2 Corinthians 11:31

In 2 Corinthians 11:31, the Apostle Paul makes a solemn oath, invoking God as his witness to the truthfulness of his statements. This declaration serves as a powerful affirmation of his integrity amidst intense scrutiny and opposition in the Corinthian church.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (2 Corinthians 10-12) where Paul vigorously defends his apostolic authority and ministry against "false apostles" and "deceitful workers" who were undermining his credibility in Corinth. He reluctantly engages in what he calls "foolish boasting" (2 Corinthians 11:1), not to exalt himself, but to expose the deceptive nature of his rivals and highlight the genuine marks of a true apostle. Immediately following this verse, Paul recounts a specific incident of his escape from Damascus, a real-life example of the hardships he endured for the gospel, contrasting sharply with the easy claims of his opponents.

Key Themes

• Divine Witness and Truthfulness: Paul's invocation of "The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" as his witness underscores the gravity of his claim. He appeals to the highest authority, God Himself, who knows all things, to confirm that he is not lying. This highlights the absolute importance of truth and integrity in Christian leadership and life.
• Apostolic Authority and Authenticity: By calling upon God, Paul asserts that his ministry and the truths he declares are divinely sanctioned, not based on human cunning or self-promotion. It is a testament to his genuine relationship with God and his unwavering commitment to the gospel, even when it led to suffering and hardship, which he elaborates on in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.
• God's Eternal Nature and Trustworthiness: The phrase "which is blessed for evermore" emphasizes God's supreme and eternal nature. It reminds us that God is perpetually worthy of all praise and is utterly reliable, making His testimony (through Paul's oath) unimpeachable.

Linguistic Insights

• The Greek phrase "knoweth that I lie not" (οἶδεν ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι, oiden hoti ou pseudomai) uses the verb oida, which implies a deep, experiential, and certain knowledge, not merely intellectual awareness. God's knowledge is perfect and intimate.
• "Blessed for evermore" translates eulogētos eis tous aiōnas. Eulogētos means "worthy of praise" or "blessed." This affirmation of God's eternal blessedness serves to magnify the authority of the oath.

Related Scriptures

• Paul frequently invoked God as a witness to his sincerity, as seen in Romans 1:9 and Galatians 1:20.
• This verse sets the stage for Paul's account of his escape from Damascus in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, which serves as a concrete example of the authenticity of his ministry, contrasting with the deceptive practices of the false apostles.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 11:31 underscores the profound importance of truthfulness and integrity. Our words, especially when we speak about God or our Christian experience, should be marked by honesty. Paul's example teaches us to live lives that God Himself can attest to, prioritizing genuine service and truth over worldly accolades or self-promotion. It also reminds us that when facing opposition or misunderstanding, our ultimate vindication comes from God, who "knoweth that I lie not."