(2Co 11:23) “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure,…”   You and I find ourselves moaning over the trying and exhausting efforts of our service. Then, with shame we read something like what is before us: Paul had lost count of the number of physical blows laid upon him for preaching the gospel. It seems our sacrifices have been little after all.

(2Co 11:16) “I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little..(.2Co 11:23)  Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant,…”  If one’s work was measured in terms of time, Paul’s was hard to top. I can say from experience, in the Lord’s work it seemed that no matter how much I did – there was more that should have been done.

 (2Co 11:21) “I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. (22) Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.”  Consider that before one’s salvation, a Jewish person might very well have been looked down upon. Oh, but once one met Jesus as Savor, the Jews became a favored people of the heart.

(2Co 11:19) “For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. (20) For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.”  What carnal man thinks regarding the things of God are opposite from the ways of spirituality. Carnality excepts from those in authority what should be exposed by the revealed Word of God. Instead, they suffer it.

(2Co 11:16) “I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little (17)  That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.”  Having stated that boasting is not the way of God, the Holy Spirit has Paul demonstrate how he “could have” done so. In other words, he could have, but didn’t, because such is not the way of God: (Mat 20:27) “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: (28) Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” 

WATER  (2Co 11:16) “I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little (17)  That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.”  Paul was not sent to them, nor had presented himself to them presenting letters of authority, nor speaking of himself in self-exalting terms. Such is not the way of a true servant of God. The message is the authority. God’s true children will recognize it.

(2Co 11:17) “That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. (18)  Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. (19) For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.”  Remember, the wisdom of this world is in contrast, not agreement, with the wisdom of God. So often, when you hear discussions about the things of God, you hear, “I think…” That means my opinion should have merit. Our conclusions should be drawn upon the Bible so that we might say, “The Bible says”.

“Stepping Aside”  We often hear said, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”  I get that and why we say it. Yet, are we guilty of forgetting the Son, the babe, was given to pay for “my” sins? He was not here just to walk among us. He was here to give His life because if He did not – we would die and spend eternity in hell. THANK GOD AND MERRY CHRISTMAS.

(2Co 11:17) “That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. (18)  Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.”  The Holy Spirit makes it plain, that this is not a method used of the godly, but of the ungodly. Yet, their actions had revealed that they were influenced by ungodly rather than godly actions. So, they who boast are appealing to your flesh.

(2Co 11:16) “I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.”  “Fool”: in this context, “one who seeks to uplift self before others.” Though speaking “as a fool”, Paul is only “acting” the fool. His goal is not self’s exaltation, but acceptance for their good and God’s glory.