Bible Commentaries
2 Corinthians 11

Verse 1

THE GODLY JEALOUSY

1) "Would to God ye could bear with me," (ophelon aneichesthe mou) I would to God that you all endured (tolerated) me;" forbear or understand me as I warn you against dangers of listening to false and novel teachings.

2) "A little in my folly," (mikron ti aphrosunes) "a little (bit) of levity or folly," 2 Corinthians 10:16, also used meaning a little "nonsense." Paul felt that he must resort to a recount of his labors and sufferings for Christ by use of specific, numerical evidences so as incontestably to negate false charges against him, 1 Corinthians 12:11.

3) "And indeed bear with me " (alla kai anechesthe mou) "but ye do even endure or tolerate me," He not only expresses a wish but also entreats or appeals to the brethren to give him a fair hearing as he answers false charges against him, exposes false prophets, and proceeds to call them to greater faithfulness to the Master, Ephesians 5:17; Romans 12:2.

Verse 2

1) "For I am jealous over you with godly jealous (zelo gar humas theou zelo) "For I am jealous of you all with a "jealousy of God," originating from and having its fountainhead from God. God is jealous over his own people and church. Even so should we have a godly jealousy for church truth and righteousness, Exodus 20:5; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 5:9; Joshua 24:19-21.

2) "For I have espoused you to one husband," (hermosamen gar humas heni andri) "For I have espoused all (the Corinth church) and other like churches to one husband;" 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1, check comments on each. See also, John 3:29; Ephesians 5:25-32. Only responsible persons who are saved, scripturally baptized, and become members of the Lord’s church in this age will be in and constitute the bride of Christ at the wedding union. All others of the redeemed will be guests.

3) "That I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ," (parthenon agnen parastesai to Christo) "That I may present you or stand you all up as a pure virgin to Christ," and His coming as one separate, different, chosen, betrothed or pledged to a future union with Christ, in a manner differing from and excelling the redeemed of all ages who never became members of his church, his bride, who never obeyed him in proper baptism, fellowship and service in his church or partaking of his supper, in remembrance of Him, as a chaste virgin, clean, till He comes, Colossians 1:29; Revelation 19:7-9. The Bible reveals nothing of an invisible universal bride to be made up of all the redeemed either in time or eternity. Such is the figment of corrupt imaginations, having their root in Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, not in the Bible –Revelation 21:2; Revelation 21:9-10; Revelation 21:23-26; Revelation 22:16.

Verse 3

1) "But I fear, lest by any means," (phoboumai de me pos) "Yet I fear lest somehow," by some method or means, by deceit, guile, or snare; Luke 21:35; 1 Timothy 3:7; 2 Timothy 2:26.

2) "As the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility," (hos ho ophis eksepathesen euan en te panourgia autou) "as the serpent deceived Eve by his cleverness," Genesis 3:1; Genesis 3:4-6; Colossians 2:8, by a promise of wisdom that led to and produced folly and the fall, 1 Timothy 2:14.

3) "So your minds should be corrupted," (phare ta noemata humon) "So your minds or thoughts should be seduced," deluded, Galatians 6:7; 1 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 15:33; many do corrupt the Word, 2 Corinthians 2:17.

4) "From the simplicity that, is in Christ," (apo tes haploteros) "From the simplicity," (kai tes hagnotetos) "and the purity," (tes eis Christon) "which (is) in Christ," from single-minded devotion to Christ, 1 John 2:15-17; Colossians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 1:12.

Verse 4

1) "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus," (ei men gar ho erchomenos allon lesoun kerussei) "For if indeed he who comes proclaims another Jesus," another savior or deliverer, besides the virgin born Jesus of Nazareth, the resurrected Jesus, Galatians 1:6-8.

2) "Whom we have not preached," (hon ouk ekeruksamen) "whom we did not proclaim, preach, or declare," a savior unknown to and undeclared by us, 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 Corinthians 1:23.

3) "Or if ye receive another spirit," (he pneuma heteron lambanete) "or should you all receive a different spirit," a spirit of a different kind, 1 John 4:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:1.

4) "Which ye have not received," (ho ouk elabete) "which ye did not receive (of us)," of our message, the Holy Spirit that convicts, converts, and leads, Romans 5:5; Romans 8:14-16.

5) "Or another gospel," (he euangelion heteron) "or another (different) gospel," of another kind, as the social gospel, 2 Corinthians 11:6-7.

6) "Which ye have not accepted," (ho ouk edeksasthe) "which ye did not receive," of us, or of Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:1-3.

7) "Ye might well bear with him," (kalos anechesthe) "You all may well endure (examine) him, such an one, 1 John 4:1-2. Be cautious about novelty in the gospel story, lest you become unstable.

Verse 5

1) "For I suppose," (logizomai gar) "For I calculate, reckon, or consider;" really this is my conclusion.

2) “I was not a whit behind," (meden husterekenai) "to have come behind (in) not one thing or matter," Galatians 2:1-6.

3) "The very chiefest apostles," (ton huperlian apostolon) "the hyper or chiefest apostles;" perhaps referring to Peter, James, and John, Galatians 2:8-10.

Verse 6

1) "But though I be rude in speech," (ei de kai idiotes to logo) "But if indeed I am unskilled (an idiot) in speech," have not the vocal, articulate, and rhetoric training that certain of his accusers may have had, 1 Corinthians 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 10:10.

2) "Yet not in knowledge," (all’ ou te gnosei) "Yet not in knowledge," or comprehension, 1 Corinthians 15:9-10; 1 Corinthians 14:37.

3) "But we have been thoroughly made manifest," (all’ en panti phanerosantes) "but in every way we have manifested ourselves," 2 Corinthians 4:2, as true apostles.

4) "Among you in all things," (en pasineis humas) "in all things or matters among you all," 2 Corinthians 12:11-12.

Verse 7

1) "Have I committed an offence in abasing myself;” (e hamartian epoiesa emautou tapeinon) "or did I commit sin (in) humbling myself among you all," an offence to the office that I fill, a breach of manners of official ethics? Acts 18:1-3; Philippians 4:12.

2) "That ye might be exalted," (hina humeis hupsothete) "In order that you all might be exalted," or lifted up, elevated in stature, as children of God and members of his church, Ephesians 2:4-6.

3) "Because I have preached to you," (hoti euangelisamen humin) "because I preached or proclaimed good tidings to you all," 1 Corinthians 15:1-3.

4) "The gospel of God freely?" (dorean to tou theou euangelion) "The gospel (glad tidings) of God freely?" as a free gift to you, without compensation or financial remuneration from you all; Galatians 1:6-12; Revelation 14:6. The everlasting gospel embraces the good news of pending judgment upon the impenitent, Romans 14:11-12.

Verse 8

1) “I robbed other churches," (alias ekkiesias esulesa) "I robbed (deprived) other churches;" of a part of their collections, Philippians 4:15-16, in his apostolic labors, took their offerings, gifts, for my support.

2) "Taking wages of them;” (labon opsonion) "taking wages, salary, or stipulated pay," of them, as rations furnished a soldier as part of his pledged pay, 1 Corinthians 9:7.

3) "To do you service," (pros ten humon diakonian) "For purpose of doing you common service of the ministry," He also labored with his hands so as not to be burdensome or charged with preaching for money; Acts 18:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8.

Verse 9

1) "And when I was present with you," (kai paron pros humas) "And being present with you all," 1 Thessalonians 2:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10.

2) "And wanted, I was chargeable to no man," (kai husleretheis ou katenarkesa houthenos) "and lacking, I was an encumbrance to no one," when in want I was not a financial burden to anyone of your number," 2 Corinthians 9:11-12.

3) "For that which was lacking to me," (to gar hesterema mou) "For what was lacking to me," what I needed, Acts 20:33; 2 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9.

4) "The brethren which came from Macedonia supplied," (prosaneplerosan hoi adelphoi elthontes apo Makedonias) "The brethren which came from Macedonia made (it) up," likely these brethren were Silas and Timothy, Acts 18:5; Philippians 4:10; Philippians 4:15-16. Though they of Macedonia were poor, 2 Corinthians 8:1-3.

5) "And in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you," (kai en panti abare emauton humin) "and in every way I have kept myself from being burdensome to you," 2 Corinthians 12:14; 2 Corinthians 12:16.

6) "And so I will keep myself," (eteresa kai teresa) "I have kept and I will keep," myself unburdensome to you all, 1 Corinthians 9:15; 1 Corinthians 9:18.

Verse 10

1 ) "As the truth of Christ is in me " (estin aletheia Christou en emoi) "The truth of Christ is in me," not distorted, diluted, or compromised, as some do, Romans 1:25; Romans 3:7; Romans 15:8; John 8:32.

2) "No man shall stop me of this boasting," (hoti he kauchesis aute hou phragesetai eis me) "So that no man shall stop me of this boasting;" that truth exists in Jesus Christ, where thus freedom also exists, John 8:36; true freedom, independence to witness, Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 7:14.

3) "In the regions of Achaia," (en tois klimasin tes Achaias) "in the regions (territories) of Achaia;" Paul asserted that intellectual cynics and accusers simply would not "fence him in" or away from keeping on for Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Verse 11

1) "Wherefore?" (dia ti) "Why?" on account of what?

2) "Because I love you not," (hoti ouk agapo humas) "Because I do not love you?" Is it really as false witnesses insinuate, that I am "a self-promoter and do not love you all?" 2 Corinthians 11:7; 2 Corinthians 7:3; 2 Corinthians 12:15.

3) "God knoweth," (ho theos oiden) "God knows, or perceives," that I do have an holy love for you all, 2 Timothy 2:19; John 10:14; John 10:17.

Verse 12

1) "But what I do, that I will do," (ho de polo kai poieso) "But what I do, I will also continue to do," that is refuse to accept gratis, financial support and maintenance at your hands, and the hand of the Corinthian brethren for his personal support as he did from the more mature church at Philippi, Philippians 4:16-17.

2) "That I may cut off occasion," (hina ekkopso ten aphormen) "That I may cut off the occasion," or any justifiable occasion or opportunity my opponents desire to besmirch my reputation.

3) "From them which desire occasion," (ton thelonton aphormen) "of those who desire an occasion," to find fault with my motives and ethics.

4) "That wherein they glory," (hina en ho kauchontai) "In order that wherein they boast;" Paul purposed to refuse compensation, as to oblige the false teachers, out of shame to adopt the same course, or expose themselves for what they were.

5) "They may be found even as we," (heurethosin kathos kai hemeis) "They may be found just as also we are found;" on an equality of need, even as Paul and his missionary companions. Paul held that the "labourer is worthy of his hire," Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:11-13. It appears that it was not Paul’s custom to accept pay from the members of missions and young churches, not that it was wrong, but to avoid being misunderstood in his motives, 1 Thessalonians 2:9; Acts 20:34.

Verse 13

WARNINGS AGAINST LYING PROPHETS

1) "For such are false apostles," (hoi gar toioutoi pseudapostoloi) "For such as those (boasting) are false apostles," pretended, self-styled apostles; This rapid appearance of false teachers and false prophets was a remarkable feature of the apostolic age, Revelation 2:2; Galatians 2:4; Philippians 1:15.

2) "Deceitful workers " (ergatai dolioi) "workmen, deceitful ones," working deceitfully for selfish ends, Matthew 7:15-16; Matthew 7:19; Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 3:18; Titus 1:10; Crafty, cunning religious "con" persons they are, 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:3.

3) ’’Transforming themselves," (metaschematizomenoi) "transforming themselves," like chameleons, changing character to fit environment, fakes, counterfeits, religious frauds, deliberately trying to sell themselves for commercial gain, selfish advantage, etc.

4) "Into the apostles of Christ," (eis apostolous Christou) "Into apostles of Christ," into something artificial, something they are not in the Christian area, Matthew 7:15; Simon the sorcerer tried it, Acts 8:18-24; Acts 13:8-11; Acts 19:13-20.

Verse 14

1) "And no marvel," (kai ou thauma) "and no wonder," do not wonder, marvel, or be amazed, or be not amazed, consider who their master is, John 8:44.

2) "For Satan himself," (gar ho satanas) "for (the) Satan himself," the scandalizer, Job 2:1; Matthew 4:8-9.

3) "Is transformed," (metaschematizetai) "transforms himself," of his own will or accord, to suit his own purpose and objectives, Galatians 1:8.

4) "Into an angel of light," (eis angelon photos) "Into an angel of light," which he is not, to appear deceitfully as one he is not, a charlatan, as he assumes piety, holiness, and kindness as he did at the temptation of Eve and of Jesus, Genesis 3:1-5; Matthew 4:3; Matthew 4:6-11. God is symbolized as light, Satan as darkness; thus Satan tries to reflect an image of light and life, to lead one to death and darkness, forever, John 1:5; John 8:12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:13.

Verse 15

1) "Therefore it is no great thing," (ou mega oun) "It is therefore no great thing," Philippians 3:18-19.

2) "If his ministers," (ei kai hoi diakonoi autou) "If the common ministers of him (of Satan)," John 8:44.

3) "Also be transformed," (metaschematizontai) "also transform themselves," Of their own accord, like chameleons, Judges 1:4: as the Pharisees and Sadducees attempted to do, John 8:33; John 8:39; John 8:48; John 8:52; John 8:59.

4) "As ministers of righteousness," (hos diakonoi diakiousunes) "as common ministers of righteousness," John 9:16; John 9:24; John 9:28-29.

5) "Whose end shall be," (ho to telos estai) "the end of whom shall be; 2 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:19; Romans 6:21.

6) "According to their works," (kata ta erga auton) "According to their (own) (deceitful) works, Judges 1:14; Judges 1:5; 2 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 2:18-22; Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 25:12.

Verse 16

THE ENFORCED BOASTING (Of His Apostolic Labors and Trials)

1) "I say again," (palin lego) "Again I say," or "I repeat," that you all "hear me out," 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 12:6; 2 Corinthians 12:11.

2) Let no man think me a fool," (me tis me dokse aphrona einai) "Let not anyone think me to be foolish or stupid," senseless in self-praise, Matthew 6:11; Matthew 9:17; Luke 13:9; Luke 14:32.

3) "If otherwise, yet as a fool receive me," (ei de me ge kan hos aphrona deksasthe me) "If otherwise ye think of me, even if as foolish or stupid, receive me," "But if you do think me senseless in self-praise, receive me as I am," 2 Corinthians 12:11.

4) "That I may boast myself a little," (hina kago mikron ti kauchesomai) "in order that I may also boast a little bit," a trifle, 2 Corinthians 9:4; 2 Corinthians 12:1; 2 Corinthians 12:5-6.

Verse 17

1) "That which I speak," (ho lalo) "What I speak," the following honest self-boasting, or self -commendation.

2) "I speak it not after the Lord," (ou kata kurion lalo) "I speak not according to the Lord," not after his example, or any example from him, Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:7-8; Zechariah 9:9; 1 Corinthians 7:6; 1 Corinthians 7:12.

3) "But as it were foolishly," (all’ hos en aphrosune) "But as in folly," an outburst of foolish self-confidence, ridiculous in itself, but necessary inference testimony that would strengthen his acceptance against his accusers.

4) "In this confidence of boasting," (en taute te hupostasei tes kaucheseos) "That is in this confidence of boasting," 1 Corinthians 9:4; Romans 12:2.

Verse 18

1) "Seeing that many glory after the flesh," (epi polloi kauchontai kata ten sarka) "Since many boast according to the order of the flesh," in fleshly, selfish pride. Paul, in glorying according to achievements in the flesh, attributed itemized successes to the power of Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:3-5.

2) I will glory also," (kago kauchesomai) I also will boast of my own accord," Philippians 3:6-14. As Paul boasted after the order of false prophets he always attributed his achievements to the power and glory of Christ in him, Galatians 6:14.

Verse 19

1 ) "For ye suffer fools gladly " (hedeos gar anechesthe ton aphronon) "For you all gladly endure fools," foolish ones, and "we are fools for Christ’s sake," in the eyes of the worldly, 1 Corinthians 4:10; Acts 17:18; Acts 26:28-32, while rejoicing in your superiority.

2) "Seeing ye yourselves are wise," (phronimoi ontes) "Seeing you all are prudent;" this is ironic. Though the Corinth brethren had tolerated the accusations of false prophets he suggested that they had not, but should, extend the same indulgent toleration of self-commendation to him.

EFFECTS OF BOASTING

Lord Bacon told Sir Edward Cooke, when he boasted, "The less you speak of your greatness, the more I shall think of it." Mirrors are the accompaniments of dandies, not heroes. The men of history were not perpetually looking in the glass to make sure of their own size. Absorbed in their work, they did it, and did it so well, that the wondering world saw them to be great, and labeled them accordingly.

-S. Coley

NOT BOASTING

I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but, by the grace of God, I am not what I was.

-John Newton

Verse 20

1) "For ye suffer," (anechesthe gar) "For you all endure or permit," tolerate, permit, or endure the imposition.

2) "If a man bring you into bondage," (ei tes humas katadouloi) "If anyone enslaves, or takes you in bonds;" take up your time, make claims upon your time and livelihood, if one enslaves you, in contrast with Paul’s becoming a servant to them, 1 Corinthians 9:19; 2 Corinthians 5:4.

3) "If a man devour you," (ei tis katestheiei) "if anyone devours you," rob you of your substances as the "super-fine" apostles had done, 2 Corinthians 11:12; Romans 16:19; Philippians 3:19, by illegal exactions from you.

4) "If a man take of you," (eis tis lambanei) "If anyone receives you," takes you in, takes you captive, like catching fish, hooks or nets you, Luke 5:5; 2 Corinthians 12:16.

5) "If a man exalt himself," (ei tis epairetai) "If anyone exalts or lifts himself up," 2 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 11:18, as so many do, or lord it over you, 1 Peter 5:2-3.

6) "If a man smite you on the face," (ei tis eis prosopon humas derei) "if anyone beats or hits you in the face," an insult in the East, if one insults your person, your dignity of being, treats you like a beast or snake, like these despotic teachers strike you, Matthew 5:39; Matthew 26:67; 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7. I am weak in comparison with these despotic, false, super-fine apostles, and their method of operation, Paul affirms.

Verse 21

1) "I speak as concerning reproach," (kata atimian lego) "I speak as regards dishonor," reproach, by way of disparagement.

2) "As though we had been weak," (hos hoti hemeis esthenkamen) "as though we have been sickly;" I have been weak, in this respect, that I have not attempted to enforce my authority of office, 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 10:10; Matthew 20:25-26.

3) "Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold," (en ho Wan tis tolma) "but in whatever respect anyone dares," is bold, my life shows that I too am bold, in what I do for Christ, in spite of false brethren, prisons, hardships of travel, persecutions, and floggings, which I am about to relate, 2 Corinthians 11:24-33.

4) "(I speak foolishly)," (en aphrosune lego) "I say (it) in folly," he adds once more, 2 Corinthians 11:17, as if to emphasize that in the flesh he can be bold as surely as false prophets. Such however does not become the spirit of Christ in humility, Philippians 2:7-8.

5) "I am bold also," (tolmo kago) "I also dare," am bold, will not be bluffed or "bullied," by false prophets on their claim of more artistic speech and cunning than I have. His whole life was forthright and bold, before Felix, Festus, King Agrippa, the Mars Hill philosophers, false prophets, and traitorous brethren as Hymanaeus, Alexander, and Philetus.

Verse 22

1) "Are they Hebrews? so am I" (hebraioi eisin kago) "Are they Hebrews? so am I," in contrast with Gentiles and other national Jews, outside of Palestine, Acts 6:1; Philippians 3:5. This denotes a Jew who had retained his national language and customs, Paul had.

2) "Are they Israelites? so am I” (Israelitai eisin kago) "are they Israelites? I am also." The term "Israelites" expresses the sacred character of the nation, and is used to denote praise to God, by men of God, John 1:48; Romans 2:28-29.

3) "Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I" (sperma Abraam eisin; kago) "are they seed of Abraham? I am also." To be Abraham’s seed an inheritor of his promises was the highest dignity of all. He claimed it, John 8:33; Romans 9:7; Galatians 3:29. He also asserts that he is of the proved tribe of Benjamin, perhaps accounting for his name "Saul," 1 Samuel 9:1-2, as King Saul was. Something to brag, boast about? Surely, if boasting were proper, See also Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE HYPOCRITE

He speaks, it may be, like an angel, but he hath a covetous eye, or the gain of unrighteousness in his hand; or the hand is white, but his heart is full of rottenness; full of unmortified cares, a very oven of lust, a shope of pride, the seat of malice. I may be, like Nebuchadnezzar’s image, he hath a golden head, a great deal of knowledge, but he hath feet of clay, his affections are worldly, he minds earthly things, and his way and walk are sensual and carnal; you may trace him in his secret haunts, and his footsteps will be found in some bye-paths of sin.

- J. Alleine

Verse 23

1) "Are they ministers of Christ?" (diakonoi Christou eisin) "are they common ministers of Christ?" they who disparage my ministry, try to cut me down?

2) “(I speak as a fool) I am more," (paraphronon lalo huper ego) "I speak as being out of my mind, I am more," beyond them as a common minister of Christ, superior in all things by which a true minister of Christ may be tested, Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 20:27-28.

3) "In labours more abundantly " (en kopois perissoteros) "in labors, more abundantly," I labor, as a preacher of the gospel and to preach the gospel, Acts 20:33-35; 1 Corinthians 15:10.

4) "In stripes above measure," (en plegais huperballontos) "in stripes excessively," Acts 16:23; Acts 20:23, in most every city, bonds and afflictions awaited him. Remember Paul continued eleven years in the mission ministry after this letter.

5) "In prisons more frequent," (en phulakais perissoteros) "in prisons more frequently," often, Acts 16:23 at Philippi, and Andronicus and Junicas were fellow-prisoners with him again, Romans 16:7, how many more times we do not know, Acts 21:33; at Jerusalem; Acts 23:35 at Caesarea; Acts 28:30; at Rome, etc.

6) "In deaths often," (en thanatois pollakis) "In death’s (clutches) many times," in perils or dangers of death repeatedly, Acts 9:23; Acts 14:19; 1 Corinthians 15:30-31; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 2 Corinthians 6:9.

Verse 24

1) "Of the Jews five times," (hupo loudaion pentakis) "By or under hands of the Jews five times," when all these whippings occurred under hands of the Jews alone is not certain, but that he was reviled, scourged, and persecuted like his Lord is evident, John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12.

2) "Received I forty stripes," (tesserakonta elabon) "I received forty stripes;" The law forbad more than forty stripes on any person for one punishment; they gave Paul the full limit of lashes five times, withholding the fortieth lash each time to be on the safe side of the synagogue scourgings according to custom and Judicial decrees of the day, Deuteronomy 25:3; Matthew 23:34; Acts 22:19.

3) "Save one," (paramian) "less one," as Paul had beaten Christians in the synagogue before he became a Christian, Acts 22:19.

Verse 25

1) "Thrice was I beaten with rods," (tris errabdisthen) "Three times I was beaten with rods," Acts 16:22-23, is the only specific record accounting this type of beating that Paul endured, rod beating, a Roman custom or method of scourging.

2) "Once was I stoned," (hapaks elithasthen) "once I was stoned," at Lystra upon persuasion of roving Jews from Antioch and Iconium, Acts 14:19.

3) "Thrice I suffered shipwreck," tris enauagesa) "Three times I was shipwrecked;" no record is given of either of these three, since he wrote this about A.D. 60 and the shipwreck on his Rome voyage, Acts 27:1-44, came some two years later, A.D. 62.

4) "A night and a day I have been in the deep," (nuchthemeron en to Butho pepoieka) "I have been (done) a night and a day in the deep," probably holding on to some part of the wreck after one of the three shipwrecks which he has just recounted enduring, yet he kept on serving the Lord, Acts 20:24-25; Acts 21:13.

Verse 26

1) "In journeyings often," (odioporiais pollakis) "In travels many times," as enumerated, and often outlined in the book of Acts; their exposures and dangers are enumerated as follows:

2) "In perils of waters " (kirdunois potamon) "In perils of rivers," perhaps in fording rivers or camping near rivers subject to flash-floods.

3) "In perils of robbers," (kindunois leston) "in perils of robbers," always numerous in the east, roving bands of bandits who pillaged robbed as professional bandits, such as fell upon the man shown compassion by the good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37.

4) "In perils by mine own countrymen " (kindunois ek genous) "In perils of my kind, my own making," from my kindred, the Jews from whom he was thereafter to suffer, even more from Acts 20:1 to Acts 28:31 and on.

5) "In perils by the heathen," (kindunois eks ethnon) "in perils of the heathen," caused by the heathen, at lconium, Acts 15:5; at Philippi, Acts 16:20; at Ephesus, Acts 19:23.

6) "In perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness," (kindunois en polei kindunois en eremia) "in perils in a city, in perils in a desolate place," Acts 21:31; in the desert of Arabia, Galatians 1:17.

7) "In perils in the sea," (kindunois enthalasae) "in perils at (in the) sea,"

8) "In perils among false brethren " (kindunois pseudadelphos) "in perils among false brethren," Judaizers who were his bitter opponents self-styled independent truth squads who followed him, 2 Corinthians 11:13; Galatians 2:4; Acts 15:1; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:24.

Verse 27

1) "In weariness and painfulness," (hopo kai mochtho) "in labor and hardship," weariness and pain, or in labour and travail, 1 Corinthians 4:11-12.

2) "In watchings often," (en agruniais pollakis) "in watchings many times;" Acts 20:31, night and day, in tears.

3) "In hunger and thirst," (en limo kai dipsei) "In famine and thirst," 1 Corinthians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 6:5.

4) "In fastings often," (en nesteiais pollakis) "In fastings many times," frequently, "involuntary, deprivation of food" -- not devotional voluntary fastings, 2 Corinthians 6:5.

5) "In cold and nakedness," (en psuchei kai gumnoteti) "in cold and in nakedness," 1 Corinthians 4:11; Acts 28:2.

Verse 28

1) "Beside those things that are without," (charis ton parektos) "apart from (or beside) the things that are without," from without, meaning the kind of deprivations and sufferings just enumerated, and like things I omit, as in Hebrews 11:32.

2) "That which cometh upon me daily," (he epistasis moi he kath’ hemeran) "the conspiring against me daily," or things pressing upon me daily, calls and demands for my attention, in so many forms, reports of hostility from both secular and religious sources, much as the rebellion of Korah against Moses, Numbers 16:40; Acts 24:12.

3) "The care of all the churches," (he merimna pason ton ekklesion) "The care of all the churches," which Paul had helped so much, Acts 15:36; 2 Corinthians 12:13. None could say of Paul, "no man cared for my soul," Romans 1:14-16; Psalms 142:4.

Verse 29

1) "Who is weak, and I am not weak?" (tis asthenei kai ouk astheno) "Who is weak (sickly) and I am not weak (sickly)?" in the same that Paul empathized, entered into emotional sympathy and compassion with and for those even weak in the faith, like a good doctor, always desiring to help the patient, 1 Corinthians 9:22; 1 Corinthians 8:11; Romans 14:1.

2) "And who is offended, and I burn not?" (tis skandalizetai kai ouk ego puoumai) "Who is offended or scandalized and I do not burn?" who is scandalized or made to stumble and I burn not?" or "am not inflamed with righteous indignation?"

Verse 30

1) "If I must needs glory," (ei kauchasthai dei) "if it behooves me to boast," or becomes me, is becoming for me to boast; Paul’s boasting, even in the flesh, regarding, not merely his achievements but also his sufferings always pointed to Jesus Christ, Galatians 6:14.

2) "I will glory " (kauchesomai) "I will boast or glory of my own accord or choice;" This is introductory to matters to follow, 2 Corinthians 12:5-9.

3) "Of the things which concern my infirmities," (ta tes asthenaias mou) "Of the things concerning my weakness," infirmities of the flesh, such as the perils and indignities, recounted in the preceding verses, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 4:15.

Verse 31

1) "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," (ho theos kai pater tou kuriou lesou) "The God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus;" affirming the deity and virgin birth of Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:3.

2) "Which is blessed forevermore." (ho kon eulogetos eis tous aionas) "the one being blessed forevermore," Romans 9:5; Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 4:8. This God is being declared "Holy, Holy, Holy," without interruption, "day and night."

3) "Knoweth that I lie not," (oiden hoti ou pseudomai) "knows that I am not lying;" Paul called God (the true God) to witness to the truth of the summary of his afflictions, and the truth he related, Romans 8:16-18; Romans 9:11; 1 Timothy 2:7.

Verse 32

1) "In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king,” (en Damasko ho ethnarches Areta tou Basileos) "In Damascus the governor (race ruler) under Aretas the king," several Arabian chiefs or kings wore this name or title, Acts 9:22-25.

2) "Kept the city of Damascenes with a garrison," (ephrourei ten polin Damaskenon) "guarded the city of Damascus," the idea is with a garrison of soldiers, officers to prosecute and arrest him.

3) "Desirous to apprehend me," (piasai me) "to seize me," with a desire to seize or apprehend me, even to kill me," Acts 9:23-24, incited by a council of Jews.

Verse 33

1) "And through a window in a basket," (kai dia thuridos en sargane) "Through a window in a basket," a rope-basket, or disposal pail, as a garbage can disposal, much as Rahab let down the spies, (Joshua 2:15) "outfoxing" the Devil, and as Michal let down David, 1 Samuel 19:12.

2) "Was I let down by the wall," (echalasthen dia tou teichous) "I was lowered through the wall;" a method of divine protection from death, because his ministry was not fulfilled and his labors finished, 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 13:5.

3) "And escaped his hands," (kai eksephugon tas cheiras autou) "and escaped his hands;" The incident occurred when Paul returned to Damascus from Arabia where he had spent some three years, Galatians 1:17; Acts 9:23-25. In spite of the Jewish and Arabic collusion to entrap and kill Paul, God intervened to protect him for many years of labor as he did David and the spies protected by Rahab the harlot, Joshua 2:15; 1 Samuel 19:12.