


2 Corinthians 11:23
Bible Versions
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.
Are they {G1526} ministers {G1249} of Christ {G5547}?(I speak {G2980} as a fool {G3912}) I {G1473} am more {G5228}; in {G1722} labours {G2873} more abundant {G4056}, in {G1722} stripes {G4127} above measure {G5234}, in {G1722} prisons {G5438} more frequent {G4056}, in {G1722} deaths {G2288} oft {G4178}.
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.
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.
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.
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2 Corinthians 6:4
But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, -
2 Corinthians 6:5
In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; -
2 Corinthians 3:6
¶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. -
2 Corinthians 1:9
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: -
2 Corinthians 1:10
Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us]; -
2 Corinthians 6:9
As unknown, and [yet] well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; -
2 Corinthians 11:24
Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one.
2 Corinthians 11:23 is a powerful verse where the Apostle Paul, defending his legitimate ministry against false apostles in Corinth, reluctantly lists his immense sufferings and sacrifices for Christ. He contrasts his authentic hardships with the superficial boasts of his opponents, demonstrating that true service to God often involves great cost.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's highly ironic and impassioned "fool's speech" (beginning in 2 Corinthians 11:16), where he is compelled to "boast" in his own credentials and experiences. Unlike the false apostles who glorified themselves through worldly advantages, Paul boasts in his weaknesses and sufferings. His rhetorical question, "Are they ministers of Christ?", sets up his audacious claim to be "more" in terms of genuine service, evidenced not by outward success but by profound endurance and self-sacrifice.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Paul's self-description "I speak as a fool" (Greek: aphron, ἄφρων) is a masterful use of irony, acknowledging that his boasting sounds absurd by conventional standards, yet necessary to expose the true folly of his opponents. The terms he uses to describe his trials emphasize their intensity and frequency:
Practical Application
This verse challenges believers today to re-evaluate what constitutes genuine spiritual leadership and commitment. It reminds us that: