2 Corinthians 11:20

Context

This verse is part of Paul's passionate, and somewhat sarcastic, defense of his apostolic ministry against the influence of "super-apostles" or false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul reluctantly engages in what he calls "foolish boasting" to highlight the stark contrast between his genuine, self-sacrificing service and the self-serving, exploitative nature of these imposters. Verse 20 follows his statement in 2 Corinthians 11:19, where he ironically notes, "For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise." He then proceeds to list the various forms of abuse and exploitation the Corinthians tolerated from these false teachers, implicitly contrasting it with their critical attitude towards him, who never burdened them.

Key Themes

• Tolerance of Abuse: The verse vividly describes the Corinthians' surprising willingness to endure significant mistreatment from the false apostles. This highlights a concerning lack of discernment and self-respect within the church.
• Exploitation by False Teachers: Paul exposes the true character of these imposters, who sought to enslave, financially drain, and physically abuse the believers for their own gain. Their ministry was one of control and consumption.
• Contrast with True Apostleship: By listing these abuses, Paul implicitly contrasts his own self-sacrificing ministry (as detailed in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28), where he never exploited the Corinthians but rather worked to serve them.
• Irony and Sarcasm: Paul uses sharp irony to shame the Corinthians, pointing out the absurdity of their situation: they allow themselves to be victimized by false teachers yet find fault with the one who genuinely cares for them.

Linguistic Insights

• "bring you into bondage" (καταδουλοῖ - katadouloi): This Greek word means to enslave or bring into servitude. It suggests a loss of freedom, possibly spiritual or financial, under the control of these false teachers.
• "devour [you]" (κατεσθίει - katesthiei): Literally "to eat up" or "consume." This strongly implies financial exploitation, where the false teachers were draining the Corinthians' resources.
• "take [of you]" (λαμβάνει - lambanei): While a general word for "to take," in this context, it likely refers to taking advantage of them, seizing their possessions, or demanding tribute.
• "exalt himself" (ἐπαίρεται - epairetai): Means "to lift oneself up" or "to be arrogant." This describes the self-important, boastful nature of the false apostles, contrasting sharply with Paul's humility.
• "smite you on the face" (δέρει εἰς πρόσωπον - derei eis prosopon): This is a powerful and vivid image, meaning "to beat on the face." It signifies extreme humiliation, physical abuse, or a blatant display of contempt and control. The fact that the Corinthians tolerated such treatment is astonishing and underscores Paul's outrage.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against spiritual exploitation and highlights the critical need for discernment within the church. Believers today must be vigilant against those who seek to control, financially burden, or demean them under the guise of spiritual authority. True spiritual leadership, modeled by Christ Himself, is characterized by service, humility, and seeking the welfare of the flock, not personal gain or power (Mark 10:45). We are called to test the spirits and teachings (1 John 4:1) and not passively accept any form of abuse, even if it comes from those claiming to be spiritual leaders. Recognizing the signs of exploitation – control, financial demands, arrogance, and disrespect – is crucial for protecting oneself and the church from harmful influences.