2 Coríntios 11
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 11
Guzik has an interesting comment - Paul considers himself the friend of Jesus the bridegroom, and he will do his best to present the bride as a chaste virgin to Christ on the “wedding day”—when the Corinthian Christians one day stand before Jesus.. In the Jewish culture of that day, the friend of the bridegroom (mentioned also in John 3:29) had an important job. “To procure a husband for the virgin, to guard her, and to bear testimony to her corporeal and marital endowments; and it was upon this testimony of this friend that the bridegroom chose his bride. He was the intercnuncio between her and her spouse elect; carrying all messages from her to him, and from him to her: for before marriage you women were strictly guarded at home with their parents or friends.” Also, the friend of the bridegroom was called upon, if necessary, “To vindicate the character of the bride.” (Clarke). Remember also that the time of betrothal wasn’t taken lightly in Paul’s culture. If someone was unfaithful during the betrothal period, it was considered adultery, and a betrothal could only be broken by divorce. (2 Corinthians 11) THOUGHT - "Anytime we give our hearts to something other than God, we are committing “spiritual adultery” during the period of our betrothal." (Guzik) So that to Christ I might present (paristemi) you as a pure (hagnos) virgin (parthenos) - Paul like any proud father wanted to present his spiritual children as a pure virgin to the Lover of her soul. This language would be especially poignant in Corinth which was mecca for idolatry and immorality and was thus a set up for spiritual adultery, especially if they were "unmoored" from the "safe harbor" of the true Gospel and true Jesus. Paul's statement "I might present you" is intriguing. Does this mean Paul as their spiritual father actually "walk the Bride down the aisle" so to speak and place her hand in the hand of her beloved? Just pondering. Paul's use of the verb present (paristemi) is likely not accidental for in his epistle to the Romans he asked the rhetorical question - "Do you not know that when you present (paristemi) yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?" (Ro 6:16+) Present (paristemi) is the infinitive of purpose (aorist active infinitive) - This is a technical term for a priest’s placing an offering on the altar. It carried the general idea of surrendering or yielding up. The picture of Ro 6:13,16, Ro 12:1, 1Co 6:19,20 John alludes to the presentation of the Bride to Christ and how this sure hope should motivate in us a Spirit enabled desire for holy conduct writing "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears (THE BRIDE WILL MEET HER HUSBAND), we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him (present tense - continually) purifies (hagnizo) himself, just as He is pure (hagnos) ." (1Jn 3:2-3+) Broomall - Here we have Paul's (1) passion—I am jealous over you; (2) position—I espoused you to one husband (asv); (3) purpose—that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ (asv). The false teachers at Corinth were seeking to woo the church away from Christ. The 'espousal' took place at conversion; the presentation' will be consummated at the Second Coming (cf. Eph 5:26, 27; Rev 21:2, 9; 22:17). (Wycliffe Bible Commentary - 11 - online) Betrothal - Wikipedia says "In Jewish weddings during Talmudic times (c.1st century BC – 6th century AD), the two ceremonies of betrothal (erusin) and wedding usually took place up to a year apart; the bride lived with her parents until the actual marriage ceremony (nissuin), which would take place in a room or tent that the groom had set up for her." The church is betrothed and waiting not for the wedding bells to chime but for the wedding trumpet to sound! We now live physically apart from our Beloved awaiting our Bridegroom's return to "sweep us off of our feet!" MARRIAGE CUSTOMS IN BIBLE TIMES 1). BRIDE CHOSEN - The father chose the bride for his son (Eph 1:4+). 2). THE BETROTHAL - A binding wedding agreement was made before the marriage was consummated. (2Co 11:2-4; see Joseph and Mary in Mt 1:18-25+).To break that covenant, a bill of divorcement was required. If impurity (any unfaithfulness was considered adultery) was found in the bride, then the bride could be put to death. Witnesses were present when the Bridegroom 3). WEDDING PROCESSION - At the appointed time for the marriage, the ceremonies began with the wedding procession, which usually took place near midnight. (1Th 4:13+, John 14:1-3). 4).The BRIDEGROOM and his friends went to the bride's home to get her and her attendants and take them to his home. (Mt 25:1-13). Bride is taken to the father's home, led to a canopy and beside her husband spoke the wedding vows. (Rev 19:7-8+). 5). THE MARRIAGE SUPPER followed (Mt 22:1-14) usually at the home of the groom and lasted from 3-7 days, the last day being the most elaborate. The MARRIAGE SUPPER was the ''bringing home'' of an already accredited bride to her covenanted husband, to which guests were invited. Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb'' (Rev 19:7-9+). Abraham, Isaac & Jacob are guests (Mt 8:10-12+). Possibly all who enter the 1000 year reign of Christ are guests. See Who will personally wait on the wedding guests in Luke 12:37+! Jealous (earnestly desire, eagerly seek) (2206) zeloo from zelos = zeal in turn from zeo = boil; source of our English word "zeal") properly, to bubble over from getting so hot (boiling) and figuratively to burn with zeal (or intensity), to be fervent, to "boil" with envy, to be jealous. It can be used commendably to refer to a striving for something or showing zeal. Zeloo is (an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of boiling water! The idea is to be deeply committed to something, with the implication of accompanying desire – 'to be earnest, to set one's heart on, to be completely intent upon' Betrothed (718)(harmozo from harmos - joint as in Heb 4:12) to fit, join, hence to join oneself to (in marriage) Gilbrant - Classical writers tended to understand harmozō in a wide variety of ways. Basically it means “to fit together” (as in stones in a building) or “to join.” Metaphorically it refers to being “joined” in matrimony or engagement. In reference to musical instruments, they were either “in harmony” (i.e., “tune”) or not. This sense of “something in order” carried over into other areas as well (Liddell-Scott). Second Corinthians 11:2 is the only occurrence of the verb (cf. the noun harmos, Hebrews 4:12) in the New Testament. Paul saw the church in Corinth as “engaged” (harmozō) to Christ as a result of His own ministry. His sole purpose was to prepare the bride to be “pure” (hagnē); now some had infiltrated the church and had disrupted this sacred relationship (2Co 11:3ff.). Paul used this metaphor (Church=the Bride of Christ) elsewhere (cf. Ephesians 5) and was probably drawing from the common Old Testament image of Israel The Wife of Jehovah (or often an adulterous wife). (Complete Biblical Library) GOTQUESTIONS.ORG - The Shulkhan Arukh, an exhaustive presentation of the details of Jewish law, elaborates regarding the two stages of marriage: the betrothal (kiddushin, meaning “sanctified”) and the consummation of the marriage (nisuin, translated “elevation”). Kiddushin is not engagement as we understand it. It is a binding agreement in which the woman is legally considered the wife of the man. It was routine in Jesus’ day for kiddushin and nisuin to be separated by as much as a year. During that time the bridegroom would construct the marital home. Present (3936) paristemi from para = near, beside + histemi = place, set) literally means to place or set beside or near and hence to place at someone's disposal. Paristemi means to present oneself for service or to put at the service of (sometimes translated "help" Ro 16:2+) Matt. 26:53; Mk. 4:29; Mk. 14:47; Mk. 14:69; Mk. 14:70; Mk. 15:35; Mk. 15:39; Lk. 1:19; Lk. 2:22; Lk. 19:24; Jn. 18:22; Jn. 19:26; Acts 1:3; Acts 1:10; Acts 4:10; Acts 4:26; Acts 9:39; Acts 9:41; Acts 23:2; Acts 23:4; Acts 23:24; Acts 23:33; Acts 24:13; Acts 27:23; Acts 27:24; Rom. 6:13; Rom. 6:16; Rom. 6:19; Ro 12:1; Ro 14:10; Ro 16:2; 1 Co. 8:8; 2 Co. 4:14; 2 Co. 11:2; Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Tim. 4:17 Pure (chaste)(53) hagnos means freedom from defilements or impurities. Hagnos describes what is morally undefiled and when used ceremonially describes that which has been so cleansed that it is fit to be brought into the presence of God and used in His service. Although hagnos refers primarily to that which is inwardly pure, this purity also affects a person’s conduct. Here it indicates the irreproachable conduct of the bride of Christ. 2Co 7:11; 2Co 11:2; Php 4:8; 1Ti 5:22; Titus 2:5; Jas. 3:17; 1Pe 3:2; 1Jn 3:3 Virgin (3933) parthenos generally is used of a female who is beyond puberty but not married and still a virgin, one who has never engaged in sexual intercourse. In 2Cor 11:2 parthenos is used figuratively of the church, the Bride pledged to Christ. The clear sense of parthenos in Mt 1:23 quoted from Isa 7:14+ (Lxx uses parthenos for Heb - 'almah - see below) is of a woman who has not been intimate with a man (cp Lk 1:27). Paul uses parthenos in First Corinthians to refer to a woman of marriageable age. In Mt 25:1, 7, 11 parthenos refers to young women of marriageable age. All NT uses - Matt. 1:23; Matt. 25:1; Matt. 25:7; Matt. 25:11; Lk. 1:27; Acts 21:9; 1 Co. 7:25; 1 Co. 7:28; 1 Co. 7:34; 1 Co. 7:36; 1 Co. 7:37; 1 Co. 7:38; 2 Co. 11:2; Rev. 14:4 QUESTION - What was betrothal in biblical times? ANSWER - “Biblical times” covers a broad section of history’s timeline, since Bible history spans several thousand years and a number of cultures. Through those years and in those cultures, betrothal traditions varied. However, some elements of betrothal were consistent throughout. Engagements in Bible times, like those in modern-day Western countries, were heterosexual relationships preliminary to marriage. Then, as now, the engagement period gave the bride time to prepare for her new role, to gather personal belongings, to adjust relationships with parents, siblings, and friends, and in some cases to become better acquainted with her fiancé. The groom used the engagement period for similar matters, including completing the house in which he would raise his family. Arranged marriages were common in Bible times, and it was possible that the bride and groom might not even know each other until they met at the wedding ceremony. If the parents arranged the marriage while the bride, the groom, or both were too young for marriage, a much longer betrothal would ensue. What seems strange to modern Westerners is that neither sexual attraction nor love was considered a necessary prelude to engagement or marriage. Parents who arranged a marriage for their children assumed that love and affection would grow out of the intimate acquaintance and sexual bonding that naturally takes place in a marriage. This mindset helps explain why Ephesians 5:25–33 commands Christian husbands to love their wives and Christian wives to respect their husbands. Such love and respect grew after the wedding and was not necessarily required beforehand. In modern Western culture, there is a clear distinction between betrothal/engagement and marriage. In the cultures of Bible times, the distinction was much less definitive. Betrothal in most eras of Bible history involved two families in a formal contract, and that contract was as binding as marriage itself. Betrothal then was more of a business transaction between two families than a personal, romantic choice. Dowry or bride price agreements were included, so that a broken engagement required repayment of the dowry. After betrothal, all that remained were three matters: the wedding celebration, the bride’s move into the groom’s house, and the consummation of the marriage. The best-known example of betrothal is that of Jesus’ mother, Mary, and her fiancé, Joseph. When Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, and before he understood the miraculous nature of the conception, he thought that Mary had violated her betrothal, which was as binding as a marriage contract. At first, Joseph believed that his only recourse was to divorce her, or “put her away.” Matthew records the account: “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:18–19). Matthew says that Mary was “pledged to be married,” but he also calls Joseph “her husband.” The fact that a “divorce” was required to break the betrothal shows that their premarital contract was legally binding. If, even during the betrothal period, Mary had been sexually intimate with someone other than Joseph, she would have been guilty of adultery. GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What does it mean that the church is the bride of Christ? ANSWER - The imagery and symbolism of marriage is applied to Christ and the body of believers known as the church. The church is comprised of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ, the Bridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At the rapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official “wedding ceremony” will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized (Revelation 19:7–9; 21:1-2). See the related video on the church the Bride of Christ In the eternal state, believers will have access to the heavenly city known as New Jerusalem, also called “the holy city” in Revelation 21:2 and 10. The New Jerusalem is not the church, but it takes on some of the church’s characteristics. In his vision of the end of the age, the apostle John sees the city coming down from heaven adorned “as a bride,” meaning that the city will be gloriously radiant and the inhabitants of the city, the redeemed of the Lord, will be holy and pure, wearing white garments of holiness and righteousness. Some have misinterpreted verse 9 to mean the holy city is the bride of Christ, but that cannot be because Christ died for His people, not for a city. The city is called the bride because it encompasses all who are the bride, just as all the students of a school are sometimes called “the school.” Believers in Jesus Christ are the bride of Christ, and we wait with great anticipation for the day when we will be united with our Bridegroom. Until then, we remain faithful to Him and say with all the redeemed of the Lord, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) GotQuestions.org QUESTION - Are there parallels between Jewish wedding traditions and our relationship to Christ? ANSWER - Jewish wedding traditions at the time of Christ are a fascinating study topic, and certain parallels can be seen between those customs and Christian theology. In the Bible, the Church is sometimes metaphorically understood to be Jesus’ Bride (Revelation 21:2, 9–10; 19:7; 22:17). The Mishnah Kiddushin (the section of the Talmud dealing with “dedication” or betrothal) specifies that a bride is acquired by a groom in one of three ways; one involves the groom leaving his father’s home and traveling to the bride’s home to “purchase” her for a price. The groom gives a token or a dowry, and its value must be known to the bride. In all cases, the wife can only be acquired with her consent. The marriage contract, or ketubah, is then established, and from that moment on the bride is sanctified, or set apart, exclusively for her bridegroom. It is customary for the groom and bride to drink from a cup of wine over which a betrothal benediction has been said. This prenuptial process can be seen as symbolic of Christ’s work on our behalf. Jesus left the home of His Father (heaven) and traveled to the home of His prospective Bride (earth) to purchase her for a price; that is, His own blood (1 Corinthians 7:23). His Bride has joyously consented to the match. He has given her a priceless token, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6–16). With the establishing of the ketubah (the New Covenant), Jesus’ Bride was sanctified for Him (1 Corinthians 6:11). The communion wine is symbolic of the covenant by which Christ obtained His Bride. The Shulkhan Arukh, an exhaustive presentation of the details of Jewish law, elaborates regarding the two stages of marriage: the betrothal (kiddushin, meaning “sanctified”) and the consummation of the marriage (nisuin, translated “elevation”). Kiddushin is not engagement as we understand it. It is a binding agreement in which the woman is legally considered the wife of the man. It was routine in Jesus’ day for kiddushin and nisuin to be separated by as much as a year. During that time the bridegroom would construct the marital home. This, too, can be viewed as a metaphor for spiritual truth. After sealing the covenant with the Church, Jesus ascended to His Father’s home to prepare a dwelling place. Just prior to His death, Jesus told His disciples, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2–3). According to Jewish marriage law, when the time came for nisuin, the groom would return for his bride, accompanied by male escorts. The exact time of his arrival was not usually known in advance (see Matthew 25:1–15). The groom’s arrival was announced with a shout. The Church’s Bridegroom has been separated from His Bride now for nearly 2,000 years, and one day He will come for her and snatch her from the earth to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). We don’t know when exactly this will happen; we must be ready and remain faithful (Mark 13:33). Jesus will be accompanied by an angelic escort, preceded by a shout, when He returns for the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16). After being whisked from her home, the Jewish bride remained hidden at the groom’s father’s house for seven days. Similarly, the Church will remain “hidden” for a period of seven years, during the prophesied tribulation period. After the seven days, the Jewish bride left the bridal chamber unveiled; likewise, after seven years the Church will return to earth with Christ, in full view of all (Colossians 3:4). Viewed as an analogy, Jewish wedding customs have great significance for both believers and unbelievers. If you are a believer, you must remember your devotion to your Bridegroom so as not to commit spiritual adultery against Him (see James 4:4). The apostle Paul says to the Church, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” He then warns us not to allow our minds to be “led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:2–3). If you are an unbeliever, now is the time to reevaluate your belief system in light of Jesus’ words and the prophecies of Revelation. Don’t be left behind in the rapture. Jesus offers eternal life to all who repent and believe.GotQuestions.org Related Resources: What is a bridegroom? | GotQuestions.org What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.org 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. KJV 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. NET 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his treachery, your minds may be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. BGT 2 Corinthians 11:3 φοβοῦμαι δὲ μή πως, ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐξηπάτησεν Εὕαν ἐν τῇ πανουργίᾳ αὐτοῦ, φθαρῇ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἁπλότητος [καὶ τῆς ἁγνότητος] τῆς εἰς τὸν Χριστόν. NLT 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. NIV 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. YLT 2 Corinthians 11:3 and I fear, lest, as the serpent did beguile Eve in his subtilty, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in the Christ; ASV 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. CSB 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure devotion to Christ. MIT 2 Corinthians 11:3 I am apprehensive lest somehow, comparable to the serpent's deluding Eve by his deceit, he might corrupt your concepts away from your simplicity and purity in Christ. NKJ 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. NRS 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by its cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. NAB 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere (and pure) commitment to Christ. NJB 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I am afraid that, just as the snake with his cunning seduced Eve, your minds may be led astray from single-minded devotion to Christ. GWN 2 Corinthians 11:3 However, I'm afraid that as the snake deceived Eve by its tricks, so your minds may somehow be lured away from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. BBE 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I have a fear, that in some way, as Eve was tricked by the deceit of the snake, your minds may be turned away from their simple and holy love for Christ. Phillips I am afraid that your minds may be seduced from a single-hearted devotion to him by the same subtle means that the serpent used towards Eve. I am afraid : 2Co 11:29 2Co 12:20-21 Ps 119:53 Ga 1:6 Gal 3:1 Gal 4:11 Php 3:18,19 as: Ge 3:4,13 Joh 8:44 1Ti 2:14 Rev 12:9 Rev 20:2 so: 2Co 11:13-15 2:17 4:2 Mt 24:24 Ac 20:30-31 Ga 1:6 2:4 3:1 Eph 4:14 Eph 6:24 Col 2:4,8,18 2Th 2:3-11 1Ti 1:3 4:1-4 2Ti 3:1-9,13 2Ti 4:3,4 Tit 1:10 Heb 13:9 2Pe 2:1-14 3:3,17 1Jn 2:18 4:1 Jude 1:4 Rev 12:9 the simplicity: 2Co 1:12 Ro 12:8 16:18,19 2 Corinthians 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Corinthians 11:29+ (A PASTOR'S CONCERN) Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? 2 Corinthians 12:20-21+ (A PASTOR'S FEARS) For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances; 21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced. Galatians 4:11+ I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. 1 Timothy 2:14 (EVE DECEIVED) And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. John 8:44 (SATAN THE LIAR) “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer (IN EFFECT "KILLED" ADAM AND EVE) from the beginning (IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN), and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Romans 7:11+ (SIN THE DECEIVER) for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. Hebrews 3:13+ (SIN THE DECEIVER) But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Romans 16:18+ For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 1 Corinthians 3:18+ Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. 2 Thessalonians 2:3+ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 2 Corinthians 2:11+ so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. Ephesians 6:11+ Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 2 Thessalonians 2:9+ that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, COMPARISON WITH THE DECEPTION OF EVE But - contrast - Corinthians were the bride of Christ which calls for loyalty and faithfulness. So on one hand he is jealous for them, and now on the other hand he harbors fears for their loyalty and faithfulness. I am (present tense - continually) afraid (phobeo) that, as the serpent (ophis) deceived (exapatao) Eve by his craftiness (panourgia) - As Paul explains later, the Old Serpent of the Garden has his workers in God's field and like father, like son! They are liars and deceivers and crafty just like their father the devil (Jn 8:22, 1Jn 3:10) This reality caused Paul to be fearful that the saints at Corinth would fall prey to their deception which would lead them away from the truth of the Gospel and would steal their single minded devotion to Christ and their pursuit of holiness for the sake of Christ. MacArthur on I am afraid - The phrase I am afraid expresses the heart of Paul's concern, both in this passage and in the entire epistle. His defense of his integrity and his ministry, his appeals for the Corinthians' loyalty, and his confrontation of the false teachers all were motivated by fear. The apostle's concern was justified, because the Corinthians had demonstrated an alarming susceptibility to being seduced, welcoming those who preached another Jesus and a different gospel (2 Cor. 11:4).....A heartbreaking theme throughout history is the disloyalty of many who claimed to be followers of Jesus Christ. Countless churches that name the name of Christ have been seduced by “deceitful spirits” teaching “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1) and become disloyal to Him....Ever since Satan deceived Eve, false teachers, following his pattern, have portrayed the truth as error and then offered error as the truth. (2 Corinthians) Matthew
2 Coríntios 11
Guzik has an interesting point on did I commit a sin - This shows Paul at his most ironic. The Corinthian Christians who despised Paul were so worldly in their thinking they actually thought Paul might be in sin because he preached the gospel of God to you free of charge! (2 Corinthians 11) The phrase Gospel of God occurs 8x/8v - Mk. 1:14; Ro 1:1; Ro 15:16; 2Co. 11:7; 1Th 2:2; 1Th 2:8; 1Th 2:9; 1Pe 4:17 The phrase Gospel of Christ occurs 8x/8v - Ro 15:19; 1Co 9:12; 2Co 2:12; 2Co 9:13; 2Co 10:14; Gal 1:7; Php 1:27; 1Th 3:2 Upshot? The same Gospel is from God and from Christ. Christ is God! The writers of the New Testament adapted the term Gospel as God's glorious message of salvation for lost otherwise hopeless, helpless sinners. Euaggelion is found in several combination phrases, each describing the gospel like a multifaceted jewel in various terms from a different viewpoint (from the NASB, 1977): the gospel of the kingdom (Mt 4:23+, Mt 9:35+, Mt 24:14+) the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mk 1:1+) because it centers in Christ the gospel of God (Mk 1:14+, Ro 15:16+, 2Co 11:7+, 1Th 2:2+, 1Th 2:8,9+, 1Pe 4:17+) because it originates with God and was not invented by man the gospel of the kingdom of God (Lu 16:16+) the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24+, Ro 1:1+), the gospel of His Son (Ro 1:9+) the gospel of Christ (Ro 15:19+, 1Co 1:9+, 2Co 2:12+, 2Co 9:13+, 2Co 10:14+, Gal 1:7+, Phil 1:27+, 1Th 3:2+) the gospel of the glory of Christ (2Co 4:4+) the gospel of your salvation (Eph 1:14+) the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15+) the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2Th 1:8+) the glorious gospel of the blessed God (1Ti 1:11+) In Ro 16:25, 26+ Paul called it “my Gospel” indicating that the special emphasis he gave the gospel in his ministry. For a rewarding study, study the preceding references in context making notation of the truth you observe about the gospel. If you would like a special blessing, take an afternoon to go through all 76 uses of euaggelion in context making a list of what you learn about the gospel. The Spirit of God will enlighten your heart and encourage your spirit in a very special way...and you'll want to share the "good news" with someone because of your "discoveries"! Euaggelion - Matt. 4:23; Matt. 9:35; Matt. 24:14; Matt. 26:13; Mk. 1:1; Mk. 1:14; Mk. 1:15; Mk. 8:35; Mk. 10:29; Mk. 13:10; Mk. 14:9; Mk. 16:15; Acts 15:7; Acts 20:24; Rom. 1:1; Rom. 1:9; Rom. 1:16; Rom. 2:16; Rom. 10:16; Rom. 11:28; Rom. 15:16; Rom. 15:19; Rom. 16:25; 1 Co. 4:15; 1 Co. 9:12; 1 Co. 9:14; 1 Co. 9:18; 1 Co. 9:23; 1 Co. 15:1; 2 Co. 2:12; 2 Co. 4:3; 2 Co. 4:4; 2 Co. 8:18; 2 Co. 9:13; 2 Co. 10:14; 2 Co. 11:4; 2 Co. 11:7; Gal. 1:6; Gal. 1:7; Gal. 1:11; Gal. 2:2; Gal. 2:5; Gal. 2:7; Gal. 2:14; Eph. 1:13; Eph. 3:6; Eph. 6:15; Eph. 6:19; Phil. 1:5; Phil. 1:7; Phil. 1:12; Phil. 1:16; Phil. 1:27; Phil. 2:22; Phil. 4:3; Phil. 4:15; Col. 1:5; Col. 1:23; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Thess. 2:2; 1 Thess. 2:4; 1 Thess. 2:8; 1 Thess. 2:9; 1 Thess. 3:2; 2 Thess. 1:8; 2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Tim. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 2:8; Phlm. 1:13; 1 Pet. 4:17; Rev. 14:6 Pay To Pray? Did I commit sin . . . because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge. —2 Corinthians 11:7 Today's Scripture:2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Several years ago a news report told about a preacher who promised to sell blessings on the installment plan. Incredible as it sounds, he offered 12 monthly blessings for $84. Anyone who wanted his prayers could fill out a coupon and send $7 a month for one year. Hinting that his prayers have brought people financial rewards, he promised to send a “blessing certificate” when he received the first payment, and an “anointed billfold” with the second. Of course, there was no money-back guarantee. Can you imagine Jesus or Peter or Paul promising to pray for people in return for a contribution to their ministries? Certainly not! Paul made every effort to live above reproach. In 2 Corinthians 11:7, Paul told believers that he had “preached the gospel of God to [them] free of charge.” Although he was specifically referring to the proclamation of the Word, the principle of serving with pure motives applies to any spiritual endeavor. We desecrate prayer when we give it a price, We cheapen each word that we say; For prayer without ceasing fulfills God's command— His grace gives us freedom to pray. —DJD The one who serves God for money is spiritually bankrupt. 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; KJV 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. NET 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you! BGT 2 Corinthians 11:8 ἄλλας ἐκκλησίας ἐσύλησα λαβὼν ὀψώνιον πρὸς τὴν ὑμῶν διακονίαν, NLT 2 Corinthians 11:8 I "robbed" other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. NIV 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. YLT 2 Corinthians 11:8 other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration; ASV 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you; CSB 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. MIT 2 Corinthians 11:8 I plundered other churches, receiving expenses to support my ministry to you. NKJ 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. NRS 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. NAB 2 Corinthians 11:8 I plundered other churches by accepting from them in order to minister to you. NJB 2 Corinthians 11:8 I was robbing other churches, taking wages from them in order to work for you. GWN 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to serve you. BBE 2 Corinthians 11:8 I took money from other churches as payment for my work, so that I might be your servant; Phillips As a matter of fact I was only able to do this by “robbing” other churches, for it was what they paid me that made it possible to minister to you free of charge. The Message It turns out that the other churches paid my way so that you could have a free ride. AMP Other churches I have robbed by accepting [more than their share of] support for my ministry [from them in order] to serve you. The Living Bible [8–9] Instead I “robbed” other churches by taking what they sent me and using it up while I was with you so that I could serve you without cost. And when that was gone and I was getting hungry, I still didn’t ask you for anything, for the Christians from Macedonia brought me another gift. I have never yet asked you for one cent, and I never will. 2Co 11:9 Php 4:14-16 2 Corinthians 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Philippians 4:14-19+ Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. PAUL THE "ROBBER" I robbed (sulao) other churches by taking wages (opsonion) from them to serve (diakonia) you - The sarcasm continues with Paul's use of robbed, which in context is actually what his opponents were doing (see 2Co 11:20+)! As discussed below robbed is an especially strong word used even for stripping a dead soldier of his armor! Through this strong military metaphor Paul says (somewhat sarcastically) he had in effect “plundered” other churches by accepting their support, their “ration-money,” rather than burdening the Corinthian congregation Clearly Paul did not "rob" the other churches. In truth he was supported by other churches and this undoubtedly freed him up to more actively engage in service to the Corinthians. Bob