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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 2Co_12:11-13
11I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. 12The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 13For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
2Co_12:11 "I have become foolish" This is a perfect active indicative. Some faction (i.e., 1 Corinthians 1-4) or some group of itinerant false teachers (i.e., 2 Corinthians 10-13) have attacked Paul, his leadership, his authority, his style of speaking, and the gospel. So, Paul had to defend himself. He did this in several ways.
1. compared his life with theirs
2. used their style of rhetoric, but with humility
3. used sarcasm to make his points
See hyperlink at 1Co_15:36.
▣ "I" The emphatic "I" (i.e., egô) is used in 2Co_12:11; 2Co_12:13; 2Co_12:15-16.
▣ "commended" See full note at 2Co_3:1.
▣ "in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles" See full note at 2Co_11:5.
▣ "if" This is a first class conditional sentence used for literary purposes to make his point, not reality. Paul was not inferior to them in any sense.
▣ "I am a nobody" Paul knew and understood his position in grace alone (cf. 1Co_15:9; Eph_3:8; 1Ti_1:15). He also knew his position as a called, gifted Apostle (cf. Acts 8, 22, 26)!
2Co_12:12 "by signs and wonders and miracles" Paul's ministry was evidenced by the power of God (cf. 1Co_2:4; 1Co_4:20; Rom_15:19). However, it was not just in miracles, but in his attitude and actions toward this church which proved he was from God.
2Co_12:13 "I myself did not become a burden to you" Paul would not allow this factious church to help him. He did let the churches at Philippi (Php_4:15) and Thessalonica (1Th_3:6), but only after he had left the cities. It hurt the church at Corinth's feelings (cf. 2Co_12:13 a), but Paul would not budge because of the accusations of the false teachers (cf. 2Co_11:8-20). However, Paul did support (as a principle) the church's financial assistance for ministers (cf. 1Co_9:3-18).
▣ "churches" See Special Topic at 1Co_1:2.
▣ "Forgive me this wrong" This is biting sarcasm.