"Seeing that many boast according to the flesh."
Text: 2 Corinthians 11:18
THE COMMON PRACTICE OF BOASTING
Paul was fully aware that many in Corinth indulged in boasting. Though unwilling, he too would engage in some boasting, if that would help the Corinthians in some odd way!
“Seeing that many boast according to the flesh,
I also will boast.
For you put up with fools gladly,
since you yourselves are wise!”
2 Corinthians 11:18-19
1. “Seeing that many boast according to the flesh”
a) This was a common practice it seems, in Corinth.
b) Many were indulging in this.
c) But in Paul’s evaluation this was “according to the flesh”.
i) Self
ii) Pride
iii) Foolishness
2. “I also will boast”
a) Why would Paul do that?
b) Not because he had been influenced to boast.
c) Nor because he was overcome by his flesh.
d) Paul had higher goals:
i) To gain a foothold.
ii) To help the Corinthians overcome this foolish way of thinking.
3. “For you put up with fools gladly”
a) Paul knew the Corinthians well.
b) They would listen to a speaker who could boast.
c) They would not listen as well if a speaker does not boast of himself.
d) This was a foolish and wrong mindset that must be addressed and be corrected!
4. “Since you yourselves are wise”
a) There was heavy sarcasm in this statement.
b) The Corinthians deemed themselves wise.
c) In reality, they were otherwise.
d) Paul had to deal with this problem of boasting deeply.