Daily Devotions
2 Corinthians
"I ought to have been commended by you..."
Text: 2 Corinthians 12:11
DEFENDING MINISTRY
There are many aspects to consider in the ministry of the Lord. Sometimes, it is evangelistic preaching of the Word of God. At other times, it is establishing churches. In some difficult situations, there would be the need to become an apologist, a defender of the faith. Paul found himself involved in all three areas. He had to defend his ministry as an apostle to the Corinthian Church.
“I have become a fool in boasting;
you have compelled me.
For I ought to have been commended by you;
for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles,
though I am nothing.”
2 Corinthians 12:11
1. “I have become a fool in boasting”
a) Paul felt foolish in having to share as he did (2 Corinthians 11-12).
b) He might have appeared to be “boasting” to some.
2. “You have compelled me”
a) The Corinthians were blameworthy.
b) They had some doubts about Paul’s apostleship.
c) The ministry could have been hindered if the doubts were not cleared up.
3. “I ought to have been commended by you”
a) Paul was the founder-pastor of the Corinthian Church.
b) He had been exemplary in so many ways.
c) The Corinthians should have stood up for Paul and commended him.
d) Sadly, they questioned his apostolic ministry.
4. “For in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles”
a) Paul knew that he was being compared with the other eminent apostles.
b) Forthrightly he made this declaration that he was not behind the leading apostles in any way.
5. What were some of the things associated with the eminent apostles?
a) They had deep knowledge of the Scriptures.
b) They had great faith.
c) They had accomplished much.
d) They were outstanding leaders in the Churches they were associated with.
6. Paul was indeed not behind any of the most eminent apostles if measured by the criteria above.
7. “Though I am nothing”
Paul’s personal view of himself remained consistent. He refused to think of himself as anything great. He was “nothing” in himself!