(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.

(2 Cor 11:15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  I am afraid that Satan’s servants have blended-in to such a degree that most “Christians”, through ignorance of God’s Word cannot tell the difference. Our text tells us that they will be manifest at the Great White Throne Judgment, “whose end shall be according to their works.”

(2Co 11:14) “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  A child inherits the traits of his father. Jesus said the lost believed lies for they were like their father the Devil, the father of lies. One can come to church and act like a saint, but it is just a pretense. Gathering with the saints does not make one. Only Jesus can transform us from a child of the devil to be instead a child of God.

 (2Co 11:13) “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.”  Self promotion in the Lord’s work is a “No. No.”  I want to serve the Lord if it is His desire for me to do this or that. If He does, He will put it in the heart of those in authority.

(2Co 11:12) “But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.”  “that they may be found”: seen, discovered. Paul will not altar his stance in the area of support. He will trust the Holy Spirit to reveal to these brethren the truth regarding his accusers.

(2Co 11:10) “As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. (11) Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.”  “The Lord knows I love you with ‘godly love’; sacrificial love.”  If he didn’t, he would simply have made them happy and taken freely of whatever they offered. Sad that so often we are not spiritual enough to “see” the difference between right and wrong.

(2Co 11:10) “As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.”  Taking a position on something should never be one of pride or revenge, but of what is best for the other person. In this case, it was what was determined either to be the best for the churches of Achaia or the cause of Christ.

 (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.