2 Corinthians 11:26

[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;

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};

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.

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,

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;

2 Corinthians 11:26 is a vivid snapshot of the Apostle Paul's relentless commitment to spreading the Gospel, detailing a litany of physical dangers and relational betrayals he endured. This verse is part of Paul's defense of his apostolic authority, where he reluctantly "boasts" not in worldly accomplishments, but in his sufferings for Christ, demonstrating the authentic cost of true ministry.

Context

This verse is found within a highly personal section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (chapters 10-12), often referred to as his "fool's speech" or "boasting in weakness." Paul was compelled to defend his apostleship against "super-apostles" or false teachers who challenged his authority and integrity, likely boasting in their own rhetorical skills, Jewish heritage, or apparent success. To counter their superficial claims, Paul details his immense sacrifices and hardships for the sake of the Gospel, arguing that his sufferings, rather than diminishing his authority, actually validated his genuine ministry. He recounts his afflictions in a series of lists, with verses 23-25 preceding this particular enumeration of perils encountered during his extensive missionary travels.

Key Themes

  • The Cost of Apostolic Ministry: Paul's catalog of "perils" highlights the immense personal sacrifice and constant danger inherent in early Christian evangelism. It underscores that true ministry is not always comfortable or safe.
  • Authenticity Through Suffering: Unlike the false apostles who likely sought comfort and worldly acclaim, Paul's willingness to endure such hardships served as proof of his genuine devotion and God-given call. His sufferings authenticated his message and mission.
  • God's Sustaining Power: Implicit in Paul's survival through these numerous life-threatening situations is the understanding that God's hand was upon him, preserving him for His purposes. This resonates with Paul's later declaration about God's strength being made perfect in weakness.
  • The Nature of Opposition: The list reveals the multifaceted nature of opposition faced by early Christians – from natural dangers ("waters," "wilderness," "sea") to human threats ("robbers," "countrymen," "heathen," "false brethren").

Linguistic Insights

  • The recurring word "perils" (Greek: kindynoi) emphasizes the constant state of danger and risk Paul faced. It's a strong term indicating life-threatening situations.
  • "False brethren" (Greek: pseudadelphoi) is a particularly poignant peril. This refers to individuals within the Christian community who claimed to be believers but secretly opposed Paul's ministry or sought to undermine the true Gospel. This internal betrayal was often more painful and insidious than external opposition.

Practical Application

Paul's experiences in 2 Corinthians 11:26 offer several timeless insights for believers today:

  • Embrace the Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ may involve hardship, opposition, or discomfort. Paul's life reminds us that faithfulness is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile.
  • Resilience in Adversity: When facing "perils" in our own lives – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual – Paul's example encourages us to persevere, trusting in God's faithfulness and sustaining power.
  • Discernment Regarding Leadership: This passage serves as a reminder to evaluate spiritual leaders not by their outward success or charisma, but by their character, their willingness to suffer for the Gospel, and their faithfulness to biblical truth.
  • The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: The mention of "false brethren" highlights that challenges can also arise from within the church, necessitating spiritual discernment and adherence to sound doctrine. Just as Paul needed to be vigilant, believers today are called to put on the full armor of God to stand against various forms of opposition.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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];

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