TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 11:5–15. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
After the foregoing preface to what he was about to say, the apostle in these verses mentions,
I.His equality with the other apostles - that he was not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles, Co2 11:5.
This he expresses very modestly: I suppose so. He might have spoken very positively. The apostleship, as an office, was equal in all the apostles; but the apostles, like other Christians, differed one from another. These stars differed one from another in glory, and Paul was indeed of the first magnitude; yet he speaks modestly of himself, and humbly owns his personal infirmity, that he was rude in speech, had not such a graceful delivery as some others might have. Some think that he was a man of very low stature, and that his voice was proportionably small; others think that he may have had some impediment in his speech, perhaps a stammering tongue. However, he was not rude in knowledge; he was not unacquainted with the best rules of oratory and the art of persuasion, much less was he ignorant of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, as had been thoroughly manifested among them.
II.His equality with the false apostles in this particular - the preaching of the gospel unto them freely, without wages.
This the apostle largely insists on, and shows that, as they could not but own him to be a minister of Christ, so they ought to acknowledge he had been a good friend to them. For,
1.He had preached the gospel to them freely, Co2 11:7-10. He had proved at large, in his former epistle to them, the lawfulness of ministers' receiving maintenance from the people, and the duty of the people to give them an honourable maintenance; and here he says he himself had taken wages of other churches (Co2 11:8), so that he had a right to have asked and received from them: yet he waived his right, and chose rather to abase himself, by working with his hands in the trade of tent-making to maintain himself, than be burdensome to them, that they might be exalted, or encouraged to receive the gospel, which they had so cheaply; yea, he chose rather to be supplied from Macedonia than to be chargeable unto them.
2.He informs them of the reason of this his conduct among them. It was not because he did not love them (Co2 11:11), or was unwilling to receive tokens of their love (for love and friendship are manifested by mutual giving and receiving), but it was to avoid offence, that he might cut off occasion from those that desired occasion. He would not give occasion for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, or that he intended to make a trade of it, to enrich himself; and that others who opposed him at Corinth might not in this respect gain an advantage against him: that wherein they gloried, as to this matter, they might be found even as he, Co2 11:12. It is not improbable to suppose that the chief of the false teachers at Corinth, or some among them, were rich, and taught (or deceived) the people freely, and might accuse the apostle or his fellow-labourers as mercenary men, who received hire or wages, and therefore the apostle kept to his resolution not to be chargeable to any of the Corinthians.
III.The false apostles are charged as deceitful workers (Co2 11:13), and that upon this account, because they would transform themselves into the likeness of the apostles of Christ, and, though they were the ministers of Satan, would seem to be the ministers of righteousness. They would be as industrious and as generous in promoting error as the apostles were in preaching truth; they would endeavour as much to undermine the kingdom of Christ as the apostles did to establish it. There were counterfeit prophets under the Old Testament, who wore the garb and learned the language of the prophets of the Lord. So there were counterfeit apostles under the New Testament, who seemed in many respects like the true apostles of Christ. And no marvel (says the apostle); hypocrisy is a thing not to be much wondered at in this world, especially when we consider the great influence Satan has upon the minds of many, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience. As he can turn himself into any shape, and put on almost any form, and look sometimes like an angel of light, in order to promote his kingdom of darkness, so he will teach his ministers and instruments to do the same. But it follows, Their end is according to their works (Co2 11:15); the end will discover them to be deceitful workers, and their work will end in ruin and destruction.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Paul makes it clear that not only did other churches encourage him in his ministry to the Corinthians but also that they gave him significant financial support.
"I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you." Here finally he speaks reproachfully, but his former words prevent these from seeming offensive; for he said, "Bear with me in a little foolishness:" and before all his other achievements makes this his first boast. For this worldly men look to especially, and on this also those his adversaries greatly prided themselves. Therefore it is that he does not first enter on the subject of his perils, nor yet of his miracles, but on this of his contempt of money, because they prided themselves on this; and at the same time he also hints that they were wealthy. But what is to be admired in him is this, that when he was able to say that he was even supported by his own hands, he did not say this; but says that which especially shamed them and yet was no encomium on himself, namely, "I took from others." And he did not say "took," but "robbed," that is, "I stripped them, and made them poor." And what surely is greater, that it was not for superfluities, but for his necessities, for when he says "wages," he means necessary subsistence. And what is more grievous yet, "to minister unto you." We preach to you; and when I ought to be supported by you, I have enjoyed this at others' hands. The accusation is twofold, or rather three-fold; that when both living amongst them and ministering to them, and seeking necessary support, he had others supplying his wants. Great the excess, of the one negligence, of the other in zeal! For these sent to him even when at a great distance, and those did not even support him when amongst them.
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 11:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
In the Apostle Paul employs sharp irony to defend his apostolic integrity against false teachers in Corinth. He asserts that he "robbed" other churches by accepting financial support from them, thereby enabling him to minister to the Corinthians without being a financial burden. This statement underscores his commitment to preach the Gospel freely, his self-sacrificial approach to ministry, and his desire to remove any potential obstacle to the Corinthians' reception of the truth, contrasting his pure motives with the mercenary aims of his opponents.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within a highly polemical and deeply personal section of Paul's letter, often referred to as his "fool's speech" (starting around 2 Corinthians 11:1). Paul is reluctantly boasting about his apostolic credentials and sufferings, not out of pride, but to counter the influence of "super-apostles" who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These false teachers, likely Jewish-Christian itinerants, boasted of their spiritual authority and demanded financial remuneration, implicitly criticizing Paul for not doing the same. Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 11:8 serves as a rhetorical flourish, highlighting his extraordinary lengths to serve the Corinthians without charge, thereby exposing the self-serving motives of his rivals. This passage directly follows Paul's assertion that he did not burden the Corinthians financially and precedes his detailed list of sufferings and trials endured for the sake of the Gospel.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the Greco-Roman world, itinerant philosophers, rhetoricians, and religious teachers often charged fees for their instruction. This practice was widely accepted, and a teacher's ability to command high fees could even be seen as a mark of their perceived value or authority. However, some philosophical traditions, like Cynicism, emphasized self-sufficiency and rejection of material gain. Paul, while asserting his apostolic right to financial support (as he argues in 1 Corinthians 9), deliberately chose to forgo this right in Corinth. This decision was strategic, aimed at preventing any accusation that he was preaching for profit, a common charge against less scrupulous teachers. The Corinthian church itself was a wealthy, cosmopolitan city, prone to internal divisions and valuing status and rhetoric, which made Paul's self-sacrificial approach particularly striking and, to some, perhaps even suspicious.
Key Themes
Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 11:8 contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Apostolic Authenticity and Integrity. Paul's willingness to suffer personal deprivation and forgo legitimate rights (as discussed in 1 Corinthians 9:12) serves as a powerful testament to the purity of his motives, contrasting sharply with those who ministered for gain. Secondly, the verse highlights Self-Sacrifice for the Gospel. Paul's actions exemplify the principle that the advancement of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the believers take precedence over personal comfort or financial entitlement. Thirdly, it touches upon Inter-Church Partnership and Support, revealing a network where churches like those in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) supported Paul's ministry in other regions, enabling him to preach without charge. This mutual aid demonstrates the interconnectedness of early Christian communities and their shared commitment to the spread of the Gospel, as seen in Philippians 4:15-16.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to despoil" or "to strip." Paul uses this strong, even shocking, term hyperbolically and ironically. He is not admitting to actual theft or illicit gain, but rather emphasizing the extraordinary and seemingly "unjust" lengths he went to in order to serve the Corinthians without being a financial burden. It conveys the idea that he took what was legitimately due to him from other communities, almost as if it were a forceful acquisition, to ensure his ministry to the Corinthians remained pure and unhindered by financial considerations.
Originally referring to "rations for a soldier," and by extension, "his stipend or pay." This term highlights that what Paul received from other churches was legitimate compensation for his labor as an apostle and minister of the Gospel. It was not a gift or charity in the sense of an unearned handout, but a deserved remuneration for his dedicated service, akin to a soldier's pay for his duty.
Meaning "attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate)." This word encapsulates the essence of Paul's ministry: not a position of power or self-enrichment, but one of humble, diligent service. It underscores that all his actions, including his financial arrangements, were ultimately aimed at ministering to the Corinthians' spiritual needs and advancing the Gospel.
Verse Breakdown
"I robbed other churches"
Paul uses a startling, hyperbolic metaphor. He is not literally admitting to theft but is ironically stating that he diverted resources from other Christian communities where he had a legitimate right to receive support. This "robbing" was not an act of injustice against those churches, but a self-imposed deprivation of his rights in Corinth, made possible by the generosity of others. It underscores the extreme measures he took to serve the Corinthians without charge.
"taking wages [of them]"
This clarifies that the "robbed" involved receiving legitimate financial support ("wages") from these "other churches." Paul acknowledges that what he received was a rightful remuneration for his apostolic labor. The phrase emphasizes that he was indeed supported, but strategically chose not to be supported by the Corinthians themselves.
"to do you service"
This final clause reveals Paul's ultimate motivation and the purpose behind his unusual financial arrangement. His entire strategy, including accepting support from other churches, was solely "to do you service"—to minister to the Corinthians effectively, without any financial entanglement or accusation of greed that might hinder the Gospel's reception among them. It highlights his selfless dedication to their spiritual welfare.
Literary Devices
Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 11:8 is a masterful example of Irony and Hyperbole. The term "robbed" (Greek: syláō) is intentionally shocking and paradoxical. Paul, a champion of ethical conduct and a minister of righteousness, would never literally engage in robbery. Instead, he uses this strong language to sarcastically appropriate the accusations or implications from his opponents, turning their criticisms on their head. The Hyperbole emphasizes the extraordinary lengths to which he went to maintain his financial independence from the Corinthians, making his self-sacrifice more vivid and memorable. By dramatically overstating his action, he underscores the depth of his commitment to the Corinthian church and highlights the contrast between his selfless motives and the mercenary attitudes of the false apostles.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Paul's radical self-sacrifice in 2 Corinthians 11:8 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true ministry and Christian leadership. It demonstrates that genuine service is not driven by personal gain or entitlement, but by a consuming love for God and His people, willing to forgo even legitimate rights for the sake of the Gospel's advancement. Paul's actions underscore the principle that the purity of the message and the spiritual welfare of the flock should always take precedence over the minister's personal comfort or financial benefit. This commitment to avoiding any appearance of impropriety serves as a powerful model for all who minister, emphasizing integrity, transparency, and a focus on the spiritual fruit rather than material reward.
Reflection and Application
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 11:8 challenges believers today to examine their own motives, particularly in areas of service and financial integrity. For those in vocational ministry, it serves as a potent reminder that the call to serve is paramount, often requiring personal sacrifice and a willingness to forgo rights for the greater good of the Gospel. It encourages transparency and a posture that seeks to remove any potential stumbling block to the message of Christ. For all believers, Paul's example inspires a deeper commitment to selfless service within the church and the world. It prompts us to consider how our actions, including our financial decisions and use of resources, reflect our devotion to Christ and our desire to see His kingdom advance without hindrance. Are we willing to make sacrifices, even those that seem "costly" or "unconventional," if it means more effectively serving others and glorifying God?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did Paul literally rob other churches, or is this a figure of speech?
Paul did not literally rob other churches. His statement in 2 Corinthians 11:8 is a powerful example of irony and hyperbole. He is using exaggerated language to make a pointed rhetorical argument. Paul had a legitimate apostolic right to receive financial support for his ministry, as he argues in 1 Corinthians 9:4-14. However, he chose to forgo this right in Corinth to remove any potential accusation that he was preaching for profit, which was a common charge against false teachers of his day. By saying he "robbed" other churches, he means he accepted support from them (e.g., the Philippians, as mentioned in Philippians 4:15-16) to free himself to serve the Corinthians without burdening them financially. It emphasizes the extraordinary lengths he went to for their spiritual benefit.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Paul's radical self-sacrifice, epitomized by his willingness to "rob" other churches to serve the Corinthians freely, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's actions, though extraordinary, are but a faint echo of the Son of God's divine condescension and self-emptying. Just as Paul, though having a right to support, chose to forgo it for the sake of the Gospel, so Christ, though being in very nature God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus, the Lord of glory, "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). He "became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Paul's "robbing" of churches to provide spiritual service foreshadows Christ's ultimate "robbing" of Himself—emptying Himself of divine prerogatives—to provide the ultimate service of redemption and eternal life for humanity. His entire life and death were a selfless act of service, bearing our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24), so that we might be reconciled to God. Thus, Paul's ministry, though exemplary, points beyond itself to the perfect servant-hood and sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who is the true model for all selfless service.