I Speak As A Fool (Paul Boast In His Trials and Care for The Church)

Again I say, don’t think that I am a fool to talk like this. But even if you do, listen to me, as you would to a foolish person, while I also boast a little. Such boasting is not from the Lord, but I am acting like a fool. And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. After all, you think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face. I’m ashamed to say that we’ve been too “weak” to do that! But whatever they dare to boast about—I’m talking like a fool again—I dare to boast about it, too. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 2 Cor 16:11-28

Following a diversion to address the issue of financial assistance and to denounce the deceitful teachers as agents of Satan, Paul circled back to the "foolish" boasting that the Corinthians had compelled him to engage in. The term "boast" appears prominently in the recent chapters, including the current one. It appears that Paul finds it quite distressing to have to justify himself. He has previously expressed his view that boasting is unwise. This self-promotion serves as a defense of his integrity. Paul's main worry was not about self-preservation; rather, the apostle understood that by spurning him in favor of the false apostles, the Corinthians would be turning away from the true gospel in favor of a counterfeit one. Thus, by asserting the authenticity of himself and his ministry, Paul was safeguarding the genuine gospel of Jesus Christ. There are some men in the church today, that are not concerned with the genuine gospel of Jesus and lend themselves lay hold to material things that are of no heavenly value.

Paul continued to minister despite facing numerous troubles, often doing so right after being physically harmed. Even in moments of weariness, such as when he was praying and singing with Silas in prison at midnight, he showed no concern for his own physical limitations. Paul remained steadfast in his ministry, learning to be content regardless of his circumstances. Beyond the physical suffering, what truly weighed on him was the constant worry for the well-being of the churches he had established. Despite enduring external hardships, it pained him deeply when those same churches turned against him. Paul's love for these churches was akin to a parent's love for their child, feeling a strong sense of responsibility towards them. This sense of duty is what prompted him to write this letter, as he was always concerned about the churches staying true to the teachings he had imparted. Although reluctant to boast, Paul recognized that if he were to boast, it would be in his weaknesses, as it highlighted God's power working through him. While some may question Paul's closeness to God due to his trials, He affirms his faithfulness to God.