2 Corinthians 11 · Robertson's Word Pictures
1Would that ye could bear with me (ophelon aneichesthe mou). Koine way of expressing a wish about the present, ophelon (as a conjunction, really second aorist active indicative of opheilo without augment) and the imperfect indicative instead of eithe or e gar (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Cf. Re 3:15 . See Ga 5:12 for future indicative with ophelon and 1Co 4:8 for aorist. Mou is ablative case after aneichesthe (direct middle, hold yourselves back from me). There is a touch of irony here.
Bear with me (anechesthe mou). Either imperative middle or present middle indicative (ye do bear with me). Same form.
In a little foolishness (mikron t aphrosunes). Accusative of general reference (mikron t). "Some little foolishness" (from aphron, foolish). Old word only in this chapter in N.T.
2With a godly jealousy (theou zelo). Instrumental case of zelos. With a jealousy of God.
I espoused (ermosamen). First aorist middle indicative of armozo, old verb to join, to fit together (from armos, joint). Common for betrothed, though only here in N.T. The middle voice indicates Paul's interest in the matter. Paul treats the Corinthians as his bride.
3The serpent beguiled Eve (o ophis exepatesen Heuan). Paul's only mention of the serpent in Eden. The compound exapatao means to deceive completely.
Lest by any means (me pos). Common conjunction after verbs of fearing.
Corrupted (phthare). Second aorist passive subjunctive with me pos of phtheiro, to corrupt.
4Another Jesus (allon Iesoun). Not necessarily a different Jesus, but any other "Jesus" is a rival and so wrong. That would deny the identity.
A different spirit (pneuma eteron). This is the obvious meaning of eteron in distinction from allon as seen in Ac 4:12; Ga 1:6f . But this distinction in nature or kind is not always to be insisted on.
A different gospel (euangelion eteron). Similar use of eteron.
Ye do well to bear with him (kalos anechesthe). Ironical turn again. "Well do you hold yourselves back from him" (the coming one, whoever he is). Some MSS. have the imperfect aneichesthe (did bear with).
5That I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles (meden usterekena ton uperlian apostolon). Perfect active infinitive of ustereo, old verb to fall short with the ablative case. The rare compound adverb uperlian (possibly in use in the vernacular) is probably ironical also, "the super apostles" as these Judaizers set themselves up to be. "The extra-super apostles" (Farrar). Also in 12:11. He is not referring to the pillar-of Ga 2:9 .
6Rude in speech (idiotes to logo). Locative case with idiotes for which word see on Ac 4:13; 1Co 14:16,23,24 . The Greeks regarded a man as idiotes who just attended to his own affairs (ta idia) and took no part in public life. Paul admits that he is not a professional orator (cf. 10:10), but denies that he is unskilled in knowledge (all' ou te gnose).
Among all men (en pasin). He has made his mastery of the things of Christ plain among all men. He knew his subject.
7In abasing myself (emauton tapeinon). Humbling myself by making tents for a living while preaching in Corinth. He is ironical still about "doing a sin" (amartian epoiesa).
For nought (dorean). Gratis. Accusative of general reference, common adverb. It amounts to sarcasm to ask if he did a sin in preaching the gospel free of expense to them "that ye may be exalted."
8I robbed (esulesa). Old verb to despoil, strip arms from a slain foe, only here in N.T. He allowed other churches to do more than their share.
Taking wages (labon opsonion). For opsonion see on 1Co 9:7; Ro 6:17 . He got his "rations" from other churches, not from Corinth while there.
9I was not a burden to any man (ou katenarkesa outhenos). First aorist active indicative of katanarkao. Jerome calls this word one of Paul's cilicisms which he brought from Cilicia. But the word occurs in Hippocrates for growing quite stiff and may be a medical term in popular use. Narkao means to become numb, torpid, and so a burden. It is only here and 12:13f . Paul "did not benumb the Corinthians by his demand for pecuniary aid" (Vincent).
From being burdensome (abare). Old adjective, free from weight or light (a privative and baros, weight) . See on 1Th 2:9 for same idea. Paul kept himself independent.
10No man shall stop me of this glorying (e kauchesis aute ou phrageseta eis eme). More exactly, "This glorying shall not be fenced in as regards me." Second future passive of phrasso, to fence in, to stop, to block in. Old verb, only here in N.T.
In the regions of Achaia (en tois klimasin tes Achaias). Klima from klino, to incline, is Koine word for declivity slope, region (our climate). See chapter 1Co 9 for Paul's boast about preaching the gospel without cost to them.
11God knoweth (o theos oiden). Whether they do or not. He knows that God understands his motives.
12That I may cut off occasion (ina ekkopso ten aphormen). Purpose clause with ina and first aorist active subjunctive of ekkopto, old verb to cut out or off (Mt 3:10; 5:30 ). See 2Co 5:12 for aphormen.
From them which desire an occasion (ton thelonton aphormen). Ablative case after ekkopso. There are always some hunting for occasions to start something against preachers.
They may be found (eurethosin). First aorist passive subjunctive of eurisko, to find with final conjunction ina.
13False apostles (pseudapostolo). From pseudes, false, and apostolos. Paul apparently made this word (cf. Re 2:2 ). In verse 26 we have pseudadelphos, a word of like formation (Ga 2:4 ). See also pseudochristo and pseudopropheta in Mr 13:22 .
Deceitful (dolio). Old word from dolos (lure, snare), only here in N.T. (cf. Ro 16:18 ).
Fashioning themselves (metaschematizomeno). Present middle (direct) participle of the old verb metaschematizo for which see on 1Co 4:6 . Masquerading as apostles of Christ by putting on the outward habiliments, posing as ministers of Christ ("gentlemen of the cloth," nothing but cloth). Paul plays with this verb in verses 13,14,15 .
14An angel of light (angelon photos). The prince of darkness puts on the garb of light and sets the fashion for his followers in the masquerade to deceive the saints. "Like master like man." Cf. 2:11; Ga 1:8 . This terrible portrayal reveals the depth of Paul's feelings about the conduct of the Judaizing leaders in Corinth. In Ga 2:4 he terms those in Jerusalem "false brethren."
15As ministers of righteousness (os diakono dikaiosunes). Jesus (Joh 10:1-21 ) terms these false shepherds thieves and robbers. It is a tragedy to see men in the livery of heaven serve the devil.
16Let no man think me foolish (me tis me doxe aphrona eina). Usual construction in a negative prohibition with me and the aorist subjunctive doxe (Robertson, Grammar, p. 933).
But if ye do (e de me ge). Literally, "But if not at least (or otherwise)," that is, If you do think me foolish.
Yet as foolish (kan os aphrona). "Even if as foolish." Paul feels compelled to boast of his career and work as an apostle of Christ after the terrible picture just drawn of the Judaizers. He feels greatly embarrassed in doing it. Some men can do it with complete composure (sang froid).
17Not after the Lord (ou kata Kurion). Not after the example of the Lord. He had appealed to the example of Christ in 10:1 (the meekness and gentleness of Christ). Paul's conduct here, he admits, is not in keeping with that. But circumstances force him on.
18After the flesh (kata sarka). It is kata sarka not kata Kurion.
I also (kago). But he knows that it is a bit of foolishness and not like Christ.
19Gladly (edeos). Irony again. Cf. kalos in 11:4 (Mr 7:9 ). So as to phronimo ontes (being wise).
20For ye bear with a man (anechesthe gar). " You tolerate tyranny, extortion, craftiness, arrogance, violence, and insult" (Plummer). Sarcasm that cut to the bone. Note the verb with each of the five conditional clauses (enslaves, devours, takes captive, exalteth himself, smites on the face). The climax of insult, smiting on the face.
21By way of disparagement (kata atimian). Intense irony. Cf. 6:8.
As though (os ot). Presented as the charge of another. "They more than tolerate those who trample on them while they criticize as 'weak' one who shows them great consideration" (Plummer). After these prolonged explanations Paul "changes his tone from irony to direct and masterful assertion" (Bernard).
I am bold also (tolmo kago). Real courage. Cf. 10:2,12 .
22So am I (kago). This is his triumphant refrain with each challenge.
23As one beside himself (paraphronon). Present active participle of paraphroneo. Old verb from paraphron (para, phren), beside one's wits. Only here in N.T. Such open boasting is out of accord with Paul's spirit and habit.
I more (uper ego). This adverbial use of uper appears in ancient Greek (Euripides). It has no effect on ego, not "more than I," but "I more than they." He claims superiority now to these "superextra apostles."
More abundant (perissoteros). See on 7:15. No verbs with these clauses, but they are clear.
In prisons (en phulakais). Plural also in 6:5. Clement of Rome (Cor. V.) says that Paul was imprisoned seven times. We know of only five (Philippi, Jerusalem, Caesarea, twice in Rome), and only one before II Corinthians (Philippi). But Luke does not tell them all nor does Paul. Had he been in prison in Ephesus? So many think and it is possible as we have seen.
Above measure (uperballontos). Old adverb from the participle uperballonton (uperballo, to hurl beyond). Here only in N.T.
In deaths oft (en thanatois pollakis). He had nearly lost his life, as we know, many times (1:9f.; 4:11 ).
24Five times received I forty stripes save one (pentakis tesserakonta para mian elabon). The Acts and the Epistles are silent about these Jewish floggings (Mt 27:36 ). See on Lu 12:47 for omission of plegas (stripes). Thirty-nine lashes was the rule for fear of a miscount (De 25:1-3 ). Cf. Josephus (Ant. IV. 8, 1, 21).
25Thrice was I beaten with rods (tris errabdisthen). Roman (Gentile) punishment. It was forbidden to Roman citizens by the Lex Porcia, but Paul endured it in Philippi (Ac 16:23,37 ), the only one of the three named in Acts. First aorist passive of rabdizo, from rabdos, rod, Koine word, in N.T. only here and Ac 16:22 which see.
Once was I stoned (apax elithasthen). Once for all apax means. At Lystra (Ac 14:5-19 ). On lithazo Koine verb from lithos, see on Ac 5:26 .
Thrice I suffered shipwreck (tris enauagesa). First aorist active of nauageo, from nauagos, shipwrecked (naus, ship, agnum, to break). Old and common verb, in N.T. only here and 1Ti 1:19 . We know nothing of these. The one told in Ac 27 was much later. What a pity that we have no data for all these varied experiences of Paul.
Night and day (nuchthemeron) Rare word. Papyri give nuktemar with the same idea (night-day).
Have I been in the deep (en to butho pepoieka). Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of poieo, "I have done a night and day in the deep." The memory of it survives like a nightmare. Buthos is old word (only here in N.T.) for bottom, depth of the sea, then the sea itself. Paul does not mean that he was a night and day under the water, not a Jonah experience, only that he was far out at sea and shipwrecked. This was one of the three shipwrecks-already named.
26In journeyings (odoiporiais). Locative case of old word, only here in N.T. and Joh 4:6 , from odoiporos, wayfarer.
In perils (kindunois). Locative case of kindunos, old word for danger or peril. In N.T. only this verse and Ro 8:35 . The repetition here is very effective without the preposition en (in) and without conjunctions (asyndeton). They are in contrasted pairs. The rivers of Asia Minor are still subject to sudden swellings from floods in the mountains. Cicero and Pompey won fame fighting the Cilician pirates and robbers (note leiston, not klepton, thieves, brigands or bandits on which see Mt 26:55 ). The Jewish perils (ek genous, from my race) can be illustrated in Ac 9:23,29; 13:50; 14:5; 17:5,13; 18:12; 23:12; 24:27 , and they were all perils in the city also. Perils from the Gentiles (ex ethnon) we know in Philippi (Ac 16:20 ) and in Ephesus (Ac 19:23f. ). Travel in the mountains and in the wilderness was perilous in spite of the great Roman highways.
Among false brethren (en pseudadelphois). Chapters 2Co 10; 11 throw a lurid light on this aspect of the subject.
27In labour and travail (kopo ka mochtho). Both old words for severe work, combined here as in 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8 , "by toil and moil" (Plummer). The rest of the list is like the items in 2Co 6:4f. .
In cold (en psuche). Old word from psucho, to cool by blowing. See Ac 28:2 . See the picture of the aged Paul later in the Roman dungeon (2Ti 4:9-18 ).
28Besides those things that are without (choris ton parektos). Probably, "apart from those things beside these just mentioned." Surely no man ever found glory in such a peck of troubles as Paul has here recounted. His list should shame us all today who are disposed to find fault with our lot.
That which presseth upon me daily (e epistasis mo e kath' emeran). For this vivid word epistasis see Ac 24:12 , the only other place in the N.T. where it occurs. It is like the rush of a mob upon Paul.
Anxiety for all the churches (e merimna pason ton ekklesion). Objective genitive after merimna (distractions in different directions, from merizo) for which word see on Mt 13:22 . Paul had the shepherd heart. As apostle to the Gentiles he had founded most of these churches.
29I burn (purouma). Present passive indicative of puroo, old verb to inflame (from pur, fire). When a brother stumbles, Paul is set on fire with grief.
30The things that concern my weakness (ta tes astheneias mou). Like the list above.
31I am not lying (ou pseudoma). The list seems so absurd and foolish that Paul takes solemn oath about it (cf. 1:23). For the doxology see Ro 1:25; 9:5 .
32The governor under Aretas (o ethnarches Hareta). How it came to pass that Damascus, ruled by the Romans after B.C. 65, came at this time to be under the rule of Aretas, fourth of the name, King of the Nabatheans (II Macc. 5:8), we do not know. There is an absence of Roman coins in Damascus from A.D. 34 to 62. It is suggested (Plummer) that Caligula, to mark his dislike for Antipas, gave Damascus to Aretas (enemy of Antipas).
Guarded (ephroure). Imperfect active of phroureo, old verb (from phrouros, a guard) to guard by posting sentries. In Ac 9:24 we read that the Jews kept watch to seize Paul, but there is no conflict as they cooperated with the guard set by Aretas at their request.
To seize (piasa). Doric first aorist active infinitive of piezo (Lu 6:38 ) for which see on Ac 3:7 .
33Through a window (dia thuridos). For this late word see on Ac 20:9 , the only N.T. example.
Was I let down (echalasthen). First aorist passive of chalao, the very word used by Luke in Ac 9:25 .
In a basket (en sargane). Old word for rope basket whereas Luke (Ac 9:25 ) has en sphurid (the word for the feeding of the 4,000 while kophinos is the one for the 5,000). This was a humiliating experience for Paul in this oldest city of the world whither he had started as a conqueror over the despised Christians.
2 Corinthians 12