2 Corinthians 11:7 - Exposition

Have I? literally, or have I? An ironical exception to his manifestation of knowledge; "unless you think that I committed a sin in refusing to accept maintenance at your hands." It is clear that even this noble generosity had been made the ground for a charge against the apostle. "If he had not been conscious," they said, "that he has no real claims, he would not have preached for nothing, when he had a perfect right to be supported by his converts" ( 1 Corinthians 9:1-15 ). Abasing myself. The trade of tentmaker was despised, tedious, and mechanical, and it did not suffice to provide even for Paul's small needs ( Acts 18:3 ; Acts 20:34 ). That ye might be exalted; namely, by spiritual gifts ( Ephesians 2:4-6 ). The gospel… freely. Some of them would feel the vast contrast between the words. The gospel was the most precious gift of God, and they had got it for nothing. Compare the fine lines of Lowell—

"For a cap and bells our lives we pay,

Bubbles we earn with our whole soul's tasking;

'Tis only God who is given away,

'Tis only heaven may be had for the asking."

To be a free and unpaid missionary was St. Paul's pride ( 2 Corinthians 12:14 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:9 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:8 , 2 Thessalonians 3:9 ; Acts 20:33 ).