or justifying it to protect our public image. Anything to save face! So what are we to make of Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 11:30 where he declares, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness”? One would think that if Paul’s hand were forced and he had to stoop to the level of his enemies in this matter of boasting, the least he could do was think up a few praiseworthy accomplishments or something that would silence his accusers. Beware! Take heed that you not be deceived. —Luke 21:8 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Some time ago an acquaintance of mine was “taken in” by a smooth-talking salesman who stopped at his place of business. The man displayed some attractive jewelry which he said he had purchased at a tremendous discount. He was especially proud of some very expensive-looking watches that had a well-known name on the dials. My friend was very impressed and bought several watches. But after the peddler left, he examined his “bargains” more carefully and was surprised to discover that the trademark was not that of a famous brand after all. Two letters in the name were different, but the print was so small he hadn’t noticed it before. The watch straps were not genuine leather but “genuine lizard,” and on the back of the cases were the words “Swiss base metal.” O grant us grace, Almighty Lord, To read and mark Your holy Word, Its truths with meekness to receive, And by its holy precepts live. —Beddome Examine all teaching in the light of God's Word. 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. KJV 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. NET 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. BGT 2 Corinthians 11:2 ζηλῶ γὰρ ὑμᾶς θεοῦ ζήλῳ, ἡρμοσάμην γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἑνὶ ἀνδρὶ παρθένον ἁγνὴν παραστῆσαι τῷ Χριστῷ· NLT 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband-- Christ. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. NIV 2 Corinthians 11:2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. YLT 2 Corinthians 11:2 for I am zealous for you with zeal of God, for I did betroth you to one husband, a pure virgin, to present to Christ, ASV 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. CSB 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband-- to present a pure virgin to Christ. MIT 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with God's jealousy. I brought about your engagement as a pure virgin to one man—to be the partner of Christ. NKJ 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. NRS 2 Corinthians 11:2 I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. NAB 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God, since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. NJB 2 Corinthians 11:2 The jealousy that I feel for you is, you see, God's own jealousy: I gave you all in marriage to a single husband, a virgin pure for presentation to Christ. GWN 2 Corinthians 11:2 I'm as protective of you as God is. After all, you're a virgin whom I promised in marriage to one man-Christ. BBE 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I have a very great care for you: because you have been married by me to one husband, and it is my desire to give you completely holy to Christ. Phillips My jealousy over you is the right sort of jealousy, for in my eyes you are like a fresh unspoiled girl whom I am presenting as fiancée to your true husband, Christ himself. jealous: Ga 4:11,17-19 Php 1:8 1Th 2:11 I betrothed Ge 24:2-5,58-67 Ps 45:10,11 Isa 54:5 62:4,5 Ho 2:19,20 Joh 3:29 Ro 7:4 1Co 4:15 might present you: Eph 5:27 Col 1:28 a pure virgin: Lev 21:13-15 Eze 44:22 2 Corinthians 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Philippians 1:8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, John 3:29 “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. Ephesians 5:27 that He (CHRIST) might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy (hagios) and blameless. Colossians 1:28 ("COMPLETE" PICTURES THE SENSE OF PRESERVED PURE) We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. FOLLOWING PASSAGES ARE ON HOLY JEALOUSY Exodus 20:4-5+ “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 5 “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, Exodus 34:14+ –for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God– Numbers 25:11+ (PAUL WAS LIKE A MODERN DAY PHINEHAS - cf DAVID'S ZEAL - Ps 69:9) “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away My wrath from the sons of Israel in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not destroy the sons of Israel in My jealousy. Deuteronomy 4:24+ “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 6:14-15+ “You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, 15 for the LORD your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 29:20+ “The LORD shall never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the LORD and His jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse which is written in this book will rest on him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. Deuteronomy 32:16; 21+ “They made Him jealous with strange gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger. 21 ‘They have made Me jealous with what is not God; They have provoked Me to anger with their idols. So I will make them jealous with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation, Ezekiel 8:3+ He stretched out the form of a hand and caught me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the idol of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy, was located. Ezekiel 39:25 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name. Psalm 78:58 For they provoked Him with their high places And aroused His jealousy with their graven images. Joshua 24:19 Then Joshua said to the people, “You will not be able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgression or your sins. 1 Corinthians 10:22+ Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we? Hebrews 12:29+ for our God is a consuming fire. James 4:5+ Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? GODLY JEALOUSY FOR THE BETROTHED OF CHRIST For - Paul explains why he would even entertain a little foolishness and it is because of his godly jealous for the precious saints in Corinth.