2 Corinthians 11:28

KJV

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

KJV (with Strong's)

Beside {G5565} those things that are without {G3924}, that which {G3588} cometh upon {G1999} me {G3450} daily {G2250},{G2596} the care {G3308} of all {G3956} the churches {G1577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And besides these external matters, there is the daily pressure of my anxious concern for all the congregations.

Berean Standard Bible

Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

American Standard Version

Besides those things that are without, there is that which presseth upon me daily, anxiety for all the churches.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 11:28, the Apostle Paul pivots from a detailed catalog of his extreme physical sufferings to reveal an even more profound, constant, and internal burden: the daily, pressing solicitude for the spiritual well-being and doctrinal purity of all the Christian communities under his apostolic oversight. This verse unveils the immense emotional and spiritual weight of true pastoral leadership, presenting it as an authentic credential of his servanthood to Christ, far surpassing any superficial claims of his detractors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's "fool's speech" (2 Corinthians 11:1-12:13), where he reluctantly "boasts" to defend his legitimate apostolic authority against false apostles who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. Having meticulously detailed an astonishing list of external hardships—including imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, and various perils—in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings as Apostolic Credentials"), Paul introduces in verse 28 a burden that transcends these physical trials. This internal, daily "care of all the churches" serves as the apex of his suffering, demonstrating that his commitment to the gospel and the flock was not merely external endurance but a deep, constant, and personal investment. It underscores that his true credentials lie not in worldly success or self-promotion, but in selfless service and profound identification with the struggles of the churches.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry operated within a vast and complex Roman Empire, characterized by diverse cultures, nascent Christian communities, and significant challenges to the fledgling faith. Travel was arduous and dangerous, communication slow, and the establishment of new churches often met with hostility from both Jewish and pagan authorities. False teachers, often motivated by personal gain or a desire for prestige, frequently challenged the authority of legitimate apostles like Paul, introducing theological deviations and undermining pastoral leadership. In this environment, Paul's role was not merely to preach the gospel but to nurture, correct, and defend the integrity of these scattered and vulnerable congregations. The "care of all the churches" reflects the immense logistical and spiritual demands placed upon a pioneering missionary who was responsible for the spiritual health and growth of numerous, geographically dispersed, and often struggling communities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights **The Authentic Nature of Apostolic Ministry**, contrasting Paul's selfless, suffering servanthood with the self-aggrandizing claims of the false apostles. His "boasting" in weakness and burden, rather than strength, is a hallmark of his true calling, as he further elaborates in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - Paul's Boast in Weakness"). Secondly, it emphasizes **The Unseen Burdens of Spiritual Leadership**, revealing that the deepest trials of ministry are often not external persecutions but the internal, emotional, and spiritual weight of caring for God's people. This "daily" pressing concern underscores the constant vigilance required for effective pastoral oversight. Finally, the verse speaks to **The Unity and Interconnectedness of the Body of Christ**, as Paul's care extends to "all the churches," demonstrating his comprehensive concern for the global Christian movement, not just individual congregations or personal success. This reflects the deep spiritual bond that linked the scattered communities and their apostolic founder.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **care (Greek, _mérimna'_):** From G3308. This term denotes 'solicitude' or 'anxiety,' often implying a distracting or burdensome worry. While in other contexts it can refer to worldly anxieties that hinder spiritual growth (e.g., [Matthew 13:22](/matthew/13-22 "Matthew 13:22 - The Parable of the Sower")), here Paul applies it to a holy, spiritual burden. It signifies a profound, constant, and weighty concern for the spiritual well-being, doctrinal purity, and unity of the churches, indicating a deep emotional and intellectual investment.
* **cometh upon (Greek, _episýstasis'_):** From G1999. This word, though rare in the New Testament, is significant. It can mean a 'concourse' or 'gathering,' sometimes with the connotation of a 'conspiracy' or 'riotous assembly.' In this context, it vividly portrays something that 'presses in' or 'gathers upon' Paul daily. It conveys the idea of a relentless, inescapable pressure or burden that continually assails him, not merely an occasional thought but a persistent, overwhelming reality.
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From G1577. Derived from a compound meaning 'a calling out,' this term refers to a 'popular meeting' or, specifically, a 'religious congregation' or 'Christian community.' Paul's use of the plural, "all the churches," underscores the vast scope of his apostolic responsibility. It signifies not just the local assembly in Corinth but the multitude of diverse Christian communities he had founded, nurtured, and felt responsible for across the Roman world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Beside those things that are without,"**: This phrase acts as a transition, drawing a sharp distinction from the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) where Paul meticulously listed his external, physical sufferings—beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, and various perils. It acknowledges the severity of these outward trials while preparing the reader for a different, perhaps even heavier, kind of burden.
* **"that which cometh upon me daily,"**: This clause introduces the internal, constant, and relentless nature of Paul's burden. The word "daily" (G2250, _hēméra_) emphasizes its unceasing presence, not a sporadic or occasional concern, but a perpetual weight. The phrase "cometh upon me" (G1999, _episýstasis_) powerfully conveys the idea of something pressing in on him, a constant influx of concerns and responsibilities that he could not escape.
* **"the care of all the churches."**: This final phrase explicitly names the source and object of Paul's profound internal burden. "The care" (G3308, _mérimna_) signifies a deep, often anxious solicitude. The addition of "all the churches" (G3956, _pâs_ and G1577, _ekklēsía_) highlights the immense scope of his responsibility, encompassing every congregation he had established or was spiritually responsible for. This was not a general concern but a specific, weighty pastoral anxiety for the spiritual health, unity, and faithfulness of each diverse community.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful use of **Contrast** in this verse. Having just enumerated a litany of external, visible sufferings, he introduces an internal, unseen burden as something "beside" or in addition to those. This juxtaposition elevates the "care of all the churches" to a preeminent position, suggesting it was perhaps the most taxing of all his trials. The phrase "cometh upon me daily" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the relentless and overwhelming nature of this internal pressure, making it clear that this was not a fleeting thought but a constant, pressing reality. Furthermore, the entire passage (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) serves as a form of **Apostolic Credentials** or **Rhetorical Argumentation**. Paul is not boasting for self-glory but to demonstrate the authenticity of his ministry through genuine suffering and selfless service, contrasting it with the superficial claims of the false apostles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 11:28 profoundly shapes our understanding of true spiritual leadership and the nature of the church. It reveals that authentic ministry is not merely about preaching or performing miracles, but about a deep, sacrificial, and often anxious love for the people of God. This "care" extends beyond mere duty to a profound identification with the spiritual struggles, growth, and purity of the entire body of Christ. It underscores the theological truth that the church is not just an organization but a living organism, a family for whom leaders bear a weighty, spiritual responsibility. This verse also implicitly highlights the unseen cost of discipleship and leadership, demonstrating that the greatest burdens are often those of the heart, borne in solitude for the sake of others.

* [1 Peter 5:2](/1_peter/5-2 "1 Peter 5:2 - Shepherd the Flock of God"): "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind."
* [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"): "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Philippians 2:4 - Look to the Interests of Others"): "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's transparent confession in 2 Corinthians 11:28 offers a profound glimpse into the heart of a true servant leader and provides invaluable lessons for believers today. It challenges our often superficial understanding of ministry, reminding us that beyond the visible acts of service, there lies a deep, unseen well of emotional and spiritual investment. For those in leadership, it validates the often isolating and burdensome nature of pastoral care, encouraging them to find their strength in Christ amidst the daily pressures. For the congregation, it fosters empathy and prayer for their leaders, recognizing that their "care" is a profound and costly act of love. This verse calls all believers to cultivate a similar "care" for the spiritual well-being of their local church and the broader body of Christ, recognizing that we are all interconnected and responsible for one another's growth and faithfulness. It reminds us that genuine Christian living involves a selfless concern for others, mirroring Paul's apostolic heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What unseen burdens might spiritual leaders in our lives be carrying, and how can we better support them?**
* **How does Paul's "care of all the churches" challenge our own understanding of what it means to be truly invested in the body of Christ?**
* **In what ways can we, as individual believers, cultivate a greater "care" for the spiritual health and unity of our local church and the wider Christian community?**

### FAQ

**What exactly does Paul mean by "the care of all the churches"?**

Answer: By "the care of all the churches," Paul refers to the constant, pervasive, and often anxious solicitude he felt for the spiritual health, doctrinal purity, and overall well-being of the numerous Christian communities he had either founded or was responsible for overseeing. This was not a casual concern but a profound, daily burden (Greek, _mérimna_, G3308) that pressed upon him. It encompassed everything from addressing theological disputes and moral failings to ensuring the physical safety and spiritual growth of believers across a vast geographical area. It was an internal, emotional, and spiritual weight that surpassed even the physical hardships he endured, highlighting his deep, personal investment in the flock of God. This burden is part of his authentic apostolic credentials, contrasting with the superficiality of the false apostles in Corinth.

**How does this internal "care" compare to the external sufferings Paul lists in the preceding verses?**

Answer: In [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Catalog of Sufferings"), Paul details an astonishing array of external, physical sufferings: imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst, and various perils. While these were undeniably severe, verse 28 introduces a burden that Paul implies is even more profound because it is constant and internal. The "care of all the churches" is not a sporadic event but "that which cometh upon me daily" (Greek, _episýstasis_, G1999), a relentless, pressing concern that never ceased. This internal solicitude highlights that the deepest trials of ministry are often not visible to the eye but are borne in the heart, a testament to the emotional and spiritual cost of true leadership and identification with the suffering of the church.

**Is Paul's "care" a healthy form of concern or an unhealthy anxiety?**

Answer: While the Greek word for "care" (_mérimna_, G3308) can indeed denote an unhealthy, distracting anxiety about worldly things (as seen in [Matthew 6:25](/matthew/6-25 "Matthew 6:25 - Do Not Worry")), in Paul's context, it represents a holy and righteous burden. This was not a lack of faith or trust in God, but a profound, Spirit-led sense of responsibility for the spiritual welfare of the churches. It was a pastoral solicitude born out of deep love and commitment to Christ and His body, rather than a self-centered worry. Paul's "care" reflects the heart of a true shepherd who willingly carries the burdens of his flock, mirroring the ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Christ. It is a demonstration of his selfless devotion and a mark of authentic apostolic ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's profound "care of all the churches" in 2 Corinthians 11:28 finds its ultimate archetype and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's daily, pressing solicitude for the scattered congregations mirrors the relentless, self-sacrificial love and intercession of Christ for His bride, the Church. Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), laid down His life for His sheep, not merely enduring physical suffering but also bearing the immense spiritual weight of the world's sin and the burden of humanity's brokenness. His earthly ministry was characterized by a deep compassion for the multitudes, a constant concern for His disciples' spiritual growth, and an unwavering commitment to the will of His Father, culminating in His atoning death and resurrection. Even now, Christ continues to bear the "care of all the churches" as He [intercedes for believers](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession") at the right hand of God, actively nurturing, protecting, and perfecting His body. Paul's burden, therefore, is not just a personal trial but a participation in the very heart of Christ, who [loved the church and gave Himself up for her](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church"), demonstrating the ultimate, perfect "care" that transcends all earthly suffering and anxiety.

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

Romans 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 7:17

¶ But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

Acts 20:18

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Acts 20:35

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Acts 15:40

And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.

Acts 15:41

And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Acts 18:23

And after he had spent some time [there], he departed, and went over [all] the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.