Bible In A Year | Read: 2 Corinthians 11
Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 2 Corinthians 11:21-29
Overview of Chapter
Paul refers to what he is about to do as foolishness. He then tells the Corinthians about his knowledge and accomplishments. It’s like a résumé. He seems to be embarrassed to sound like he’s bragging about himself, but he just wants them to listen and accept the truths he has taught them.
Telling others why they should listen to you isn’t bragging if what you are trying to convince them of is for their benefit. If your experience or knowledge can help someone avoid a mistake, you may need to tell a story of something you did well. But your stories shouldn’t always be ones where you are the hero; Paul also admitted to being the worst sinner (1 Timothy 1:15).
Action Steps
Bible: What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
Bless: Serve one person through word, action, or gift today.
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