2 Corinthians 11:1-11

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 11:7

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself ,.... Either by behaving among them, when he was first with them, in a very modest and humble manner, in much fear and trembling, without pride and haughtiness, or affectation of power and authority over them; or by using a popular style, suited to the capacity of the common people; or by labouring with his own hands, exercising his trade of tent making among them, that he might provide food for himself, and not be chargeable to them; and which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 11:8

I robbed other churches ,.... Meaning the churches of Macedonia; not that what he had of them was by force and rapine, or by plundering of them, and spoiling of their substance, and living upon them against their wills, as soldiers use a conquered people, though the allusion is to such a custom; for what he had of theirs was freely communicated to him; as appears from the following verse: but because these churches from whom he received were poor, and the Corinthians whom he served were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted ,.... Whilst he was among them, preaching the Gospel to them, he wanted the common necessaries of life: and yet, says he, I was chargeable to no man , or "benumbed no man"; a metaphor, as some think, taken from the torpedo, or cramp fish; which is of such a cold and benumbing nature, as that, when even at the hook, it will strike the fisherman with its cold, and so benumb him as to take away his feeling, and the use of his limbs: now the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 11:10

As the truth of Christ is in me ,.... To show the firmness of his resolution, and how determined he was to abide by it, he joins an oath to it; for these words are the form of an oath; and it is as if he should say, as sure as Christ is truth, who is in me; or as that the truth of grace, or the truth of the Gospel of Christ is in my heart and mouth, so sure will I constantly persevere in this determination; or let the truth of Christ never be thought to be in me, if I do not: no man shall... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 11:11

Wherefore? because I love you not ?.... Why did the apostle do this? why did he take nothing, and resolve to take nothing of the Corinthians, for preaching the Gospel to them? why did he determine, that no man should prevent his glorying of this, in all the country of Achaia? was it because he did not love the Corinthians? some might insinuate this was the reason of it, that he had no true affection for them, and therefore would take none of their gifts, but despised both them and theirs,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11:1

Would to God ye could bear with me - Οφελον ηνειχεσθε μου μικρον . As the word God is not mentioned here, it would have been much better to have translated the passage literally thus: I wish ye could bear a little with me. The too frequent use of this sacred name produces a familiarity with it that is not at all conducive to reverence and godly fear. In my folly - In my seeming folly; for, being obliged to vindicate his ministry, it was necessary that he should speak much of himself,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11:2

I am jealous over you, etc. - The apostle evidently alludes either to the שושבינים shoshabinim or paranymphs among the Hebrews, whose office is largely explained in the notes on John 3:29 , and the observations at the end of that chapter (see note at John 3:36 ;); or to the harmosyni , a sort of magistrates among the Lacedemonians who had the care of virgins, and whose business it was to see them well educated, kept pure, and properly prepared for married life. That I may... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11:3

As the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty - This is a strong reflection on the false apostle and his teaching: he was subtle, πανουργος and by his subtlety ( πανουργια , from παν , all, and εργον , work; his versatility of character and conduct, his capability of doing all work, and accommodating himself to the caprices, prejudices, and evil propensities of those to whom he ministered) he was enabled to corrupt the minds of the people from the simplicity of the Gospel of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11:4

For if he that cometh - The false apostle, who came after St. Paul had left Corinth. Preacheth another Jesus - Who can save more fully and more powerfully than that Jesus whom I have preached. Or if ye receive another spirit - And if in consequence of believing in this new saviour ye receive another spirit, the gifts, graces, and consolations of which are greater than those which ye have received from the Holy Ghost, which has been given to you on your believing on the Christ whom we... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 11:5

I was not - behind the very chiefest apostles - That is: The most eminent of the apostles have not preached Christ, ministered the spirit, explained and enforced the doctrines of the Gospel in a more powerful and effectual manner than I have done. read more

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