2 Corinthians 11:17
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2 Corinthians 11:17
17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 11 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, creation, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 11:17
17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
Analysis
That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Paul's disclaimer is crucial: ho lalō, ou kata kyrion lalō (ὃ λαλῶ, οὐ κατὰ κύριον λαλῶ, 'what I speak, I speak not according to the Lord'). This is not divine revelation but strategic irony. Kata kyrion (κατὰ κύριον) means 'in accordance with the Lord's manner/command'—Jesus didn't boast but humbled himself (Phil 2:6-8).
But as it were foolishly (all' hōs en aphrosynē, ἀλλ᾽ ὡς ἐν ἀφροσύνῃ) acknowledges the worldly foolishness of self-promotion. In this confidence of boasting (en tautē tē hypostasei tēs kauchēseōs, ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ ὑποστάσει τῆς καυχήσεως) describes entering the arena of confident self-praise that characterizes worldly rhetoric and the false apostles.
Paul's careful distinction between apostolic teaching ('according to the Lord') and strategic irony ('as foolishly') prevents misunderstanding. He's not claiming divine sanction for boasting itself but for the ironic strategy of boasting in weakness to expose the folly of boasting in strength. His self-awareness contrasts sharply with the false apostles' shameless self-promotion.
Historical Context
Jewish culture valued humility (Prov 27:2), while Greco-Roman culture valued self-promotion. Paul navigates between these cultures, adopting Gentile methods temporarily while maintaining Jewish-Christian values. His disclaimer protects against canonizing boasting while permitting necessary self-defense in extreme circumstances.
Reflection
- How do we distinguish between necessary self-defense and ungodly self-promotion—where is the line?
- In what circumstances might we need to adopt cultural methods we personally find distasteful for strategic gospel purposes?
- How does Paul's self-awareness and disclaimer about speaking 'foolishly' model healthy self-examination for Christian leaders?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:12
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 9:4