TRV
Translation
King James Version
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Complete Jewish Bible
Are they servants of the Messiah? (I’m talking like a madman!) I’m a better one! I’ve worked much harder, been imprisoned more often, suffered more beatings, been near death over and over.
Berean Standard Bible
Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death.
American Standard Version
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
World English Bible Messianic
Are they servants of Messiah? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.
Geneva Bible (1599)
They are the ministers of Christ (I speake as a foole) I am more: in labours more aboundant: in stripes aboue measure: in prison more plenteously: in death oft.
Young's Literal Translation
ministrants of Christ are they? --as beside myself I speak--I more; in labours more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times;
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In the KJVVerse 29,013 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11 verses 22–33
22 ¶ Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
Here the apostle gives a large account of his own qualifications, labours, and sufferings (not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who had enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ), and wherein he excelled the false apostles, who would lessen his character and usefulness among the Corinthians. Observe,
I. He mentions the privileges of his birth (Co2 11:22), which were equal to any they could pretend to. He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews; of a family among the Jews that never intermarried with the Gentiles. He was also an Israelite, and could boast of his being descended from the beloved Jacob as well as they, and was also of the seed of Abraham, and not of the proselytes. It should seem from this that the false apostles were of the Jewish race, who gave disturbance to the Gentile converts.
II. He makes mention also of his apostleship, that he was more than an ordinary minister of Christ, Co2 11:23. God had counted him faithful, and had put him into the ministry. He had been a useful minister of Christ unto them; they had found full proofs of his ministry: Are they ministers of Christ? I am more so.
III. He chiefly insists upon this, that he had been an extraordinary sufferer for Christ; and this was what he gloried in, or rather he gloried in the grace of God that had enabled him to be more abundant in labours, and to endure very great sufferings, such as stripes above measure, frequent imprisonments, and often the dangers of death, Co2 11:23. Note, When the apostle would prove himself an extraordinary minister, he proves that he had been an extraordinary sufferer. Paul was the apostle of the Gentiles, and for that reason was hated of the Jews. They did all they could against him; and among the Gentiles also he met with hard usage. Bonds and imprisonments were familiar to him; never was the most notorious malefactor more frequently in the hands of public justice than Paul was for righteousness' sake. The jail and the whipping-post, and all other hard usages of those who are accounted the worst of men, were what he was accustomed to. As to the Jews, whenever he fell into their hands, they never spared him. Five times he fell under their lash, and received forty stripes save one, Co2 11:24. Forty stripes was the utmost their law allowed (Deu 25:3), but it was usual with them, that they might not exceed, to abate one at least of that number. And to have the abatement of one only was all the favour that ever Paul received from them. The Gentiles were not tied up to that moderation, and among them he was thrice beaten with rods, of which we may suppose once was at Philippi, Act 16:22. Once he was stoned in a popular tumult, and was taken up for dead, Act 14:19. He says that thrice he suffered shipwreck; and we may believe him, though the sacred history gives a relation but of one. A night and a day he had been in the deep (Co2 11:25), in some deep dungeon or other, shut up as a prisoner. Thus he was all his days a constant confessor; perhaps scarcely a year of his life, after his conversion, passed without suffering some hardship or other for his religion; yet this was not all, for, wherever he went, he went in perils; he was exposed to perils of all sorts. If he journeyed by land, or voyaged by sea, he was in perils of robbers, or enemies of some sort; the Jews, his own countrymen, sought to kill him, or do him a mischief; the heathen, to whom he was sent, were not more kind to him, for among them he was in peril. If he was in the city, or in the wilderness, still he was in peril. He was in peril not only among avowed enemies, but among those also who called themselves brethren, but were false brethren, Co2 11:26. Besides all this, he had great weariness and painfulness in his ministerial labours, and these are things that will come into account shortly, and people will be reckoned with for all the care and pains of their ministers concerning them. Paul was a stranger to wealth and plenty, power and pleasure, preferment and ease; he was in watchings often, and exposed to hunger and thirst; in fastings often, it may be out of necessity; and endured cold and nakedness, Co2 11:27. Thus was he, who was one of the greatest blessings of the age, used as if he had been the burden of the earth, and the plague of his generation. And yet this is not all; for, as an apostle, the care of all the churches lay on him, Co2 11:28. He mentions this last, as if this lay the heaviest upon him, and as if he could better bear all the persecutions of his enemies than the scandals that were to be found in the churches he had the oversight of. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not? Co2 11:29. There was not a weak Christian with whom he did not sympathize, nor any one scandalized, but he was affected therewith. See what little reason we have to be in love with the pomp and plenty of this world, when this blessed apostle, one of the best of men that ever lived, excepting Jesus Christ, felt so much hardship in it. Nor was he ashamed of all this, but, on the contrary, it was what he accounted his honour; and therefore, much against the grain as it was with him to glory, yet, says he, if I must needs glory, if my adversaries will oblige me to it in my own necessary vindication, I will glory in these my infirmities, Co2 11:30. Note, Sufferings for righteousness' sake will, the most of any thing, redound to our honour.
In the last two verses, he mentions one particular part of his sufferings out of its place, as if he had forgotten it before, or because the deliverance God wrought for him was most remarkable; namely, the danger he was in at Damascus, soon after he was converted, and not settled in Christianity, at least in the ministry and apostleship. This is recorded, Act 9:24, Act 9:25. This was his first great danger and difficulty, and the rest of his life was a piece with this. And it is observable that, lest it should be thought he spoke more than was true, the apostle confirms this narrative with a solemn oath, or appeal to the omniscience of God, Co2 11:31. It is a great comfort to a good man that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is an omniscient God, knows the truth of all he says, and knows all he does and all he suffers for his sake.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–33. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Stromata Book 4
Wherefore also Paul rejoices for Christ's sake that he was "in labours, more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft."
TertullianAD 220
Scorpiace
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes, save one; thrice was I beaten with rods; once was I stoned," and the rest.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
The other apostles labored, but not as much as Paul. He used to earn his living with his own hands, from early morning until about eleven o’clock, and from then until four in the afternoon he would engage in public disputation with such energy that he would usually persuade those who spoke in opposition to him.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 25 on 2 Corinthians
"Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ. (I speak as one beside himself,) I more." He is not content with his former deprecation, but uses it again here also. "I speak as one beside himself, I more." I am their superior and their better. And indeed he possessed clear proofs of his superiority, but nevertheless even so he terms the thing a folly. And yet if they were false Apostles, he heeded not to have introduced his own superiority by way of comparison, but to have destroyed their claim to "be ministers" at all. Well, he did destroy it, saying, "False Apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into Apostles of Christ," but now he doth not proceed in that way, for his discourse was about to proceed to strict examination; and no one when an examination is in hand simply asserts; but having first stated the case in the way of comparison, he shows it to be negatived by the facts, a very strong negative. But besides, it is their opinion he gives, not his own assertion, when he says, "Are they ministers of Christ?" And having said, "I more," he proceeds in his comparison, and shows that not by bare assertions, but by furnishing the proof that facts supply, he maintains the impress of the Apostleship. And leaving all his miracles, he begins with his trials; thus saying, "In labors more abundantly, in stripes above measure." This latter is greater than the former; to be both beaten and scourged. "In prisons more abundantly." Here too again is there an increase. "In deaths oft." For, "I die," saith he, "daily." But here, even in reality; 'for I have oft been delivered into mortal dangers.'
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 55
No one else has been granted such a love of the Lord as this blessed spirit. I mean, as though freed from the body and raised on high, so to say, and not considering himself to tread the earth, he delivers himself of all these remarks. You see, desire for God and burning love elevated his thinking from material things to spiritual, from present to future, from visible to unseen. This is what faith is like, after all, and love of God. For proof of his sound attitude, see this man, with his great love for the Lord and his burning desire for him hunted, persecuted, chastised, suffering countless abuses and exclaiming, “In toils more frequently, in scourgings beyond counting, at death’s door often; at the Jews’ hands I five times received forty lashes bar one; I was thrice beaten with rods; once I was stoned; a day and night I spent adrift at sea, always traveling, at peril from rivers, at peril from false brothers, in toil and hardship”—and while suffering such things he rejoiced and was glad. You see, he was quite convinced that the labors of the present life proved an occasion of great reward for him, and dangers were the source of a crown. After all, if out of love for Rachel Jacob regarded as a few days the period of seven years, much more did this blessed man count it all of no consequence, on fire as he was with love of God and prepared to endure everything for the Christ he loved. Let us too, therefore, I beseech you, be concerned to love Christ. Christ looks for nothing else from you, in fact, Scripture says, than loving him with all your heart and carrying out his commands.
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 11:23, the Apostle Paul, in a moment of profound irony he terms "speaking as a fool," defends his legitimate apostolic ministry against the false apostles in Corinth. He asserts his superior claim to being a "minister of Christ" not through worldly status or eloquent speech, but by recounting an overwhelming litany of intense sufferings, exhausting labors, severe beatings, frequent imprisonments, and numerous brushes with death, thereby demonstrating that true service to Christ is often marked by immense personal cost and sacrificial endurance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in 2 Corinthians 11:23 to convey his message. The passage opens with a Rhetorical Question, "Are they ministers of Christ?", which is not meant to be answered directly but to provoke thought and highlight the contrast between the false apostles and himself. Paul then immediately introduces profound Irony with the parenthetical "I speak as a fool." By labeling his own necessary boasting as "folly," he simultaneously disarms potential criticism and critiques the worldly standards by which the Corinthians (and the false apostles) are evaluating ministry. The subsequent list of sufferings utilizes Hyperbole and Intensification through phrases like "more abundant," "above measure," "more frequent," and "oft," emphasizing the extreme and unparalleled nature of his trials. While these are not literal exaggerations, they convey the overwhelming reality of his experiences. Furthermore, the repetitive structure of "in labours... in stripes... in prisons... in deaths..." demonstrates Anaphora and Parallelism, creating a rhythmic, emphatic catalog that underscores the relentless and varied nature of his suffering. This detailed enumeration also serves as a stark Juxtaposition to the implied ease and self-promotion of the false apostles, highlighting the true cost of authentic ministry.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's "boast" in his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of authentic Christian ministry. It challenges the worldly paradigm that equates success with comfort, prosperity, or outward acclaim, asserting instead that genuine service to Christ often entails significant personal cost, sacrifice, and even suffering. This suffering is not a sign of God's disfavor, but rather a mark of identification with Christ and a testament to the power of the Gospel at work through human weakness. Paul's endurance through these trials validates his apostleship far more than any superficial boast, demonstrating that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and that faithfulness is proven in adversity.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 11:23 offers a challenging and deeply convicting mirror for contemporary believers and leaders. In an age that often prioritizes comfort, convenience, and outward success, Paul's example reminds us that true faithfulness to Christ may demand significant personal sacrifice and endurance of hardship. It compels us to re-evaluate our definitions of "successful" ministry, shifting our focus from worldly metrics to the profound, often hidden, costs of discipleship. Paul's willingness to suffer "more" for Christ reveals a heart fully devoted to the Gospel, prioritizing the spread of God's kingdom over personal ease or reputation. This verse encourages us to embrace the paradox that God's power is most evident not in our strength or accomplishments, but in our weaknesses and willingness to suffer for His name. It calls us to a deeper commitment, understanding that our trials can become powerful testimonies to God's sustaining grace and the transformative power of the cross.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Paul call himself a "fool" when boasting about his sufferings?
Answer: Paul's use of "I speak as a fool" (and similar phrases throughout 2 Corinthians 11) is a masterful rhetorical device known as irony. He is not genuinely admitting to being foolish, but rather adopting the posture of a "fool" by worldly standards. In the Greco-Roman culture, boasting was generally considered undignified, especially boasting about one's weaknesses or sufferings. Paul uses this ironic self-designation to highlight the absurdity of the false apostles' self-promotion and to expose the superficiality of the Corinthian church's judgment, which was swayed by outward appearances rather than true spiritual depth. By "boasting" in his sufferings, Paul subverts conventional wisdom, demonstrating that true apostolic authority and genuine ministry are validated not by worldly success or eloquence, but by sacrificial endurance for Christ, which the world might deem "foolish."
What does Paul mean by "deaths oft"? Did he literally die multiple times?
Answer: When Paul states he faced "deaths oft," he does not mean he literally died and was resurrected on numerous occasions. Instead, the phrase signifies that he frequently encountered situations where his life was in extreme peril, where he was at the very brink of death. These were life-threatening experiences that could have easily resulted in his demise, such as severe beatings, shipwrecks, stoning, and various perils from enemies and nature, as he elaborates in the subsequent verses (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). This expression powerfully conveys the constant danger and immense physical toll his missionary work took on him, underscoring the depth of his commitment and the divine protection he experienced.
How does Paul's "boast" in suffering relate to Christian leadership today?
Answer: Paul's "boast" in suffering provides a crucial counter-narrative to many modern conceptions of leadership, both secular and Christian. It challenges the idea that effective leadership is solely defined by charisma, popularity, or outward success. Instead, Paul demonstrates that authentic Christian leadership is often marked by self-sacrifice, endurance through hardship, and a willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and the flock. It reminds us that true authority in the Kingdom of God is often found in humility and service, mirroring Christ's own path of suffering. For leaders today, it means embracing the potential for difficulty, rejection, and personal cost in ministry, trusting that God's power is perfected in their weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). It calls for a re-evaluation of what truly validates a leader: not worldly acclaim, but faithful perseverance in the face of adversity for Christ's sake.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's "boast" in his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23 finds its ultimate meaning and power in Christ-centered fulfillment. Paul's "more" in labors, stripes, prisons, and deaths is a profound echo of the "more" that Christ Himself endured. Jesus, the ultimate "minister of Christ," bore the ultimate "labour" in His earthly ministry and the agony of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). He received "stripes above measure" in His scourging (Matthew 27:26) and was "imprisoned" by the Sanhedrin and Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2). Most significantly, Christ faced "deaths oft" in the spiritual sense, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and experiencing the ultimate separation from God on the cross, a death that was truly "above measure" in its redemptive power (Isaiah 53:5). Paul's willingness to suffer and face death repeatedly is a direct participation in the sufferings of Christ (Philippians 3:10), demonstrating that the life of a true minister of Christ is one that continually crucifies the self and takes up the cross daily (Luke 9:23). Thus, Paul's trials are not merely personal hardships but a living testimony to the power of Christ's resurrection working through him, transforming weakness into a conduit for divine strength and making his life a tangible expression of the crucified and risen Lord.