Bible Commentaries

Would that ye could bear with me (οπελον ανειχεστε μου — ophelon aneichesthe mou). Koiné{[28928]}š way of expressing a wish about the present, οπελον — ophelon (as a conjunction, really second aorist active indicative of οπειλω — opheilō without augment) and the imperfect indicative instead of ειτε — eithe or ει γαρ — ei gar (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Cf. Revelation 3:15. See note on Galatians 5:12 for future indicative with οπελον — ophelon and note on 1 Corinthians 4:8 for aorist. Μου — Mou is ablative case after ανειχεστε — aneichesthe (direct middle, hold yourselves back from me). There is a touch of irony here.

Bear with me (ανεχεστε μου — anechesthe mou). Either imperative middle or present middle indicative (ye do bear with me). Same form.

In a little foolishness (μικρον τι απροσυνης — mikron ti aphrosunēs). Accusative of general reference (μικρον τι — mikron ti). “Some little foolishness” (from απρων — aphrōn foolish). Old word only in this chapter in N.T.

With a godly jealousy (τεου ζηλωι — theou zēlōi). Instrumental case of ζηλος — zēlos With a jealousy of God.

I espoused (ηρμοσαμην — hērmosamēn). First aorist middle indicative of αρμοζω — harmozō old verb to join, to fit together (from αρμος — harmos 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.

The serpent beguiled Eve (ο οπις εχηπατησεν ευαν — ho ophis exēpatēsen Heuan). Paul‘s only mention of the serpent in Eden. The compound εχαπαταω — exapataō means to deceive completely.

Lest by any means (μη πως — mē pōs). Common conjunction after verbs of fearing.

Corrupted (πταρηι — phtharēi). Second aorist passive subjunctive with μη πως — mē pōs of πτειρω — phtheirō to corrupt.

Another Jesus (αλλον Ιησουν — allon Iēsoun). Not necessarily a different Jesus, but any other “Jesus” is a rival and so wrong. That would deny the identity.

A different spirit (πνευμα ετερον — pneuma heteron). This is the obvious meaning of ετερον — heteron in distinction from αλλον — allon as seen in Acts 4:12; Galatians 1:6. But this distinction in nature or kind is not always to be insisted on.

A different gospel (ευαγγελιον ετερον — euaggelion heteron). Similar use of ετερον — heteron

Ye do well to bear with him (καλως ανεχεστε — kalōs anechesthe). Ironical turn again. “Well do you hold yourselves back from him” (the coming one, whoever he is). Some MSS. have the imperfect ανειχεστε — aneichesthe (did bear with).

That I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles (μηδεν υστερηκεναι των υπερλιαν αποστολων — mēden husterēkenai tōn huperlian apostolōn). Perfect active infinitive of υστερεω — hustereō old verb to fall short with the ablative case. The rare compound adverb υπερλιαν — huperlian (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 2 Corinthians 12:11. He is not referring to the pillar-apostles of Galatians 2:9.

Rude in speech (ιδιωτης τωι λογωι — idiōtēs tōi logōi). Locative case with ιδιωτης — idiōtēs for which word see note on Acts 4:13; note on 1 Corinthians 14:16, note on 1 Corinthians 14:23, and 1 Corinthians 14:24. The Greeks regarded a man as ιδιωτης — idiōtēs who just attended to his own affairs (τα ιδια — ta idia) and took no part in public life. Paul admits that he is not a professional orator (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:10), but denies that he is unskilled in knowledge (αλλ ου τηι γνωσει — all' ou tēi gnōsei).

Among all men (εν πασιν — en pāsin). He has made his mastery of the things of Christ plain among all men. He knew his subject.

In abasing myself (εμαυτον ταπεινων — emauton tapeinōn). Humbling myself by making tents for a living while preaching in Corinth. He is ironical still about “doing a sin” (αμαρτιαν εποιησα — hamartian epoiēsa).

For nought (δωρεαν — dōrean). 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.”

I robbed (εσυλησα — esulēsa). 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 (λαβων οπσωνιον — labōn opsōnion). For οπσωνιον — opsōnion see note on 1 Corinthians 9:7; note on Romans 6:23. He got his “rations” from other churches, not from Corinth while there.

I was not a burden to any man (ου κατεναρκησα ουτενος — ou katenarkēsa outhenos). First aorist active indicative of καταναρκαω — katanarkaō 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. Ναρκαω — Narkaō means to become numb, torpid, and so a burden. It is only here and 2 Corinthians 12:13. Paul “did not benumb the Corinthians by his demand for pecuniary aid” (Vincent).

From being burdensome (αβαρη — abarē). Old adjective, free from weight or light (α — a privative and βαρος — baros weight). See note on 1 Thessalonians 2:9 for same idea. Paul kept himself independent.

No man shall stop me of this glorying (η καυχησις αυτη ου πραγησεται εις εμε — hē kauchēsis hautē ou phragēsetai eis eme). More exactly, “This glorying shall not be fenced in as regards me.” Second future passive of πρασσω — phrassō to fence in, to stop, to block in. Old verb, only here in N.T.

In the regions of Achaia (εν τοις κλιμασιν της Αχαιας — en tois klimasin tēs Achaias). Κλιμα — Klima from κλινω — klinō to incline, is Koiné{[28928]}š word for declivity slope, region (our climate). See chapter 1 Corinthians 9 for Paul‘s boast about preaching the gospel without cost to them.

God knoweth (ο τεος οιδεν — ho theos oiden). Whether they do or not. He knows that God understands his motives.

That I may cut off occasion (ινα εκκοπσω την απορμην — hina ekkopsō tēn aphormēn). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and first aorist active subjunctive of εκκοπτω — ekkoptō old verb to cut out or off (Matthew 3:10; Matthew 5:30). See note on 2 Corinthians 5:12 for απορμην — aphormēn

From them which desire an occasion (των τελοντων απορμην — tōn thelontōn aphormēn). Ablative case after εκκοπσω — ekkopsō There are always some hunting for occasions to start something against preachers.

They may be found (ευρετωσιν — heurethōsin). First aorist passive subjunctive of ευρισκω — heuriskō to find with final conjunction ινα — hina f0).

False apostles (πσευδαποστολοι — pseudapostoloi). From πσευδης — pseudēs false, and αποστολος — apostolos Paul apparently made this word (cf. Revelation 2:2). In 2 Corinthians 11:26 we have πσευδαδελπος — pseudadelphos a word of like formation (Galatians 2:4). See also πσευδοχριστοι — pseudochristoi and πσευδοπροπηται — pseudoprophētai in Mark 13:22.

Deceitful (δολιοι — dolioi). Old word from δολος — dolos (lure, snare), only here in N.T. (cf. Romans 16:18).

Fashioning themselves (μετασχηματιζομενοι — metaschēmatizomenoi). Present middle (direct) participle of the old verb μετασχηματιζω — metaschēmatizō for which see note on 1 Corinthians 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 2 Corinthians 11:13, 2 Corinthians 11:14, 2 Corinthians 11:15.

An angel of light (αγγελον πωτος — aggelon phōtos). 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 Corinthians 2:11; Galatians 1:8. This terrible portrayal reveals the depth of Paul‘s feelings about the conduct of the Judaizing leaders in Corinth. In Galatians 2:4 he terms those in Jerusalem “false brethren.”

As ministers of righteousness (ως διακονοι δικαιοσυνης — hōs diakonoi dikaiosunēs). Jesus (John 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.

Let no man think me foolish (μη τις με δοχηι απρονα ειναι — mē tis me doxēi aphrona einai). Usual construction in a negative prohibition with μη — mē and the aorist subjunctive δοχηι — doxēi (Robertson, Grammar, p. 933).

But if ye do (ει δε μη γε — ei de mē ge). Literally, “But if not at least (or otherwise),” that is, If you do think me foolish.

Yet as foolish (καν ως απρονα — kan hōs 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).

Not after the Lord (ου κατα Κυριον — ou kata Kurion). Not after the example of the Lord. He had appealed to the example of Christ in 2 Corinthians 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.

After the flesh (κατα σαρκα — kata sarka). It is κατα σαρκα — kata sarka not κατα Κυριον — kata Kurion

I also (καγω — kagō). But he knows that it is a bit of foolishness and not like Christ.

Gladly (ηδεως — hēdeōs). Irony again. Cf. καλος — kalos in 2 Corinthians 11:4 (Mark 7:9). So as to προνιμοι οντες — phronimoi ontes (being wise).

For ye bear with a man (ανεχεστε γαρ — 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.

By way of disparagement (κατα ατιμιαν — kata atimian). Intense irony. Cf. 2 Corinthians 6:8.

As though (ως οτι — hōs hoti). 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 (τολμω καγω — tolmō kagō). Real courage. Cf. 2 Corinthians 10:2, 2 Corinthians 10:12.

So am I (καγω — kagō). This is his triumphant refrain with each challenge.

As one beside himself (παραπρονων — paraphronōn). Present active participle of παραπρονεω — paraphroneō Old verb from παραπρων — paraphrōn (παρα πρην — paraυπερ εγω — phrēn), beside one‘s wits. Only here in N.T. Such open boasting is out of accord with Paul‘s spirit and habit.

I more (υπερ — huper egō). This adverbial use of εγω — huper appears in ancient Greek (Euripides). It has no effect on περισσοτερως — egō not “more than I,” but “I more than they.” He claims superiority now to these “superextra apostles.”

More abundant (εν πυλακαις — perissoterōs). See 2 Corinthians 7:15. No verbs with these clauses, but they are clear.

In prisons (υπερβαλλοντως — en phulakais). Plural also in 2 Corinthians 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 (υπερβαλλοντων — huperballontōs). Old adverb from the participle υπερβαλλω — huperballontōn (εν τανατοις πολλακις — huperballō 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 (2 Corinthians 1:9.; 2 Corinthians 4:11).

Five times received I forty stripes save one (πεντακις τεσσερακοντα παρα μιαν ελαβον — pentakis tesserakonta para mian elabon). The Acts and the Epistles are silent about these Jewish floggings (Matthew 27:36). See note on Luke 12:47 for omission of plēgas (stripes). Thirty-nine lashes was the rule for fear of a miscount (Deuteronomy 25:1-3). Cf. Josephus (Ant. IV. 8, 1, 21).

Thrice was I beaten with rods (τρις ερραβδιστην — tris errabdisthēn). Roman (Gentile) punishment. It was forbidden to Roman citizens by the Lex Porcia, but Paul endured it in Philippi (Acts 16:23, Acts 16:37), the only one of the three named in Acts. First aorist passive of ραβδιζω — rabdizō from ραβδος — rabdos rod, Koiné{[28928]}š word, in N.T. only here and Acts 16:22 which see.

Once was I stoned (απαχ ελιταστην — hapax elithasthēn). Once for all απαχ — hapax means. At Lystra (Acts 14:5-19). On λιταζω — lithazō Koiné{[28928]}š verb from λιτος — lithos see note on Acts 5:26.

Thrice I suffered shipwreck (τρις εναυαγησα — tris enauagēsa). First aorist active of ναυαγεω — nauageō from ναυαγος — nauagos shipwrecked (ναυς — naus ship, αγνυμι — agnumi to break). Old and common verb, in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 1:19. We know nothing of these. The one told in Acts 27 was much later. What a pity that we have no data for all these varied experiences of Paul.

Night and day (νυχτημερον — nuchthēmeron) Rare word. Papyri give νυκτημαρ — nuktēmar with the same idea (night-day).

Have I been in the deep (εν τωι βυτωι πεποιηκα — en tōi buthōi pepoiēka). Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of ποιεω — poieō “I have done a night and day in the deep.” The memory of it survives like a nightmare. υτος — 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.

In journeyings (οδοιποριαις — hodoiporiais). Locative case of old word, only here in N.T. and John 4:6, from οδοιπορος — hodoiporos wayfarer.

In perils (κινδυνοις — kindunois). Locative case of κινδυνος — kindunos old word for danger or peril. In N.T. only this verse and Romans 8:35. The repetition here is very effective without the preposition εν — 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 ληιστων — lēistōn not κλεπτων — kleptōn thieves, brigands or bandits on which see Matthew 26:55). The Jewish perils (εκ γενους — ek genous from my race) can be illustrated in Acts 9:23, Acts 9:29; Acts 13:50; Acts 14:5; Acts 17:5, Acts 17:13; Acts 18:12; Acts 23:12; Acts 24:27, and they were all perils in the city also. Perils from the Gentiles (εχ ετνων — ex ethnōn) we know in Philippi (Acts 16:20) and in Ephesus (Acts 19:23.). Travel in the mountains and in the wilderness was perilous in spite of the great Roman highways.

Among false brethren (εν πσευδαδελποις — en pseudadelphois). Chapters 2 Corinthians 10; 11 throw a lurid light on this aspect of the subject.

In labour and travail (κοπωι και μοχτωι — kopōi kai mochthōi). Both old words for severe work, combined here as in 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8, “by toil and moil” (Plummer). The rest of the list is like the items in 2 Corinthians 6:4.

In cold (εν πσυχει — en psuchei). Old word from πσυχω — psuchō to cool by blowing. See Acts 28:2. See the picture of the aged Paul later in the Roman dungeon (2 Timothy 4:9-18).

Besides those things that are without (χωρις των παρεκτος — chōris tōn 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 (η επιστασις μοι η κατ ημεραν — hē epistasis moi hē kath' hēmeran). For this vivid word επιστασις — epistasis see note on Acts 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 (η μεριμνα πασων των εκκλησιων — hē merimna pasōn tōn ekklēsiōn). Objective genitive after μεριμνα — merimna (distractions in different directions, from μεριζω — merizō) for which word see Matthew 13:22. Paul had the shepherd heart. As apostle to the Gentiles he had founded most of these churches.

I burn (πυρουμαι — puroumai). Present passive indicative of πυροω — puroō old verb to inflame (from πυρ — pur fire). When a brother stumbles, Paul is set on fire with grief.

The things that concern my weakness (τα της αστενειας μου — ta tēs astheneias mou). Like the list above.

I am not lying (ου πσευδομαι — ou pseudomai). The list seems so absurd and foolish that Paul takes solemn oath about it (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:23). For the doxology see note on Romans 1:25, note on Romans 9:5.

The governor under Aretas (ο ετναρχης αρετα — ho ethnarchēs 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 (2 Maccabees 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 (επρουρει — ephrourei). Imperfect active of προυρεω — phroureō old verb (from προυρος — phrouros a guard) to guard by posting sentries. In Acts 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 (πιασαι — piasai). Doric first aorist active infinitive of πιεζω — piezō (Luke 6:38) for which see note on Acts 3:7.

Through a window (δια τυριδος — dia thuridos). For this late word see note on Acts 20:9, the only N.T. example.

Was I let down (εχαλαστην — echalasthēn). First aorist passive of χαλαω — chalaō the very word used by Luke in Acts 9:25.

In a basket (εν σαργανηι — en sarganēi). Old word for rope basket whereas Luke (Acts 9:25) has εν σπυριδι — en sphuridi (the word for the feeding of the 4,000 while κοπινος — 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.