TRV
Translation
King James Version
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
Complete Jewish Bible
No, I do it — and will go on doing it — in order to cut the ground from under those who want an excuse to boast that they work the same way we do.
Berean Standard Bible
But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.
American Standard Version
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
World English Bible Messianic
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But what I doe, that will I doe: that I may cut away occasion from them which desire occasion, that they might be found like vnto vs in that wherein they reioyce.
Young's Literal Translation
and what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also;
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In the KJVVerse 29,002 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11 verses 5–15
5 ¶ For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
After the foregoing preface to what he was about to say, the apostle in these verses mentions,
I. His equality with the other apostles - that he was not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles, Co2 11:5. This he expresses very modestly: I suppose so. He might have spoken very positively. The apostleship, as an office, was equal in all the apostles; but the apostles, like other Christians, differed one from another. These stars differed one from another in glory, and Paul was indeed of the first magnitude; yet he speaks modestly of himself, and humbly owns his personal infirmity, that he was rude in speech, had not such a graceful delivery as some others might have. Some think that he was a man of very low stature, and that his voice was proportionably small; others think that he may have had some impediment in his speech, perhaps a stammering tongue. However, he was not rude in knowledge; he was not unacquainted with the best rules of oratory and the art of persuasion, much less was he ignorant of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, as had been thoroughly manifested among them.
II. His equality with the false apostles in this particular - the preaching of the gospel unto them freely, without wages. This the apostle largely insists on, and shows that, as they could not but own him to be a minister of Christ, so they ought to acknowledge he had been a good friend to them. For, 1. He had preached the gospel to them freely, Co2 11:7-10. He had proved at large, in his former epistle to them, the lawfulness of ministers' receiving maintenance from the people, and the duty of the people to give them an honourable maintenance; and here he says he himself had taken wages of other churches (Co2 11:8), so that he had a right to have asked and received from them: yet he waived his right, and chose rather to abase himself, by working with his hands in the trade of tent-making to maintain himself, than be burdensome to them, that they might be exalted, or encouraged to receive the gospel, which they had so cheaply; yea, he chose rather to be supplied from Macedonia than to be chargeable unto them. 2. He informs them of the reason of this his conduct among them. It was not because he did not love them (Co2 11:11), or was unwilling to receive tokens of their love (for love and friendship are manifested by mutual giving and receiving), but it was to avoid offence, that he might cut off occasion from those that desired occasion. He would not give occasion for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, or that he intended to make a trade of it, to enrich himself; and that others who opposed him at Corinth might not in this respect gain an advantage against him: that wherein they gloried, as to this matter, they might be found even as he, Co2 11:12. It is not improbable to suppose that the chief of the false teachers at Corinth, or some among them, were rich, and taught (or deceived) the people freely, and might accuse the apostle or his fellow-labourers as mercenary men, who received hire or wages, and therefore the apostle kept to his resolution not to be chargeable to any of the Corinthians.
III. The false apostles are charged as deceitful workers (Co2 11:13), and that upon this account, because they would transform themselves into the likeness of the apostles of Christ, and, though they were the ministers of Satan, would seem to be the ministers of righteousness. They would be as industrious and as generous in promoting error as the apostles were in preaching truth; they would endeavour as much to undermine the kingdom of Christ as the apostles did to establish it. There were counterfeit prophets under the Old Testament, who wore the garb and learned the language of the prophets of the Lord. So there were counterfeit apostles under the New Testament, who seemed in many respects like the true apostles of Christ. And no marvel (says the apostle); hypocrisy is a thing not to be much wondered at in this world, especially when we consider the great influence Satan has upon the minds of many, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. As he can turn himself into any shape, and put on almost any form, and look sometimes like an angel of light, in order to promote his kingdom of darkness, so he will teach his ministers and instruments to do the same. But it follows, Their end is according to their works (Co2 11:15); the end will discover them to be deceitful workers, and their work will end in ruin and destruction.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–15. Public domain.
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Methodius of OlympusAD 311
Methodius Discourse III. Thaleia
For those who are the better, and who embrace the truth more clearly, being delivered from the evils of the flesh, become, on account of their perfect purification and faith, a church and help-meet of Christ, betrothed and given in marriage to Him as a virgin, according to the apostle,
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 23 on 2 Corinthians
"That I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we." For since this they sought earnestly, to find some handle against him, it is necessary to remove this also. For this is the one point on which they pique themselves. Therefore that they might not have any advantage whatever, it was necessary to set this right; for in other things they were inferior. For, as I have said, nothing doth so edify worldly people as the receiving nothing from them. Therefore the devil in his craftiness dropped this bait especially, when desirous to injure them in other respects. But it appears to me that this even was in hypocrisy. And therefore he did not say, "wherein they have well done," but what? "wherein they glory;" which also was as jeering at their glorying; for they gloried also of that which they were not. But the man of noble spirit not only ought not to boast of what he has not, but not even of what he possesses; as this blessed saint was wont to do.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:12, the Apostle Paul firmly declares his unwavering commitment to maintaining his self-supporting ministry, a practice he intends to continue despite opposition. His strategic aim is to eliminate any pretext for his adversaries—the false apostles in Corinth—to boast of their own financial practices or perceived superiority, thereby ensuring that their claims of apostolic authenticity are exposed as hollow when compared to Paul's selfless and integrity-driven service. This verse serves as a potent defense of his genuine apostleship and a challenge to the motives of those who sought to undermine him.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise but powerful verse. Repetition is prominent, particularly in the phrases "what I do, that I will do" and "occasion from them which desire occasion." This repetition underscores Paul's unwavering resolve and highlights the deliberate, opportunistic nature of his opponents. The phrase "cut off occasion" functions as a Metaphor, portraying Paul's action as a decisive, almost surgical, severing of the ground his adversaries wish to stand on. Furthermore, the verse is rich in Antithesis, implicitly contrasting Paul's selfless, integrity-driven ministry with the self-serving, boastful practices of the false apostles. His aim is to reveal that "wherein they glory," they are in fact found to be fundamentally different from Paul, exposing their hypocrisy through the stark contrast of their behaviors.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's unwavering commitment to self-support in 2 Corinthians 11:12 is not merely a personal preference but a profound theological statement about the nature of authentic ministry. It underscores the principle that true gospel work is motivated by selfless love for Christ and His people, not by personal gain or worldly prestige. Paul's refusal to be a financial burden to the Corinthians served as a powerful witness to the purity of his motives, distinguishing him from those who used ministry for self-enrichment. This act of self-abasement for the sake of the gospel reflects the very heart of Christ's servanthood and challenges believers to examine their own motivations in service, ensuring that our "glorying" is always in the Lord, not in ourselves or our accomplishments.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's steadfast resolve in 2 Corinthians 11:12 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning integrity, discernment, and the nature of selfless service. In a world where motives are often questioned and accusations are readily made, Paul's example calls us to live with such consistent integrity that we disarm our critics by leaving them no legitimate "occasion" for slander. This requires a deep commitment to our principles, especially when they are counter-cultural or demand personal sacrifice. It also challenges us to critically examine the "glory" we seek, whether in our personal lives, our careers, or our ministries. Are we seeking our own praise, recognition, or financial gain, or are we genuinely striving for Christ's glory and the good of others, even if it means personal cost? Paul's life demonstrates that authentic ministry is not defined by outward show or material reward, but by humble, consistent, and sacrificial service that mirrors the heart of the gospel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "cut off occasion from them which desire occasion"?
Answer: Paul is referring to his adversaries, the "false apostles" in Corinth, who were likely seeking any opportunity or pretext to discredit him and elevate themselves. By consistently refusing financial support from the Corinthians, Paul removed any "occasion" (Greek: aphormḗ, meaning a starting point or base of operations) for them to accuse him of greed, self-enrichment, or to contrast their paid ministry with his unpaid one as a sign of his inferiority. He strategically eliminated their potential grounds for boasting or accusation, thereby frustrating their attempts to undermine his apostolic authority and the message of the gospel. His actions were a deliberate defense of his integrity and a challenge to their motives.
Who were the "them" that "desire occasion" and "glory" in this verse?
Answer: The "them" refers to the "false apostles" or "super-apostles" who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. Paul describes them in 2 Corinthians 11:13 as "deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." These individuals were likely boasting of their eloquence, their spiritual gifts, their Jewish heritage, or their ability to command financial remuneration for their ministry. They sought to undermine Paul's authority and influence in Corinth, possibly by implying that his refusal to accept payment was a sign of weakness or a lack of true apostolic standing. Paul's aim in this verse is to expose their self-serving motives and reveal the emptiness of their boasting.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's resolute commitment to selfless service in 2 Corinthians 11:12, where he "cuts off occasion" for his adversaries' boasting, finds its ultimate fulfillment and pattern in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul intentionally removed any pretext for his opponents to accuse him of self-interest, Christ himself, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus consistently refused worldly glory, power, or financial gain, instead embracing a path of humility and self-sacrifice that culminated in his death on the cross (Matthew 20:28). He did not seek to "glory" in his own power but pointed all glory to the Father (John 8:50). Paul's determination to serve without charge, to avoid being a burden, and to expose the self-serving motives of others, directly mirrors Christ's own example of radical self-emptying love. It is a profound demonstration that authentic ministry, like authentic salvation, is always rooted in the selfless, sacrificial love of the Lamb of God, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).