What does 2 Corinthians 11:17 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 11:17 refers to a statement made by the Apostle Paul in which he acknowledges that what he is about to say is not something that comes with the direct approval or endorsement of Jesus ("the Lord"), but rather it is said from a human perspective, with the kind of bravado that could be considered foolish.

He is about to engage in boasting, which is something he generally regards as foolish and not in line with the humility that characterizes true Christian teaching.

Paul is setting up a contrast between what is spiritually wise to communicate and the kind of speech that might be expected in worldly boasting about one's accomplishments or status.

This verse also demonstrates Paul's acute self-awareness.

He is anticipating the criticisms and judgments of others who might view his boasting as incompatible with Christian virtues.

By prefacing his comments with this admission, he aims to disarm his critics and to draw a clear line between divinely-inspired teachings and human behavior, even behaviors that he himself is exhibiting.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth, a major city of ancient Greece.

It is the second canonical Epistle to the Corinthians in the New Testament. The letter was likely written in the mid-50s A.D.

The context of 2 Corinthians 11 is one where Paul is defending his apostleship against false apostles who have been questioning his authority and undermining his work among the Corinthians.

Corinth was a city known for its cultural diversity and also for its wealth and embracing of various religious practices.

Reputation and status were important values within the city.

Paul's ministry there faced challenges not only from the external pagan culture but also from internal conflicts and divisions within the church.

This verse sits amidst a larger passage where Paul feels compelled to 'boast' about his credentials and sufferings for the sake of the gospel, to affirm his legitimacy as an apostle and servant of Christ to the Corinthians.

Theological Insights

Theological perspectives on this verse range across various interpretations:

1. Humility vs. Boasting: From a theological standpoint, this verse reflects the tension between humility, a virtue often uplifted in Christian teachings, and boasting, which is typically looked down upon.

Paul articulates the idea that boasting is necessary in this case to validate his apostolic authority in the eyes of those who were questioning him.

1. Apostolic Authority: Some theologians might consider this verse an instance where Paul is protecting the integrity and authority of apostolic teaching. He is willing to use means that he personally finds distasteful (boasting) to counter false teachers.

2. Paul's Vulnerability: Others might view this verse as demonstrating Paul's vulnerability and authenticity. He admits to his imperfection and is transparent about his motives, feelings, and behaviors even when they are not ideal.

Practical Applications

The teachings in this verse can be applied in daily life in various ways:

1. Authenticity: This verse reminds individuals to be transparent and authentic, even when admitting to behaviors that may not align with one's values.

2. Contextual Awareness: It also suggests that sometimes, one might need to adapt communication or behavior to the context, especially when facing opposition, while still maintaining integrity.

3. Critical Self-Assessment: The verse encourages a critical self-assessment, reflecting on one's motives and actions and acknowledging when they may not be in line with one's higher principles.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 12:6: "For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me."
• Galatians 6:14: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
• 1 Corinthians 1:31: "That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
• 1 Corinthians 9:16: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of 2 Corinthians 11:17 and their meanings include:

• λαλῶ (lalō): This verb means "I speak" or "I say."
• κατὰ κύριον (kata kurion): Literally translated as "according to the Lord," indicating something that is aligned with or endorsed by the Lord.

In this case, Paul uses it in the negative.

• ἀφρόνως (aphronōs): Translated as "foolishly," from a root implying a lack of sense or reason.

It indicates an action that is unwise or imprudent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The tension between boasting and humility is not unique to Christianity.

Many ancient religious and philosophical traditions hold up humility as a virtue. For example, in Buddhism, the Eightfold Path teaches right speech and humility as key components of a path toward enlightenment.

In contrast, boasting would be seen as a form of attachment to the self or ego.

Greek culture at the time, however, often celebrated personal achievement and reputation, and rhetorical skills, including effective boasting, were valued. Paul's stance represents a conflict with the wider cultural norms of his time and place.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern psychological perspective, the act of boasting can be seen as a natural human behavior with certain social functions, such as establishing status or dominance in a group.

Though not often directly relevant to scientific exploration, Paul's approach in this verse can be connected to the idea of signaling theory in evolutionary biology, where individuals signal certain traits or behaviors to achieve particular social outcomes.

Here, Paul consciously signals humility by criticizing his own boasting to maintain his credibility as a Christian leader.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have various interpretations and insights regarding this verse:

1. John Calvin: Calvin sees Paul's "foolish boasting" as something he is forced into by the foolishness of the Corinthians themselves. Calvin emphasizes that though Paul speaks as a fool, he does so to maintain his influence for their benefit.

2. Matthew Henry: Henry's commentary suggests that Paul is very unwilling to boast and is driven to it by the circumstances.

He notes that Paul seeks to prevent anyone from overvaluing him based simply on his boasting and prefers that people would judge him by his actions and the truth he speaks.

1. The Pulpit Commentary: This resource explains that Paul is creating a deliberate paradox: he speaks foolishly, yet in doing so, he is also speaking seriously because the situation has become so grave that he has no other choice.

2. The Expositor's Bible Commentary: The commentary notes that Paul alternates between apologizing for his folly and then engaging in the necessary folly of boasting about his apostolic labors and sufferings in this section of scripture, culminating in the declaration that his boasting is indeed foolish, yet necessary.

Overall, these commentaries recognize the complex rhetorical strategy Paul is using, an intentional 'foolish' boasting in order to undermine his opponents and confirm his genuine commitment to the well-being of the Corinthian church.