2 corinthians 11:8 - I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 11:8

What does "2 corinthians 11:8" mean?


This verse, 2 Corinthians 11:8, is a bit of a provocative statement by the Apostle Paul. To understand it, we need to consider the context of the surrounding passage and Paul's ministry:

Background: Paul was defending his apostleship to the Corinthian church. Some were questioning his authority and motives, possibly influenced by rival teachers who may have been paid for their ministry.

Paul's Practice: Paul generally didn't accept financial support from the churches he ministered to, especially in Corinth. He often worked with his own hands (e.g., tentmaking) to support himself so as not to be a burden.

Meaning:
"I robbed other assemblies..." This is a figurative statement. Paul is using hyperbole (exaggeration) to make a point. He means that he received financial support from other churches (likely Philippi, as mentioned elsewhere) to sustain himself while he was ministering in Corinth.
"...taking wages from them..." Again, "wages" isn't meant literally as a fixed salary. It refers to the financial gifts and support he accepted from those other churches.
"...that I might serve you." This is the key. Paul took support from other churches specifically so that he could minister to the Corinthians without being a financial burden to them. He wanted to avoid any perception that he was preaching for financial gain.

The Point: Paul's "robbery" was a selfless act. He was willing to be supported by others so that the Corinthians wouldn't have any reason to doubt the purity of his motives. He didn't want money to be a barrier to their acceptance of the Gospel. He was emphasizing that his ministry was driven by love and a desire to serve, not by financial gain.

In essence, Paul is saying: "I accepted support from other churches so that I could preach to you without charging you. I was willing to inconvenience myself to ensure that you wouldn't think I was in it for the money." This highlights Paul's dedication and commitment to his mission.

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