2 Corinthians 11:8

Context

In 2 Corinthians 11:8, the Apostle Paul is passionately defending his apostolic ministry against the accusations of "false apostles" who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These false teachers often boasted of their spiritual prowess and demanded financial support, implicitly or explicitly criticizing Paul for not doing the same. Paul, in a moment of sharp irony and rhetorical hyperbole, declares, "I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them], to do you service." This statement is part of a larger section where Paul contrasts his genuine, self-sacrificing service with the mercenary motives of his opponents, emphasizing his commitment to preach the Gospel without being a financial burden to the Corinthians. His refusal to accept support from them was a deliberate strategy to remove any potential stumbling block and demonstrate the purity of his motives.

Key Themes

• Apostolic Sacrifice and Selflessness: Paul's primary motivation was the advancement of the Gospel and the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians, even at personal cost. His willingness to receive support from elsewhere, or even to work with his own hands, highlighted his dedication (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
• Financial Integrity in Ministry: Paul consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and avoiding any appearance of greed or exploitation. He wanted to ensure that his ministry was above reproach, distinguishing himself from those who preached for profit.
• Inter-Church Support: The verse implicitly reveals a network of mutual support among early Christian communities. While Paul did not burden the Corinthians, he did receive aid from other churches, such as the Philippians (Philippians 4:15), enabling him to minister freely in Corinth.
• Rhetorical Irony: Paul's use of "robbed" is a powerful rhetorical device. He is not literally admitting to theft but rather hyperbolically stating that he diverted resources from other communities, where he had a legitimate right to receive support, in order to serve the Corinthians without charge.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "robbed" is esylēsa (ἐσύλησα), which means "to plunder," "to strip," or "to despoil." Paul uses this strong, even shocking, term ironically to emphasize the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to serve the Corinthians without being a financial burden to them. It underscores the idea that he took what was due to him from other places, almost as if it were a forceful acquisition, to ensure his ministry to the Corinthians remained pure and unhindered by financial considerations. The term "wages" (ὀψώνιον - opsōnion) originally referred to a soldier's rations or pay, and by extension, any income or salary. Paul acknowledges that what he received was legitimate compensation for his labor, but he chose to receive it from others for the Corinthians' benefit.

Practical Application

This verse offers several important lessons for Christians today:

• Ministers' Motives: It challenges those in ministry to examine their motives, ensuring that service is driven by love for God and people, not by personal gain or financial enrichment. The example of Paul highlights the importance of financial transparency and integrity.
• Congregational Support: While Paul declined support from the Corinthians for strategic reasons, the broader biblical principle is that those who preach the Gospel should be supported by those they serve (1 Corinthians 9:14). However, ministers may, like Paul, choose to forgo this right for the sake of the Gospel or to avoid being a stumbling block.
• Sacrifice for the Gospel: Paul's actions exemplify a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel's advancement and the spiritual growth of others. This principle applies to all believers, encouraging us to consider how our actions and choices can best serve God's kingdom and avoid hindering the message.