2 Corinthians 11:10
As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
G3754
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καύχησις
boasting
G2746
καύχησις
boasting
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
8 of 18
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
αὕτη
of this
G3778
αὕτη
of this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
σφραγίσεται
shall stop
G4972
σφραγίσεται
shall stop
Strong's:
G4972
Word #:
11 of 18
to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest
εἰς
me
G1519
εἰς
me
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κλίμασιν
the regions
G2824
κλίμασιν
the regions
Strong's:
G2824
Word #:
16 of 18
a slope, i.e., (specially) a "clime" or tract of country
Cross References
Romans 9:1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,Acts 18:12And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,Romans 1:9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;2 Corinthians 1:23Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
Historical Context
Achaia was the Roman senatorial province comprising southern Greece with Corinth as its capital. Paul's determination to maintain financial independence throughout this region suggests the false teachers' influence extended beyond Corinth to other Achaian churches, requiring consistent witness through Paul's support policy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the method of ministry communicate the message—what does Paul's free service say about the gospel of free grace?
- In what ways might modern ministry practices (paid membership, premium content, prosperity teaching) contradict the gospel message?
- What 'boasting' would you swear by Christ's truth never to abandon because it embodies the gospel itself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Paul swears an oath with ultimate solemnity: estin alētheia Christou en emoi (ἔστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοί, 'the truth of Christ is in me'). This genitive can mean truth about Christ, truth from Christ, or Christ's own truthfulness residing in Paul—likely all three. He stakes his apostolic integrity on this vow.
The future passive phragēsetai (φραγήσεται, 'shall be stopped/blocked') is emphatic—nothing will silence this particular boast. This boasting (kauchēsis hautē, καύχησις αὕτη) refers specifically to offering the gospel freely without charge. Regions of Achaia (southern Greece, including Corinth) specifies the geographical scope—Paul will maintain his policy throughout the province.
Why this fierce determination? Because free gospel proclamation embodied the message itself: God's grace cannot be purchased. False apostles who demanded payment contradicted the gospel with their methodology. Paul's refusal to accept support became a living sermon on grace and prevented his message from being discredited.