2 Corinthians 11:25

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thrice {G5151} was I beaten with rods {G4463}, once {G530} was I stoned {G3034}, thrice {G5151} I suffered shipwreck {G3489}, a night and a day {G3574} I have been {G4160} in {G1722} the deep {G1037};

Complete Jewish Bible

Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

Berean Standard Bible

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

American Standard Version

Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:25, the Apostle Paul continues his poignant "fool's speech," a rhetorical device employed to reluctantly defend his authentic apostleship against the false teachers in Corinth. This verse offers a stark, harrowing glimpse into the extreme physical suffering and life-threatening perils Paul endured—from brutal beatings and stoning to multiple shipwrecks and being adrift at sea—all for the sake of the Gospel. It serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to Christ and a counter-narrative to the worldly boasting of those who challenged his authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's extended defense of his apostolic ministry, which begins in [2 Corinthians 10](/2_corinthians/10 "2 Corinthians 10 - Paul's Defense of His Ministry") and culminates in [2 Corinthians 12](/2_corinthians/12 "2 Corinthians 12 - Paul's Vision and Thorn in the Flesh"). Specifically, [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings Detailed") presents an exhaustive, though likely not exhaustive, catalog of his tribulations. Paul is compelled to "boast" in his weaknesses and sufferings, not out of pride, but to highlight the stark contrast between his genuine, self-sacrificial service and the superficial, self-serving ministry of the "super-apostles" who sought to undermine his authority in Corinth. His point is that true ministry is marked by humble endurance and reliance on God's power, not by outward success or worldly accolades.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's experiences reflect the harsh realities of missionary work in the Roman world for early Christians. "Beaten with rods" (Latin: *virgis caesus*) refers to a severe Roman legal punishment, distinct from the Jewish "forty stripes save one" (mentioned in [2 Corinthians 11:24](/2_corinthians/11-24 "2 Corinthians 11:24 - Paul's Jewish Beatings")). As a Roman citizen, Paul was illegally subjected to this brutal treatment, as seen in [Acts 16:22-23](/acts/16-22-23 "Acts 16:22-23 - Paul and Silas Beaten in Philippi"). Being "stoned" was a Jewish form of execution, and Paul famously survived such an ordeal in [Lystra, as recorded in Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra"), where he was left for dead. Ancient sea travel was exceedingly dangerous, prone to sudden storms, piracy, and navigational hazards. The mention of "thrice I suffered shipwreck" underscores the frequency and severity of these perils, with only one major shipwreck (on the way to Rome) explicitly detailed in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Voyage to Rome and Shipwreck"), implying these three occurred earlier in his ministry. Being "in the deep" for "a night and a day" speaks to an unimaginable ordeal of exposure, hypothermia, and utter vulnerability, likely clinging to wreckage or adrift in the open sea.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. First, it exemplifies **Apostolic Endurance and Sacrifice**, demonstrating the extraordinary physical and emotional toll of Paul's commitment to spreading the Gospel. His willingness to suffer such extreme hardships underscores the depth of his faith and his dedication to Christ's mission. Second, it reinforces the **Authenticity of Ministry**, serving as a counter-argument to the false apostles. For Paul, these sufferings were not signs of failure but rather authentic marks of a legitimate ministry, proving his sincerity and reliance on God's power rather than human strength or worldly approval, a theme he develops throughout [2 Corinthians 4](/2_corinthians/4 "2 Corinthians 4 - Treasure in Jars of Clay"). Finally, Paul's survival through these near-fatal experiences implicitly points to **Divine Preservation** and God's faithfulness, enabling him to continue his vital work despite overwhelming odds, echoing the sentiment of [2 Corinthians 1:8-10](/2_corinthians/1-8-10 "2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Paul's Deliverance from Deadly Peril").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rhabdízō (Greek, _rhabdízō'_):** This verb means "to strike with a stick" or "to bastinado," referring to a severe beating with rods. In the Roman context, this was a brutal public punishment, often inflicted by lictors, and could be fatal. Paul, as a Roman citizen, should have been exempt from such treatment without a trial, highlighting the lawlessness and injustice he faced.
* **litházō (Greek, _litházō'_):** Derived from the word for "stone" (λίθος), this verb means "to lapidate" or "to stone." Stoning was a form of capital punishment, particularly in Jewish law, and was a violent, often mob-led, act intended to kill. Paul's survival of being stoned in Lystra ([Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra")) was nothing short of miraculous.
* **bythós (Greek, _bythós'_):** This noun refers to "depth" or, by implication, "the sea" or "the deep." In this context, it vividly describes Paul's experience of being submerged or adrift in the open ocean, far from land or safety. It conveys a sense of profound vulnerability, isolation, and being at the mercy of the elements, emphasizing the near-death experience of being lost at sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thrice was I beaten with rods,"**: This phrase refers to three separate instances of severe Roman beatings, a punishment distinct from the Jewish floggings mentioned in the preceding verse. These were brutal, public displays of authority and punishment, often involving multiple blows with heavy sticks, and could inflict serious injury or death. Paul's endurance of this treatment speaks to his physical resilience and the extreme dangers he faced.
* **"once was I stoned,"**: This refers to a specific, singular event where Paul was attacked by a mob with stones, a form of execution. The most notable instance is in Lystra, where he was left for dead, only to miraculously recover and continue his ministry. This highlights the existential threat he faced and God's direct intervention in preserving his life.
* **"thrice I suffered shipwreck,"**: This indicates three separate occasions where Paul's ship was destroyed or rendered unusable at sea, forcing him to abandon it. Given the primitive nature of ancient seafaring, shipwrecks were often fatal, and surviving three such events was extraordinary. This detail underscores the constant peril of his missionary journeys across the Mediterranean.
* **"a night and a day I have been in the deep;"**: This climactic phrase describes an extended period—24 hours—spent in the open sea, likely clinging to wreckage or simply treading water, completely exposed to the elements and the vast, unforgiving ocean. It signifies an experience of profound isolation, exhaustion, and near-certain death, emphasizing his absolute reliance on divine providence for survival.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's account in this verse is a powerful example of **Testimony** and **Pathos**. He is not merely listing facts but presenting a deeply personal witness to his suffering, which serves to establish the authenticity of his apostolic calling. The cumulative effect of the rapid succession of severe trials ("thrice," "once," "thrice," "a night and a day") creates a sense of overwhelming hardship, evoking **Pathos**—a strong emotional response of sympathy and awe in the reader. The phrase "in the deep" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not only a literal physical location but also the profound depths of despair, vulnerability, and utter helplessness Paul experienced. This vivid imagery contrasts sharply with the superficial boasting of the false apostles, underscoring the authentic and costly nature of true ministry. The passage also employs a form of **Climax**, moving from specific, brutal punishments to the prolonged, isolating horror of being lost at sea, building the intensity of his suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's litany of sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:25 is not merely a personal anecdote but a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian ministry and discipleship. It reveals that faithfulness to Christ often entails suffering, aligning the apostle's experience with the pattern of Christ's own life and passion. Paul's endurance demonstrates that God's power is perfected in weakness, and that divine strength is most evident when human resources are exhausted. His willingness to suffer for the Gospel underscores the immense value he placed on Christ and the salvation message, viewing his afflictions as a privilege that allowed him to participate in Christ's sufferings and to manifest His life.

* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "1 Peter 4:12-13 - Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's testimony in 2 Corinthians 11:25 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating the complexities of faith in a fallen world. It challenges the modern tendency to equate God's blessing solely with comfort, prosperity, or ease, reminding us that true faithfulness often involves hardship, opposition, and profound sacrifice. Paul's unwavering commitment through beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, and being adrift in the deep serves as a powerful call to perseverance, demonstrating that the authenticity of our faith is often forged and revealed in times of adversity. When we face our own "deep" moments—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual trials—we can draw immense encouragement from Paul's example, knowing that God's sustaining grace is sufficient, and His strength is truly made perfect in our weakness, as Paul himself articulates in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient"). This verse compels us to examine our own resilience in faith, to trust in God's sovereign power through all of life's storms, and to embrace the cost of discipleship as a mark of genuine commitment to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's willingness to suffer for the Gospel challenge my own understanding of what it means to follow Christ?**
* **In what "deep" moments of life have I experienced God's preserving power, and how can I lean on that experience in future trials?**
* **How might my response to hardship reflect or misrepresent the authenticity of my faith and ministry?**
* **What sacrifices am I willing to make for the advancement of the Gospel, even when it involves personal cost or discomfort?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul list these specific sufferings, and why now?**

Answer: Paul lists these specific, harrowing sufferings reluctantly, as part of his "fool's speech" in [2 Corinthians 11](/2_corinthians/11 "2 Corinthians 11 - Paul's Fool's Speech"). He is compelled to do so to defend his genuine apostolic authority against false teachers who were boasting in their worldly credentials and undermining Paul's ministry in Corinth. Unlike them, Paul's "boasting" is in his weaknesses and the immense hardships he endured for Christ, demonstrating that true ministry is characterized by self-sacrifice and reliance on God's power, not by outward success or comfort. This list serves as irrefutable evidence of his dedication and the authenticity of his calling.

**Are all of Paul's sufferings mentioned in this verse recorded elsewhere in the New Testament?**

Answer: Not all of them are explicitly detailed in the book of Acts, which chronicles much of Paul's missionary journeys. The "thrice beaten with rods" refers to Roman floggings, one of which is recorded in [Acts 16:22-23](/acts/16-22-23 "Acts 16:22-23 - Paul and Silas Beaten in Philippi") in Philippi. The "once was I stoned" is clearly documented in [Acts 14:19](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned in Lystra") at Lystra. However, while Acts records one major shipwreck later in Paul's ministry on the way to Rome ([Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Shipwreck to Rome")), the "thrice I suffered shipwreck" and the subsequent "night and a day I have been in the deep" must refer to earlier, unrecorded incidents. This highlights that Acts is not an exhaustive biography but a selective account, and Paul's life involved far more unwritten perils.

**What does "a night and a day I have been in the deep" precisely mean?**

Answer: This phrase means Paul spent a full 24-hour period (a "nychthḗmeron") in the open sea, completely exposed and adrift. "The deep" (Greek: *bythós*) refers to the vast, open ocean. This likely implies he was clinging to wreckage after a shipwreck, or perhaps even treading water, for an extended period. It underscores an experience of extreme vulnerability, isolation, and near-death, where survival would have been miraculous and entirely dependent on divine intervention. It is a powerful image of utter helplessness and reliance on God's sustaining power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's catalog of sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:25 finds its ultimate meaning and purpose in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's experiences of beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, and being adrift in the deep are not merely random misfortunes but echo the pattern of suffering that is central to the Christian faith, a pattern supremely exemplified by Christ Himself. Just as Christ endured immense physical and emotional agony, culminating in the [crucifixion](/luke/23-33-46 "Luke 23:33-46 - The Crucifixion of Jesus"), so Paul's life became a living testament to the cost of discipleship and the identification with his suffering Lord. Paul understood that his afflictions allowed him to "fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" for the sake of the church ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")), not in terms of atonement, but in bearing witness to the ongoing reality of the cross in the world. His survival through these deadly perils, much like Christ's resurrection from the grave, testifies to God's triumphant power over death and despair. Thus, Paul's suffering is not a sign of weakness but a profound demonstration of the power of the resurrected Christ working through him, enabling him to proclaim the Gospel even from the brink of death, mirroring the ultimate victory of the [Lamb of God who was slain but lives forevermore](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb"). His life, marked by suffering and divine preservation, becomes a powerful illustration of the truth that "if we suffer with him, we may also be glorified with him" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")), pointing always to the one who suffered supremely to bring salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 14:19

¶ And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

Acts 16:22

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].

Acts 16:23

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

Acts 16:33

And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Hebrews 11:37

They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

Acts 27:1

¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

Acts 27:44

And the rest, some on boards, and some on [broken pieces] of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.