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 in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
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What does "2 corinthians 11:12" mean?
This verse from 2 Corinthians 11:12 is a bit complex, but here's a breakdown of its meaning, focusing on the context of the chapter:
Context is Key:
Paul's Defense: Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, which has been influenced by "super-apostles" who are criticizing him. These rivals seem to be boasting about their own abilities and accomplishments.
Money and Ministry: The "occasion" refers to an opportunity for these rivals to discredit Paul. They may have been accusing him of being inferior because he wasn't accepting financial support from the Corinthians, unlike them.
Meaning of the Verse:
"But what I do, that I will do...": Paul is determined to continue his current practice. He's not going to change his approach.
"...that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion...": This is the core of the verse. Paul is deliberately avoiding taking money from the Corinthians. He's doing this to eliminate the opportunity (the "occasion") for his rivals to attack him. They "desire an occasion" - they want a reason to criticize him.
"...that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.": This means that Paul wants to undermine the basis of their boasting. The "that in which they boast" likely refers to their acceptance of financial support, implying they are better or more "official" apostles. Paul's actions aim to show that he can do the same work (ministering to the Corinthians) without the need for financial reward. Therefore, he wants them to be found, in their actions, to be just like him.
In simpler terms:
Paul is saying: "I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing—working for free—so that those who are looking for any excuse to criticize me won't have anything to hold against me. I want to take away the thing they're boasting about (being paid) so that they can't claim to be superior to me."
Why this is important:
Authenticity: Paul is demonstrating that his motivation is genuine love and concern for the Corinthians, not personal gain.
Undermining False Teachers: By removing the basis for the false apostles' boasting, Paul is exposing their true motives and protecting the Corinthians from their influence.
Focus on the Gospel: Paul wants the focus to be on the message of the gospel, not on financial matters or personal status.
In essence, Paul is making a strategic decision to avoid being a target for his critics and to demonstrate his commitment to serving the Corinthians without any strings attached.
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 in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
What does "2 corinthians 11:12" mean?
This verse from 2 Corinthians 11:12 is a bit complex, but here's a breakdown of its meaning, focusing on the context of the chapter:
Context is Key:
Paul's Defense: Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, which has been influenced by "super-apostles" who are criticizing him. These rivals seem to be boasting about their own abilities and accomplishments.
Money and Ministry: The "occasion" refers to an opportunity for these rivals to discredit Paul. They may have been accusing him of being inferior because he wasn't accepting financial support from the Corinthians, unlike them.
Meaning of the Verse:
"But what I do, that I will do...": Paul is determined to continue his current practice. He's not going to change his approach.
"...that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion...": This is the core of the verse. Paul is deliberately avoiding taking money from the Corinthians. He's doing this to eliminate the opportunity (the "occasion") for his rivals to attack him. They "desire an occasion" - they want a reason to criticize him.
"...that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.": This means that Paul wants to undermine the basis of their boasting. The "that in which they boast" likely refers to their acceptance of financial support, implying they are better or more "official" apostles. Paul's actions aim to show that he can do the same work (ministering to the Corinthians) without the need for financial reward. Therefore, he wants them to be found, in their actions, to be just like him.
In simpler terms:
Paul is saying: "I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing—working for free—so that those who are looking for any excuse to criticize me won't have anything to hold against me. I want to take away the thing they're boasting about (being paid) so that they can't claim to be superior to me."
Why this is important:
Authenticity: Paul is demonstrating that his motivation is genuine love and concern for the Corinthians, not personal gain.
Undermining False Teachers: By removing the basis for the false apostles' boasting, Paul is exposing their true motives and protecting the Corinthians from their influence.
Focus on the Gospel: Paul wants the focus to be on the message of the gospel, not on financial matters or personal status.
In essence, Paul is making a strategic decision to avoid being a target for his critics and to demonstrate his commitment to serving the Corinthians without any strings attached.