If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Read it in contextA reluctant account of suffering
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 11:16 (2 Corinthians 11:16 to 2 Corinthians 11:33).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul's unusual boasting recounts hardship and weakness, overturning his opponents' measures of authority and success.
11:16I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
11:17That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
11:18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
11:19For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
11:20For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
11:21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
11:22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
11:23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
11:24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
11:25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
11:26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
11:27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
11:28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
11:30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
11:31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
11:32In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
11:33And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14): Paul answers challenges to his ministry among the Corinthians and warns the church before his next visit. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? A reluctant account of suffering. Read 2 Corinthians 11:16 through 2 Corinthians 11:33 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul's unusual boasting recounts hardship and weakness, overturning his opponents' measures of authority and success. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A reluctant account of suffering (2 Corinthians 11:16 to 2 Corinthians 11:33).
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 11:16. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 11
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
Connection to the wholePaul's unusual boasting recounts hardship and weakness, overturning his opponents' measures of authority and success.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.