2 Corinthians 11:26

KJV

[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;

KJV (with Strong's)

In journeyings {G3597} often {G4178}, in perils {G2794} of waters {G4215}, in perils {G2794} of robbers {G3027}, in perils {G2794} by {G1537} mine own countrymen {G1085}, in perils {G2794} by {G1537} the heathen {G1484}, in perils {G2794} in {G1722} the city {G4172}, in perils {G2794} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2047}, in perils {G2794} in {G1722} the sea {G2281}, in perils {G2794} among {G1722} false brethren {G5569};

Complete Jewish Bible

In my many travels I have been exposed to danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the desert, danger at sea, danger from false brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,

American Standard Version

in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Corinthians 11:26 offers a stark and exhaustive catalog of the extreme dangers and hardships endured by the Apostle Paul during his extensive missionary journeys. This verse, part of Paul's reluctant "fool's speech," serves as compelling evidence of his authentic apostleship, contrasting his profound sufferings for the Gospel with the superficial boasts of the false apostles who challenged his authority in Corinth. It vividly portrays the relentless physical and relational perils that defined his commitment to Christ and the spread of the Good News.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a highly personal and polemical section of Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, specifically chapters 10-12, often termed his "fool's speech" or "boasting in weakness." Paul was compelled to defend his apostolic authority and integrity against a group of "super-apostles" or false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These opponents likely boasted in their rhetorical skills, Jewish heritage, or worldly success, undermining Paul's ministry. In response, Paul sarcastically adopts their mode of boasting, but redirects it, not to worldly achievements, but to his immense sufferings and weaknesses for Christ. The immediate context sees Paul listing his afflictions, beginning in [2 Corinthians 11:23](/2_corinthians/11-23 "2 Corinthians 11:23 - Paul's Sufferings for Christ"), where he claims to have "labored more abundantly" and "suffered more" than his rivals, before enumerating specific examples of his trials in [2 Corinthians 11:24-25](/2_corinthians/11-24-25 "2 Corinthians 11:24-25 - Paul's Beatings and Shipwrecks"). Verse 26 then expands this list, focusing on the constant dangers encountered during his travels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's missionary journeys, particularly those through Asia Minor, Greece, and the Mediterranean, were fraught with peril. Travel in the ancient world, whether by land or sea, was inherently dangerous. Roads were often poorly maintained and susceptible to brigands, while sea voyages were at the mercy of unpredictable weather, rudimentary navigation, and piracy. Furthermore, as a Jewish Christian proclaiming a new message, Paul faced opposition from various groups. His own countrymen, the Jews, often viewed him as a renegade and blasphemer, leading to persecution. The "heathen" or Gentiles, particularly those whose economic interests were threatened by the Gospel (e.g., idol makers in [Acts 19:23-41](/acts/19-23-41 "Acts 19:23-41 - The Riot in Ephesus")), or those who simply rejected his message, also posed significant threats. The mention of "false brethren" highlights the insidious danger from within the nascent Christian communities, where individuals claiming faith sought to undermine the true Gospel or Paul's legitimate authority, often out of jealousy, theological disagreement, or a desire for personal gain.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores **The Cost of Apostolic Ministry**, vividly illustrating that genuine service to Christ often entails profound personal sacrifice, discomfort, and danger, directly contrasting with the superficiality of the "super-apostles" who likely sought comfort and acclaim. Second, it highlights **Authenticity Through Suffering**, arguing that Paul's willingness to endure such hardships—rather than diminishing his authority—served as irrefutable proof of his genuine devotion to Christ and his God-given call. His sufferings validated his message and mission, aligning with his later declaration that God's power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). Third, the comprehensive nature of the list reveals **The Multifaceted Nature of Opposition** faced by early Christians, ranging from natural dangers (waters, wilderness, sea) to human threats (robbers, countrymen, heathen, false brethren), both external and internal. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of the spiritual warfare believers are engaged in ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perils (Greek, _kíndynos'_):** This recurring word, appearing nine times in this single verse, is central to its meaning. It denotes "danger" or "risk," specifically a life-threatening situation. Its repetition emphasizes the constant, pervasive, and varied threats that characterized Paul's ministry, indicating a state of perpetual jeopardy rather than isolated incidents. It underscores the extreme vulnerability and constant exposure to harm that Paul willingly embraced for the sake of the Gospel.
* **Countrymen (Greek, _génos'_):** While _génos_ can refer broadly to "kin" or "nation," in this context, particularly given Paul's Jewish heritage, it specifically refers to his fellow Jews. This peril is particularly poignant as it highlights the deep betrayal and intense opposition Paul faced from those of his own ethnic and religious background, who often saw him as a traitor to their traditions for preaching salvation through Christ to both Jews and Gentiles. This internal conflict was often more painful than external opposition.
* **False brethren (Greek, _pseudádelphos'_):** This compound word, meaning "spurious brother" or "pretended associate," points to individuals within the Christian community who claimed to be believers but secretly or openly opposed Paul's ministry, undermined the true Gospel, or sought to lead believers astray. This internal threat was arguably the most insidious, as it came from within the supposed circle of trust and fellowship, often causing greater spiritual and emotional distress than overt external persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[In] journeyings often":** This phrase sets the stage, indicating that Paul's life was characterized by frequent travel, which inherently exposed him to numerous dangers. His extensive missionary endeavors meant he was rarely in one place for long, constantly moving through diverse and often hostile environments.
* **"[in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers":** These clauses detail specific physical dangers. "Perils of waters" likely refers to dangers encountered during sea voyages (storms, shipwrecks, as mentioned in [2 Corinthians 11:25](/2_corinthians/11-25 "2 Corinthians 11:25 - Paul's Shipwrecks")) or possibly rivers (floods, currents). "Perils of robbers" points to the common threat of brigands and highwaymen who preyed on travelers, especially on less-traveled routes.
* **"[in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen":** This highlights the human sources of opposition, categorizing them by group. "Countrymen" refers to Jews who persecuted Paul for his Christian message, often inciting riots or legal action against him. "Heathen" refers to Gentiles, who might oppose him due to their pagan beliefs, economic interests (e.g., idol worship), or general xenophobia.
* **"[in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea":** This tripartite clause covers the diverse geographical settings where Paul encountered danger. "City" refers to urban centers, often hotbeds of political and religious unrest where Paul faced mob violence, imprisonment, and legal challenges. "Wilderness" refers to unpopulated, desolate areas where he might face exposure, lack of resources, or wild animals. "Sea" reiterates the dangers of maritime travel, including storms, shipwrecks, and piracy.
* **"[in] perils among false brethren":** This final and perhaps most painful peril refers to the betrayal and opposition from those who claimed to be fellow believers but were in fact enemies of the true Gospel or Paul's legitimate apostolic authority. This internal strife was a constant source of grief and a significant threat to the integrity of the early church.

#### Literary Devices
The dominant literary device in 2 Corinthians 11:26 is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "in perils" at the beginning of successive clauses. This rhetorical technique creates a powerful cumulative effect, emphasizing the sheer volume, variety, and relentless nature of the dangers Paul faced. It builds a sense of overwhelming adversity, underscoring that peril was not an occasional occurrence but a constant companion of his ministry. The verse also employs **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, as Paul lists a series of distinct dangers. This detailed list provides a vivid and concrete picture of his sufferings, making his claims of hardship undeniable and demonstrating the authenticity of his apostolic experience. The contrast between the external dangers (waters, robbers, city, wilderness, sea) and the internal, relational ones (countrymen, heathen, false brethren) also highlights the **Breadth of Opposition**, showing that Paul's trials came from every conceivable direction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the reality that faithful service to God often involves suffering and opposition, not as a sign of divine disfavor, but as an authenticating mark of genuine discipleship. Paul's litany of perils demonstrates that true ministry is not characterized by worldly ease or success, but by a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. It challenges a prosperity gospel mindset, instead affirming that God's power is often most evident in human weakness and vulnerability, as Paul himself articulates elsewhere. His survival through such a gauntlet of dangers implicitly testifies to God's preserving hand and sustaining grace, reinforcing the theme that God equips and protects those He calls, even amidst the most severe trials.

* [Romans 8:35](/romans/8-35 "Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul Counts All Things Loss for Christ")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "Suffering for Christ's Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's vivid account of his "perils" in 2 Corinthians 11:26 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary believers, challenging our often-comfortable assumptions about the Christian life. It reminds us that following Christ is not a guarantee of ease, but often an invitation to participate in His sufferings, bearing witness to His truth in a hostile world. When we face our own "perils"—whether they be professional setbacks, relational betrayals, health crises, or spiritual opposition—Paul's example calls us to perseverance, resilience, and unwavering trust in God's sovereign care. It encourages us to re-evaluate our metrics for success, shifting from worldly achievements to faithfulness in the face of adversity, recognizing that God's strength is perfected in our weakness. This passage also underscores the importance of discernment, particularly regarding those who claim to be part of the faith community, reminding us that some of the deepest wounds can come from "false brethren."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "perils" or challenges in your life currently test your faith and commitment to Christ?**
* **How does Paul's willingness to suffer for the Gospel challenge your understanding of what it means to truly follow Jesus?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "boast" in worldly achievements rather than in your weaknesses or sufferings for Christ?**
* **How can the example of Paul's endurance encourage you to persevere when facing opposition, whether from external sources or from within the church?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul list all these dangers and sufferings? Is he complaining or boasting?**

Answer: Paul is not complaining, nor is he boasting in the conventional sense. In [2 Corinthians 11](/2_corinthians/11 "Paul's Reluctant Boasting"), Paul is reluctantly engaging in what he calls a "fool's speech" (see [2 Corinthians 11:17](/2_corinthians/11-17 "Paul's Foolish Boasting")). He is forced to defend his legitimate apostolic authority against false teachers in Corinth who were likely boasting about their impressive rhetoric, Jewish heritage, or apparent success. To counter their superficial claims, Paul turns their boasting on its head. He "boasts" not in worldly accomplishments, but in his weaknesses, sufferings, and the immense hardships he has endured for the sake of the Gospel. His point is that his sufferings, far from discrediting him, actually validate his genuine ministry and demonstrate his authentic commitment to Christ, unlike the self-serving motives of the "super-apostles." This list serves as irrefutable evidence of the authenticity and cost of his ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 11:26 directly details Paul's personal sufferings, it profoundly points to Christ in its demonstration of sacrificial love and enduring faithfulness. Paul's willingness to face "perils of waters," "robbers," "countrymen," "heathen," and "false brethren" mirrors the ultimate suffering and rejection experienced by Jesus Himself. Just as Paul endured betrayal from "false brethren," Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples ([Judas Iscariot](/matthew/26-47-50 "Judas Betrays Jesus")). The "perils by [mine own] countrymen" echo the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "Jesus Came to His Own")). Ultimately, Paul's catalog of suffering for the sake of the Gospel reflects the pattern of Christ, who, though innocent, endured unimaginable suffering and death on the cross to secure salvation for humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). Paul's life, marked by these perils, becomes a living testament to the power of the resurrected Christ, whose strength is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Grace is Sufficient for Paul")). Thus, Paul's sufferings are not merely biographical details but a profound participation in the sufferings of Christ, revealing the true cost of discipleship and the authentic nature of a life lived fully surrendered to the Lord.

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 14:5

And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use [them] despitefully, and to stone them,

Acts 25:3

And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

Acts 13:50

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 20:19

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Acts 17:5

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

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];