(2Co 11:9) “And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.”   There are times one should not take gifts of money. The Bible says, (Exo_23:8) “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.”  Like it or not, a part of the duty of a pastor is, (2Ti_4:2) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 

(2Co 11:9) “And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.”  The Lord will always take care of His Own, someway-somehow. Truth: you cannot out-give God.

(2Co 11:7) “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? (8) “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.”   Interesting word, to say “I robbed”,  in taking support from churches. Remember, the Holy Spirit is addressing people critical of Paul. Sad, when carnal believers think of God’s man as a hireling, working for them, rather than serving them in the Name of God.

(2Co 11:7) “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?”   There are some churches that teach every pastor should follow Paul’s example of not taking money from the church. Our next verse should correct such error: (2Co 11:8) “I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.”  (See also 1Cor 9:6-12).

(2Co 11:7) “Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?”  “Abased myself”: instead of coming before them as a “somebody” who by right of position was entitled of material support; instead he asked nothing of them but a hearing of the gospel. “Abasing myself” indicates he had every right of such support.

(2Co 11:4) “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”   “or another gospel, which ye have not accepted”: another gospel is being preached today that is not the gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems to be prevalent in most churches today – “Just believe what Jesus has accomplished and embrace Him Savior.” Most of the time when the invitation is given, there has been no mention what He is Savior from; nor the reason He died that cross; or, what was accomplished by His resurrection. It’s as if all are expected to know the answers without them being given. Remember, false gospels lead to false conversions.

(2Co 11:4) “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”   “Receive another spirit”:  since the Bible indicates the Holy Spirit’s temple (the saved) is holy, a saved person cannot be indwelt by another spirit. What is often overlooked is that the lost all attend the congregation of the saved (2 Tim 2:20). Beware of the false.

(2Co 11:4) “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”  “Another Jesus…not preached”: Those Words can be seen in those who deny Jesus as God the Son; or in those who would say Jesus would not condemn a person to hell; or His focus was upon the poor; or healing.”