2 corinthians 11:17 - That which I speak, I don’t speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
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What does "2 corinthians 11:17" mean?
This verse from 2 Corinthians 11:17 is a tricky one to understand without the surrounding context. Here's a breakdown:
"That which I speak, I don't speak according to the Lord...": Paul is saying that what he's about to say isn't based on a divine command or guidance from God. He's not claiming it's a prophetic utterance or something inspired by the Holy Spirit.
"...but as in foolishness...": This is key. Paul is deliberately adopting a tone or manner that might seem foolish or unwise. He knows that bragging or boasting is generally considered inappropriate, especially for a spiritual leader.
"...in this confidence of boasting.": Here, Paul admits he's about to engage in boasting or bragging. The "confidence" refers to the boldness or audacity to do something that seems contrary to humility and spiritual maturity.
In essence, Paul is saying, "I know boasting is foolish and unspiritual, and I'm not claiming God told me to do this, but I'm going to do it anyway."
Why is he doing this?
To understand this verse, you need to know the context of 2 Corinthians 11. Paul is defending his apostleship against false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church. These teachers were likely boasting about their credentials, abilities, and connections. Paul believes he needs to "stoop" to their level and engage in similar boasting, even though he finds it distasteful, in order to expose their lies and protect the Corinthians from being led astray.
In other words:
Paul recognizes that what he's about to do (boasting) is not the best way to represent God, but he feels it's necessary in this specific situation to counter the deceptive tactics of his opponents. He's intentionally acting "foolishly" to demonstrate that he could boast just as much (or more) than these false teachers, but that he has chosen not to out of humility.
Think of it like this:
Imagine a scientist who normally uses meticulous and precise language suddenly resorting to slang and hyperbole to explain a complex concept to a group of children. The scientist knows it's not the ideal way to communicate science, but it's the only way to get the children to understand.
Important Considerations:
Irony and Sarcasm: Scholars debate the degree to which Paul is being ironic or sarcastic. Some believe he's using these literary devices to further emphasize the absurdity of the situation and the behavior of the false apostles.
His Motivation: Paul's goal is always the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers. He's willing to endure discomfort and even appear foolish if it means protecting them from false teaching.
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 11:17 is a complex verse that highlights Paul's willingness to use unconventional methods, even methods that appear "foolish," in order to defend his ministry and protect the truth of the gospel. He understands that his actions might seem contradictory to his usual behavior, but he believes they are necessary in the face of a specific threat.
2 corinthians 11:17 - That which I speak, I don’t speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.
What does "2 corinthians 11:17" mean?
This verse from 2 Corinthians 11:17 is a tricky one to understand without the surrounding context. Here's a breakdown:
"That which I speak, I don't speak according to the Lord...": Paul is saying that what he's about to say isn't based on a divine command or guidance from God. He's not claiming it's a prophetic utterance or something inspired by the Holy Spirit.
"...but as in foolishness...": This is key. Paul is deliberately adopting a tone or manner that might seem foolish or unwise. He knows that bragging or boasting is generally considered inappropriate, especially for a spiritual leader.
"...in this confidence of boasting.": Here, Paul admits he's about to engage in boasting or bragging. The "confidence" refers to the boldness or audacity to do something that seems contrary to humility and spiritual maturity.
In essence, Paul is saying, "I know boasting is foolish and unspiritual, and I'm not claiming God told me to do this, but I'm going to do it anyway."
Why is he doing this?
To understand this verse, you need to know the context of 2 Corinthians 11. Paul is defending his apostleship against false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church. These teachers were likely boasting about their credentials, abilities, and connections. Paul believes he needs to "stoop" to their level and engage in similar boasting, even though he finds it distasteful, in order to expose their lies and protect the Corinthians from being led astray.
In other words:
Paul recognizes that what he's about to do (boasting) is not the best way to represent God, but he feels it's necessary in this specific situation to counter the deceptive tactics of his opponents. He's intentionally acting "foolishly" to demonstrate that he could boast just as much (or more) than these false teachers, but that he has chosen not to out of humility.
Think of it like this:
Imagine a scientist who normally uses meticulous and precise language suddenly resorting to slang and hyperbole to explain a complex concept to a group of children. The scientist knows it's not the ideal way to communicate science, but it's the only way to get the children to understand.
Important Considerations:
Irony and Sarcasm: Scholars debate the degree to which Paul is being ironic or sarcastic. Some believe he's using these literary devices to further emphasize the absurdity of the situation and the behavior of the false apostles.
His Motivation: Paul's goal is always the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers. He's willing to endure discomfort and even appear foolish if it means protecting them from false teaching.
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 11:17 is a complex verse that highlights Paul's willingness to use unconventional methods, even methods that appear "foolish," in order to defend his ministry and protect the truth of the gospel. He understands that his actions might seem contradictory to his usual behavior, but he believes they are necessary in the face of a specific threat.