2 Corinthians 11:8

KJV

I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them], to do you service.

KJV (with Strong's)

I robbed {G4813} other {G243} churches {G1577}, taking {G2983} wages {G3800} of them, to {G4314} do {G1248} you {G5216} service {G1248}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I robbed other congregations by accepting support from them in order to serve you.

Berean Standard Bible

I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.

American Standard Version

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you;

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/11-1 "2 Corinthians 11:1 - Paul's Foolish Boasting")). 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](/2_corinthians/11-8 "2 Corinthians 11:8 - Paul's Selfless Service") 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](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle")), 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](/2_corinthians/11-8 "2 Corinthians 11:8 - Paul's Selfless Service") 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](/1_corinthians/9-12 "1 Corinthians 9:12 - Paul's Refusal to Use His Right")) 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](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippian Support for Paul").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **robbed (Greek, _syláō'_):** From G4813, 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.
* **wages (Greek, _opsṓnion'_):** From G3800, 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.
* **service (Greek, _diakonía'_):** From G1248, 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](/2_corinthians/11-8 "2 Corinthians 11:8 - Paul's Selfless Service") 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](/2_corinthians/11-8 "2 Corinthians 11:8 - Paul's Selfless Service") 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.

* [1 Corinthians 9:18](/1_corinthians/9-18 "1 Corinthians 9:18 - Paul's Reward for Preaching Freely")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:9](/1_thessalonians/2-9 "1 Thessalonians 2:9 - Paul's Hard Work to Avoid Burdening")
* [Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippian Support for Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 11:8](/2_corinthians/11-8 "2 Corinthians 11:8 - Paul's Selfless Service") 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
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize personal gain or comfort over selfless service in my spiritual walk or ministry?**
* **How can I ensure that my actions and decisions, particularly those involving finances, do not become a "stumbling block" to others in their perception of the Gospel?**
* **What legitimate "rights" might I be called to forgo for the sake of advancing God's kingdom or serving others more effectively?**
* **How does Paul's example of inter-church support encourage me to think about the interconnectedness and mutual responsibility of Christian communities today?**

### FAQ

**Did Paul literally rob other churches, or is this a figure of speech?**

Answer: Paul did not literally rob other churches. His statement in [2 Corinthians 11:8](/2_corinthians/11-8 "2 Corinthians 11:8 - Paul's Selfless Service") 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](/1_corinthians/9-4-14 "1 Corinthians 9:4-14 - Paul's Right to Support"). 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](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians 4:15-16 - Philippian Support for Paul")) 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](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - The Humility of Christ")). 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](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). He "became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). 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](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")), 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.

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

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Philippians 4:14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Philippians 4:16

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].