What does 2 Corinthians 11:21 mean?
"I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also." - 2 Corinthians 11:21
2 Corinthians 11:21 (KJV) states: "I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also."
This verse is a part of a larger passage in which the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church concerning false apostles who had infiltrated their community. In this verse, Paul is defending his own apostolic authority and credentials. He is essentially saying that, even though he is speaking with humility and weakness (as the false apostles claim), he also possesses the same boldness as the false apostles, if not more.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its meaning. In the preceding verses, Paul lists his various sufferings and hardships for the sake of the Gospel, in order to demonstrate his authority and commitment to Christ. He is comparing himself to the false apostles who boast about their own accomplishments and credentials, insinuating that Paul is weak and lacking. In response, Paul reveals the true nature of his authority and boldness.
The theme of this verse can be understood in the broader context of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority. Throughout the passage, Paul is challenging the false apostles and defending his ministry. The theme of true vs. false apostleship is prominent, as Paul seeks to distinguish his authentic call from the deceptive claims of the false apostles.
The specific language used in this verse is significant for understanding its deeper meaning. When Paul says "I speak as concerning reproach," he is acknowledging the false accusations and insults that have been leveled against him. The false apostles have attacked his character and authority, accusing him of being weak and incompetent. Paul responds by declaring that he possesses the same boldness as the false apostles, even though he speaks "foolishly" in making such a claim.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between true and false apostleship. Paul's humility and weakness, as well as his boldness, serve as a stark contrast to the pride and arrogance of the false apostles. The underlying message is that true authority in the Kingdom of God is found in humility and weakness, rather than in self-promotion and boasting.
The larger theological implications of this verse relate to the nature of true Christian leadership and authority. Paul's example challenges the prevailing cultural norms of power and prestige, emphasizing the paradox of strength in weakness. This theme resonates throughout the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the example of his sacrificial love on the cross.
In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 11:21 (KJV) is a crucial piece of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority and serves as a powerful statement on the nature of Christian leadership. The verse highlights the contrast between true and false apostleship, emphasizing the importance of humility and weakness as the true sources of spiritual authority. It also reflects the larger biblical theme of strength in weakness, pointing to the example of Jesus and challenging the prevailing cultural norms of power and prestige.
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2 Corinthians 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."
"I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also." - 2 Corinthians 11:21
2 Corinthians 11:11 - "Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth."
1 Corinthians 11:21 - "For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken."
2 Corinthians 6:11 - "O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged."
2 Corinthians 2:11 - "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
2 Corinthians 8:21 - "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
2 Corinthians 11:14 - "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
2 Corinthians 11:5 - "For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles."
2 Corinthians 11:13 - "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ."
2 Corinthians 1:21 - "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;"
2 Corinthians 11:19 - "For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise."
2 Corinthians 11:29 - "Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?"
2 Corinthians 3:11 - "For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious."
2 Corinthians 11:24 - "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one."
2 Corinthians 11:27 - "In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness."
2 Corinthians 11:33 - "And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands."
2 Corinthians 11:8 - "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service."
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."
2 Corinthians 11:17 - "That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting."
"Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth." - 2 Corinthians 11:11
2 Corinthians 11:30 - "If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities."
2 Corinthians 11:1 - "Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me."
2 Corinthians 11:32 - "In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:"
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
2 Corinthians 11:28 - "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."
2 Corinthians 11:31 - "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not."
2 Corinthians 9:11 - "Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."
2 Corinthians 8:11 - "Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have."
2 Corinthians 11:22 - "Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I."