The Necessity for Paul’s Boasting
Introduction:
In previous verses (7-12) Paul discussed the issue of financial support for himself.
In verses 13-15, Paul described the false teachers in the Corinthian church as servants of Satan.
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- Paul described the false apostles at Corinth as servants of Satan.
- Paul was fighting a spiritual battle to protect the Corinthian church from corruption.
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Now he is back to the “foolish boasting” the Corinthian church forced him into.
2 Corinthians 11:16- 21 NLT
The Necessity for Paul’s Boasting
16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. 17 Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. 19 After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! 20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. 21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!
But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too.
Examine the scriptures:
2 Corinthians 11:16- 21 NLT
The Necessity for Paul’s Boasting
16 Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this.
Some of the Corinthians were comparing Paul unfavorably to the false apostles.
“don’t think that I am a fool”
- Some of the Corinthians thought that Paul was a fool.
Foolish here means ignorant. (Lacking in knowledge, education, or experience. Uninformed.)
Who is being foolish?
- The Corinthians were viewing these false apostles (false teachers) from a human perspective.
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- People judge by outward appearance, but the Lordlooks at the heart.
- By rejecting Paul in favor of the false apostles, the Corinthiasn would be rejecting the true gospel for a false gospel.
But even if you do (think that I am a fool), listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little.
2 Corinthians 11:1 NLT
1 I hope you will put up with a little more of my foolishness. Please bear with me.
- Paul plays the part of a boastful fool so that he may present his true credentials (as a suffering apostle).
- Paul was fighting a spiritual battle to protect the Corinthian church from corruption. (repeated point)
17 Such boasting is not from the Lord,
Jesus would not talk this way.
In his arrogance the fool boasts in himself, not in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NLT
17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”
18 When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.
Jeremiah 9:24 NLT
24 But those who wish to boast
should boast in this alone:
that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord
who demonstrates unfailing love
and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.
I, the Lord, have spoken!
but I am acting like a fool.
Acting like a fool in order to counter the false doctrine threatening the Coriinthian church.
18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too.
BE CAREFUL if you choose to imitate Paul with this behavior.
- Paul is using this approach out of necessity.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
- Paul’s motive was to correct the Corinthian church.
19 After all, you think you are so wise,
Sarcasism
The Corinthians were viewing themselves as being wise.
1 Corinthians 4:10 NLT
10 Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed.
but you enjoy putting up with fools!
- Those who are truly wise would not put up with fools.
20 You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.
- A description of the actions of the false teachers.
1 Someone enslaves you,
2 takes everything you have,
3 takes advantage of you,
4 takes control of everything,
5 and slaps you in the face.
Paul is describing the actions of the false teachers.
(Who else does this describe?)
Mark 12:38-40 NLT
38 Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. 39 And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. 40 Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be more severely punished.”
- Beware of false teachers!
21 I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that!
Paul was too weak to exploit the Corinthian church.
Ironic, tongue-in cheek, or sarcastic statement.
- Paul knew how wrong it was for the false teachers to treat the church as they were doing.
But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too.
Paul is ready to “take on” his opponents.
Paul is about to boast a little in his own identity to make his point.
In Corinth many boast according to the flesh.
Repeat:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law,[a] I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
- Quoting Paul, “Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”
