THROUGH JEALOUSY OVER THE CORINTHIANS, WHO MADE MORE ACCOUNT OF THE FALSE APOSTLES THAN OF HIM, HE IS OBLIGED TO COMMEND HIMSELF AS IN MANY RESPECTS SUPERIOR. (2Co. 11:1-33) Would to God--Translate as Greek, "I would …
1¡Ojalá me toleraseis un poco de locura! Sí, toleradme.
2Porque os celo con celo de Dios; pues os he desposado con un solo esposo, para presentaros como una virgen pura a Cristo.
3Pero temo que como la serpiente con su astucia engañó a Eva, vuestros sentidos sean de alguna manera extraviados de la sincera fidelidad a Cristo.
4Porque si viene alguno predicando a otro Jesús que el que os hemos predicado, o si recibís otro espíritu que el que habéis recibido, u otro evangelio que el que habéis aceptado, bien lo toleráis;
5y pienso que en nada he sido inferior a aquellos grandes apóstoles.
6Pues aunque sea tosco en la palabra, no lo soy en el conocimiento; en todo y por todo os lo hemos demostrado.
7¿Pequé yo humillándome a mí mismo, para que vosotros fueseis enaltecidos, por cuanto os he predicado el evangelio de Dios de balde?
8He despojado a otras iglesias, recibiendo salario para serviros a vosotros.
9Y cuando estaba entre vosotros y tuve necesidad, a ninguno fui carga, pues lo que me faltaba, lo suplieron los hermanos que vinieron de Macedonia, y en todo me guardé y me guardaré de seros gravoso.
10Por la verdad de Cristo que está en mí, que no se me impedirá esta mi gloria en las regiones de Acaya.
11¿Por qué? ¿Porque no os amo? Dios lo sabe.
12Mas lo que hago, lo haré aún, para quitar la ocasión a aquellos que la desean, a fin de que en aquello en que se glorían, sean hallados semejantes a nosotros.
13Porque estos son falsos apóstoles, obreros fraudulentos, que se disfrazan como apóstoles de Cristo.
14Y no es maravilla, porque el mismo Satanás se disfraza como ángel de luz.
15Así que, no es extraño si también sus ministros se disfrazan como ministros de justicia; cuyo fin será conforme a sus obras.
16Otra vez digo: Que nadie me tenga por loco; o de otra manera, recibidme como a loco, para que yo también me gloríe un poquito.
17Lo que hablo, no lo hablo según el Señor, sino como en locura, con esta confianza de gloriarme.
18Puesto que muchos se glorían según la carne, también yo me gloriaré;
19porque de buena gana toleráis a los necios, siendo vosotros cuerdos.
20Pues toleráis si alguno os esclaviza, si alguno os devora, si alguno toma lo vuestro, si alguno se enaltece, si alguno os da de bofetadas.
21Para vergüenza mía lo digo, para eso fuimos demasiado débiles. Pero en lo que otro tenga osadía (hablo con locura), también yo tengo osadía.
22¿Son hebreos? Yo también. ¿Son israelitas? Yo también. ¿Son descendientes de Abraham? También yo.
23¿Son ministros de Cristo? (Como si estuviera loco hablo.) Yo más; en trabajos más abundante; en azotes sin número; en cárceles más; en peligros de muerte muchas veces.
24De los judíos cinco veces he recibido cuarenta azotes menos uno.
25Tres veces he sido azotado con varas; una vez apedreado; tres veces he padecido naufragio; una noche y un día he estado como náufrago en alta mar;
26en caminos muchas veces; en peligros de ríos, peligros de ladrones, peligros de los de mi nación, peligros de los gentiles, peligros en la ciudad, peligros en el desierto, peligros en el mar, peligros entre falsos hermanos;
27en trabajo y fatiga, en muchos desvelos, en hambre y sed, en muchos ayunos, en frío y en desnudez;
28y además de otras cosas, lo que sobre mí se agolpa cada día, la preocupación por todas las iglesias.
29¿Quién enferma, y yo no enfermo? ¿A quién se le hace tropezar, y yo no me indigno?
30Si es necesario gloriarse, me gloriaré en lo que es de mi debilidad.
31El Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, quien es bendito por los siglos, sabe que no miento.
32En Damasco, el gobernador de la provincia del rey Aretas guardaba la ciudad de los damascenos para prenderme;
33y fui descolgado del muro en un canasto por una ventana, y escapé de sus manos.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. For I am jealous--The justification of his self-commendations lies in his zealous care lest they …
For I am jealous--The justification of his self-commendations lies in his zealous care lest they should fall from Christ, to whom he, as "the friend of the Bridegroom" (Joh 3:29), has espoused them; in order to lead them back from the false apostles to Christ, he is obliged to boast as an apostle of Christ, in a way which, but for the motive, would be "folly."
godly jealousy--literally, "jealousy of God" (compare Co2 1:12, "godly sincerity," literally, "sincerity of God"). "If I am immoderate, I am immoderate to God" [BENGEL]. A jealousy which has God's honor at heart (Kg1 19:10).
I . . . espoused you--Paul uses a Greek term applied properly to the bridegroom, just as he ascribes to himself "jealousy," a feeling properly belonging to the husband; so entirely does he identify himself with Christ.
present you as a chaste virgin to Christ--at His coming, when the heavenly marriage shall take place (Mat 25:6; Rev 19:7, Rev 19:9). What Paul here says he desires to do, namely, "present" the Church as "a chaste virgin" to Christ, Christ Himself is said to do in the fuller sense. Whatever ministers do effectively, is really done by Christ (Eph 5:27-32). The espousals are going on now. He does not say "chaste virgins"; for not individual members, but the whole body of believers conjointly constitute the Bride.
II
Versículo 3
II. I fear-- (Co2 12:20); not inconsistent with love. His source of fear was their yielding character.
I fear-- (Co2 12:20); not inconsistent with love. His source of fear was their yielding character.
subtilty--the utter foe of the "simplicity" which is intent on ONE object, Jesus, and seeks none "other," and no "other" and different Spirit (Co2 11:4); but loves him with tender SINGLENESS OF AFFECTION. Where Eve first gave way, was in mentally harboring for a moment the possibility insinuated by the serpent, of GOD not having her truest interests at heart, and of this "other" professing friend being more concerned for her than God.
corrupted--so as to lose their virgin purity through seducers (Co2 11:4). The same Greek stands for "minds" as for "thoughts" (Co2 10:5, also see on Co2 10:5); intents of the will, or mind. The oldest manuscripts after "simplicity," add, "and the purity" or "chastity."
in Christ--rather, "that is towards Christ."
III
Versículo 4
III. if, &c.--which in fact is impossible. However, if it were possible, ye might then bear with them …
if, &c.--which in fact is impossible. However, if it were possible, ye might then bear with them (see on Co2 11:1). But there can be no new Gospel; there is but the one which I first preached; therefore it ought not to be "borne" by you, that the false teachers should attempt to supersede me.
he that cometh--the high-sounding title assumed by the false teachers, who arrogated Christ's own peculiar title (Greek, Mat 11:3, and Heb 10:37), "He that is coming." Perhaps he was leader of the party which assumed peculiarly to be "Christ's" (Co2 10:7; Co1 1:12); hence his assumption of the title.
preacheth . . . receive--is preaching . . . ye are receiving.
Jesus--the "Jesus" of Gospel history. He therefore does not say "Christ," which refers to the office.
another . . . another--Greek, "another Jesus . . . a different Spirit . . . a different Gospel." Another implies a distinct individual of the same kind; different implies one quite distinct in kind.
which ye have not received--from us.
spirit . . . received . . . gospel . . . accepted--The will of man is passive in RECEIVING the "Spirit"; but it is actively concurrent with the will of God (which goes before to give the good will) in ACCEPTING the "Gospel."
ye might well bear with him--There would be an excuse for your conduct, though a bad one (for ye ought to give heed to no Gospel other than what ye have already heard from me, Gal 1:6-7); but the false teachers do not even pretend they have "another Jesus" and a "different Gospel" to bring before you; they merely try to supplant me, your accredited Teacher. Yet ye not only "bear with" them, but prefer them.
IV
Versículo 5
IV. For--My claim is superior to that of the false teachers, "For," &c.
For--My claim is superior to that of the false teachers, "For," &c.
I suppose--I reckon [ALFORD].
I was not--Greek, "That I have not been, and am not."
the very chiefest apostles--James, Peter, and John, the witnesses of Christ's transfiguration and agony in Gethsemane. Rather, "those overmuch apostles," those surpassers of the apostles in their own esteem. This sense is proved by the fact that the context contains no comparison between him and the apostles, but only between him and the false teachers; Co2 11:6 also alludes to these, and not to the apostles; compare also the parallel phrase, "false apostles" (see on Co2 11:13 and Co2 12:11) [ALFORD].
V
Versículo 6
V. rude--Greek, "a common man"; a "laic"; not rhetorically trained; unskilled in finish of diction. …
rude--Greek, "a common man"; a "laic"; not rhetorically trained; unskilled in finish of diction. Co1 2:1-4, Co1 2:13; Co2 10:10-11, shows his words were not without weight, though his "speech" was deficient in oratorical artifice. "Yet I am not so in my knowledge" (Co2 12:1-5; Eph 3:1-5).
have been . . . made manifest--Read with the oldest manuscripts, "We have made things (Gospel truths) manifest," thus showing our "knowledge." English Version would mean, I leave it to yourselves to decide whether I be rude in speech . . . : for we have been thoroughly (literally, "in everything") made manifest among you (literally, "in respect to you"; "in relation to you"). He had not by reserve kept back his "knowledge" in divine mysteries from them (Co2 2:17; Co2 4:2; Act 20:20, Act 20:27).
in all things--The Greek rather favors the translation, "among all men"; the sense then is, we have manifested the whole truth among all men with a view to your benefit [ALFORD]. But the Greek in Phi 4:12, "In each thing and in all things," sanctions English Version, which gives a clearer sense.
VI
Versículo 7
VI. Have I--literally, "OR have I?" Connected with Co2 11:6, "Or will any of you make it an objection…
Have I--literally, "OR have I?" Connected with Co2 11:6, "Or will any of you make it an objection that I have preached to you gratuitously?" He leaves their good feeling to give the answer, that this, so far from being an objection, was a decided superiority in him above the false apostles (Co1 9:6-15).
abasing myself--in my mode of living, waiving my right of maintenance, and earning it by manual labor; perhaps with slaves as his fellow laborers (Act 18:3; Phi 4:12).
ye . . . exalted--spiritually, by your admission to Gospel privileges.
because--"in that."
gospel of God--"of God" implies its divine glory to which they were admitted.
freely--"without charge."
VII
Versículo 8
VII. I robbed--that is, took from them in order to spare you more than what was their fair share of co…
I robbed--that is, took from them in order to spare you more than what was their fair share of contribution to my maintenance, for example, the Philippian Church (Phi 4:15-16).
wages--"subsidy."
to do you service--Greek, "with a view to ministration to you"; compare "supplied" (Greek, "in addition"), Co2 11:9, implying, he brought with him from the Macedonians, supplies towards his maintenance at Corinth; and (Co2 11:9) when those resources failed ("when I wanted") he received a new supply, while there, from the same source.
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. wanted--"was in want."
wanted--"was in want."
chargeable--Greek, "burdensome," literally, "to torpify," and so to oppress. JEROME says it is a Cilician word (Co2 12:14, Co2 12:16).
the brethren which came--rather, as Greek, "the brethren when they came." Perhaps Timotheus and Silas (Act 8:1, Act 8:5). Compare Phi 4:15-16, which refers to donations received from the Philippians (who were in Macedonia) at two distinct periods ("once and again"), one at Thessalonica, the other after his departure from Macedonia, that is, when he came into Achaia to Corinth (from the church in which city he would receive no help); and this "in the beginning of the Gospel," that is, at its first preaching in these parts. Thus all three, the two Epistles and history, mutually, and no doubt undesignedly, coincide; a sure test of genuineness.
supplied--Greek, "supplied in addition," namely, in addition to their former contributions; or as BENGEL, in addition to the supply obtained by my own manual labor.
IX
Versículo 10
IX. Greek, "There is (the) truth of Christ in me that," &c. (Rom 9:1).
Greek, "There is (the) truth of Christ in me that," &c. (Rom 9:1).
no man shall stop me of--The oldest manuscripts read, "This boasting shall not be shut (that is, stopped) as regards me." "Boasting is as it were personified . . . shall not have its mouth stopped as regards me" [ALFORD].
X
Versículo 11
X. Love is often offended at its favors being not accepted, as though the party to whom they are off…
Love is often offended at its favors being not accepted, as though the party to whom they are offered wished to be under no obligation to the offerer.
XI
Versículo 12
XI. I will do--I will continue to decline help.
I will do--I will continue to decline help.
occasion--Greek, "the occasion," namely, of misrepresenting my motives, which would be afforded to my detractors, if I accepted help.
that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we--BENGEL joins this clause with "the occasion," namely, of glorying or boasting; the occasion "that they may be found (a point wherein they glory) even as we," that is, quite as disinterested, or virtually, quite as gain-seeking and self-seeking. It cannot mean that the false teachers taught gratuitously even as Paul (compare Co2 11:20; Co1 9:12). ALFORD less clearly explains by reference to Co2 11:18, &c., where the "glorying" here is taken up and described as "glorying after the flesh"; thus it means, that in the matters of which they beast they may be found even as we, that is, we may been a fair and equal footing; that there may be no adventitious comparisons made between us, arising out of misrepresentations of my course of procedure, but that in every matter of boasting we may be fairly compared and judged by facts; FOR (Co2 11:13) realities they have none, no weapons but misrepresentation, being false apostles.
XII
Versículo 13
XII. For--reason why he is unwilling they should be thought like him [BENGEL].
For--reason why he is unwilling they should be thought like him [BENGEL].
such--they and those like them.
false apostles--those "overmuch apostles" (see on Co2 11:5) are no apostles at all.
deceitful workers--pretending to be "workmen" for the Lord, and really seeking their own gain.
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. is transformed--rather, "transforms himself" (compare Job 1:6); habitually; the first occasion of…
is transformed--rather, "transforms himself" (compare Job 1:6); habitually; the first occasion of his doing so was in tempting Eve. "Himself" is emphatical: If their master himself, who is the "prince of darkness," the most alien to light, does so, it is less marvellous in the case of them who are his servants (Luk 22:54; Eph 6:12).
XIV
Versículo 15
XIV. no great thing--no difficult matter.
no great thing--no difficult matter.
if his ministers also--as well as himself.
righteousness--answering to "light" (Co2 11:14); the manifestation wherewith God reveals Himself in Christ (Mat 6:33; Rom 1:17).
end--The test of things is the end which strips off every specious form into which Satan's agents may now "transform" themselves (compare Phi 3:19, Phi 3:21).
according to their works--not according to their pretensions.
XV
Versículo 16
XV. I say again--again taking up from Co2 11:1 the anticipatory apology for his boasting.
I say again--again taking up from Co2 11:1 the anticipatory apology for his boasting.
if otherwise--but if ye will not grant this; if ye will think me a fool.
yet as a fool--"yet even as a fool receive me"; grant me the indulgent hearing conceded even to one suspected of folly. The Greek denotes one who does not rightly use his mental powers; not having the idea of blame necessarily attached to it; one deceived by foolish vanities, yet boasting himself [TITTMANN], (Co2 11:17, Co2 11:19).
that I--The oldest manuscripts read, "that I, too," namely, as well as they, may boast myself.
16
Versículo 17
16. not after the Lord--By inspired guidance he excepts this "glorying" or "boasting" from the inspir…
not after the Lord--By inspired guidance he excepts this "glorying" or "boasting" from the inspired authoritativeness which belongs to all else that he wrote; even this boasting, though undesirable in itself, was permitted by the Spirit, taking into account its aim, namely, to draw off the Corinthians from their false teachers to the apostle. Therefore this passage gives no proof that any portion of Scripture is uninspired. It merely guards against his boasting being made a justification of boasting in general, which is not ordinarily "after the Lord," that is, consistent with Christian humility.
foolishly--Greek, "in foolishness."
confidence of boasting-- (Co2 9:4).
17
Versículo 18
17. many--including the "false teachers."
many--including the "false teachers."
after the flesh--as fleshly men are wont to boast, namely, of external advantages, as their birth, doings, &c. (compare Co2 11:22).
I will glory also--that is, I also will boast of such fleshly advantages, to show you that even in these I am not their inferiors, and therefore ought not to be supplanted by them in your esteem; though these are not what I desire to glory in (Co2 10:17).
18
Versículo 19
18. gladly--willingly. Irony. A plea why they should "bear with" (Co2 11:1) him in his folly, that is…
gladly--willingly. Irony. A plea why they should "bear with" (Co2 11:1) him in his folly, that is, boasting; ye are, in sooth, so "wise" (Co1 4:8, Co1 4:10; Paul's real view of their wisdom was very different, Co1 3:1-4) yourselves that ye can "bear with" the folly of others more complacently. Not only can ye do so, but ye are actually doing this and more.
19
Versículo 20
19. For--Ye may well "bear with" fools; for ye even "bear with" oppressors. Translate, "Ye bear with …
For--Ye may well "bear with" fools; for ye even "bear with" oppressors. Translate, "Ye bear with them."
a man--as the false apostles do.
bring you into bondage--to himself. Translate "brings," not "bring"; for the case is not merely a supposed case, but a case actually then occurring. Also "devours" (namely, by exactions, Mat 23:24; Psa 53:4), "takes," "exalts," "smites."
take of you--So the Greek for "take" is used for "take away from" (Rev 6:4). ALFORD translates, as in Co2 12:16, "catches you."
exalt himself--under the pretext of apostolic dignity.
smite you on the face--under the pretext of divine zeal. The height of insolence on their part, and of servile endurance on yours (Kg1 22:24; Neh 13:25; Luk 22:64; Act 23:2; Ti1 3:3).
20
Versículo 21
20. as concerning reproach--rather, "by way of dishonor (that is, self-disparagement) I say it."
as concerning reproach--rather, "by way of dishonor (that is, self-disparagement) I say it."
as though we . . . weak--in not similarly (Co2 11:20) showing our power over you. "An ironical reminiscence of his own abstinence when among them from all these acts of self-exaltation at their expense" (as if such abstinence was weakness) [ALFORD]. The "we" is emphatically contrasted with the false teachers who so oppressively displayed their power. I speak so as though WE had been weak when with you, because we did not show our power this way. Howbeit (we are not really weak; for), whereinsoever any is bold . . . I am bold also.
21
Versículo 22
21. Hebrews . . . Israelites . . . the seed of Abraham--A climax. "Hebrews," referring to the languag…
Hebrews . . . Israelites . . . the seed of Abraham--A climax. "Hebrews," referring to the language and nationality; "Israelites," to the theocracy and descent from Israel, the "prince who prevailed with God" (Rom 9:4); "the seed of Abraham," to the claim to a share in the Messiah (Rom 11:1; Rom 9:7). Compare Phi 3:5, "An Hebrew of the Hebrews," not an Hellenist or Greek-speaking Jew, but a Hebrew in tongue, and sprung from Hebrews.
22
Versículo 23
22. I speak as a fool--rather, as Greek, "I speak as if beside myself"; stronger than "as a fool."
I speak as a fool--rather, as Greek, "I speak as if beside myself"; stronger than "as a fool."
I am more--namely, in respect to the credentials and manifestations of my ministry, more faithful and self-denying; and richer in tokens of God's recognition of my ministry. Old authorities read the order thus, "In prisons above measures, in stripes more abundantly" (English Version, less accurately, "more frequent"). Acts 16:23-40 records one case of his imprisonment with stripes. CLEMENT OF ROME [First Epistle to the Corinthians] describes him as having suffered bonds seven times.
in death oft-- (Co2 4:10; Act 9:23; Act 13:50; Act 14:5-6, Act 14:19; Act 17:5, Act 17:13).
23
Versículo 24
23. co2 11:24Deu 25:3 ordained that not more than forty stripes should be inflicted To avoid exceedin…
co2 11:24Deu 25:3 ordained that not more than forty stripes should be inflicted To avoid exceeding this number, they gave one short of it: thirteen strokes with a treble lash [BENGEL]. This is one of those minute agreements with Jewish usage, which a forger would have not been likely to observe.
24
Versículo 25
24. The beating by Roman magistrates at Philippi (Act 16:23) is the only one recorded in Acts, which …
The beating by Roman magistrates at Philippi (Act 16:23) is the only one recorded in Acts, which does not profess to give a complete journal of his life, but only a sketch of it in connection with the design of the book, namely, to give an outline of the history of the Gospel Church from its foundation at Jerusalem, to the period of its reaching Rome, the capital of the Gentile world.
once was I stoned-- (Act 14:19).
thrice . . . shipwreck--before the shipwreck at Melita (Act 27:44). Probably in some of his voyages from Tarsus, where he stayed for some time after his conversion, and from which, as being a seafaring place, he was likely to make missionary voyages to adjoining places (Act 9:30; Act 11:25; Gal 1:21).
a night and a day . . . in the deep--probably in part swimming or in an open boat.
25
Versículo 26
25. In--rather, "By": connected with Co2 11:23, but now not with "in," as there, and as in Co2 11:27,…
In--rather, "By": connected with Co2 11:23, but now not with "in," as there, and as in Co2 11:27, where again he passes to the idea of surrounding circumstances or environments [ALFORD, ELLICOTT and others].
waters--rather, as Greek, "rivers," namely, perils by the flooding of rivers, as on the road often traversed by Paul between Jerusalem and Antioch, crossed as it is by the torrents rushing down from Lebanon. So the traveller Sport lost his life.
robbers--perhaps in his journey from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia. Pisidia was notorious for robbers; as indeed were all the mountains that divided the high land of Asia from the sea.
the heathen--Gentiles.
in the city--Damascus, Act 9:24-25; Jerusalem, Act 9:29; Ephesus, Act 19:23.
false brethren-- (Gal 2:4).
26
Versículo 27
26. fastings--voluntary, in order to kindle devotions (Act 13:2-3; Act 14:23; Co1 9:27); for they are…
fastings--voluntary, in order to kindle devotions (Act 13:2-3; Act 14:23; Co1 9:27); for they are distinguished from "hunger and thirst," which were involuntary [GROTIUS]. However, see on Co2 6:5. The context refers solely to hardships, not to self-imposed devotional mortification. "Hunger and thirst" are not synonymous with "foodlessness" (as the Greek of "fasting" means), but are its consequences.
cold . . . nakedness--"cold" resulting from "nakedness," or insufficient clothing, as the Greek often means: as "hunger and thirst" result from "foodlessness." (Compare Act 28:2; Rom 8:35). "When we remember that he who endured all this was a man constantly suffering from infirm health (Co2 4:7-12; Co2 12:7-10; Gal 4:13-14), such heroic self-devotion seems almost superhuman" [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].
27
Versículo 28
27. without--"Beside" trials falling on me externally, just recounted, there is "that which cometh up…
without--"Beside" trials falling on me externally, just recounted, there is "that which cometh upon me (literally, the impetuous concourse to me of business; properly, a crowd rising up against one again and again, and ready to bear him down), the care of all the churches" (including those not yet seen in the flesh, Col 2:1): an internal and more weighty anxiety. But the oldest manuscripts for "that which cometh," read, "the pressure": "the pressing care-taking" or "inspection that is upon me daily." ALFORD translates, "Omitting what is BESIDES"; namely, those other trials besides those recounted. But the Vulgate, ESTIUS, and BENGEL, support English Version.
the care--The Greek implies, "my anxious solicitude for all the churches."
28
Versículo 29
28. I . . . weak--in condescending sympathy with the weak (Co1 9:22). "Care generates sympathy, which…
I . . . weak--in condescending sympathy with the weak (Co1 9:22). "Care generates sympathy, which causes the minister of Christ personally to enter into the feelings of all his people, as if he stood in their position, so as to accommodate himself to all" [CALVIN].
offended--by some stumbling-block put in his way by others: the "weak" is most liable to be "offended."
I burn not--The "I" in the Greek is emphatic, which it is not in the former clause, "I am not weak." I not only enter into the feeling of the party offended, but I burn with indignation at the offender, I myself taking up his cause as my own. "Who meets with a stumbling-block and I am not disturbed even more than himself" [NEANDER].
29
Versículo 30
29. glory of . . . infirmities--A striking contrast! Glorying or boasting of what others make matter …
glory of . . . infirmities--A striking contrast! Glorying or boasting of what others make matter of shame, namely, infirmities; for instance, his humbling mode of escape in a basket (Co2 11:33). A character utterly incompatible with that of an enthusiast (compare Co2 12:5, Co2 12:9-10).
30
Versículo 31
30. This solemn asseveration refers to what follows. The persecution at Damascus was one of the first…
This solemn asseveration refers to what follows. The persecution at Damascus was one of the first and greatest, and having no human witness of it to adduce to the Corinthians, as being a fact that happened long before and was known to few, he appeals to God for its truth. Luke (Act 9:25) afterwards recorded it (compare Gal 1:20), [BENGEL]. It may ALSO refer to the revelation in Co2 12:1, standing in beautiful contrast to his humiliating escape from Damascus.
31
Versículo 32
31. governor--Greek, "Ethnarch": a Jewish officer to whom heathen rulers gave authority over Jews in …
governor--Greek, "Ethnarch": a Jewish officer to whom heathen rulers gave authority over Jews in large cities where they were numerous. He was in this case under Aretas, king of Arabia. Damascus was in a Roman province. But at this time, A.D. 38 or 39, three years after Paul's conversion, A.D. 36, Aretas, against whom the Emperor Tiberius as the ally of Herod Agrippa had sent an army under Vitellius, had got possession of Damascus on the death of the emperor, and the consequent interruption of Vitellius' operations. His possession of it was put an end to immediately after by the Romans [NEANDER]. Rather, it was granted by Caligula (A.D. 38) to Aretas, whose predecessors had possessed it. This is proved by our having no Damascus coins of Caligula or Claudius, though we do have of their immediate imperial predecessors and successors [ALFORD].
Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 12
Nuevo Testamento
2 Corinthians — Capítulo 11
THROUGH JEALOUSY OVER THE CORINTHIANS, WHO MADE MORE ACCOUNT OF THE FALSE APOSTLES THAN OF HIM, HE IS OBLIGED TO COMMEND HIMSELF AS IN MANY RESPECTS SUPERIOR. (2Co. 11:1-33) Would to God--Translate as Greek, "I would …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1¡Ojalá me toleraseis un poco de locura! Sí, toleradme.
2Porque os celo con celo de Dios; pues os he desposado con un solo esposo, para presentaros como una virgen pura a Cristo.
3Pero temo que como la serpiente con su astucia engañó a Eva, vuestros sentidos sean de alguna manera extraviados de la sincera fidelidad a Cristo.
4Porque si viene alguno predicando a otro Jesús que el que os hemos predicado, o si recibís otro espíritu que el que habéis recibido, u otro evangelio que el que habéis aceptado, bien lo toleráis;
5y pienso que en nada he sido inferior a aquellos grandes apóstoles.
6Pues aunque sea tosco en la palabra, no lo soy en el conocimiento; en todo y por todo os lo hemos demostrado.
7¿Pequé yo humillándome a mí mismo, para que vosotros fueseis enaltecidos, por cuanto os he predicado el evangelio de Dios de balde?
8He despojado a otras iglesias, recibiendo salario para serviros a vosotros.
9Y cuando estaba entre vosotros y tuve necesidad, a ninguno fui carga, pues lo que me faltaba, lo suplieron los hermanos que vinieron de Macedonia, y en todo me guardé y me guardaré de seros gravoso.
10Por la verdad de Cristo que está en mí, que no se me impedirá esta mi gloria en las regiones de Acaya.
11¿Por qué? ¿Porque no os amo? Dios lo sabe.
12Mas lo que hago, lo haré aún, para quitar la ocasión a aquellos que la desean, a fin de que en aquello en que se glorían, sean hallados semejantes a nosotros.
13Porque estos son falsos apóstoles, obreros fraudulentos, que se disfrazan como apóstoles de Cristo.
14Y no es maravilla, porque el mismo Satanás se disfraza como ángel de luz.
15Así que, no es extraño si también sus ministros se disfrazan como ministros de justicia; cuyo fin será conforme a sus obras.
16Otra vez digo: Que nadie me tenga por loco; o de otra manera, recibidme como a loco, para que yo también me gloríe un poquito.
17Lo que hablo, no lo hablo según el Señor, sino como en locura, con esta confianza de gloriarme.
18Puesto que muchos se glorían según la carne, también yo me gloriaré;
19porque de buena gana toleráis a los necios, siendo vosotros cuerdos.
20Pues toleráis si alguno os esclaviza, si alguno os devora, si alguno toma lo vuestro, si alguno se enaltece, si alguno os da de bofetadas.
21Para vergüenza mía lo digo, para eso fuimos demasiado débiles. Pero en lo que otro tenga osadía (hablo con locura), también yo tengo osadía.
22¿Son hebreos? Yo también. ¿Son israelitas? Yo también. ¿Son descendientes de Abraham? También yo.
23¿Son ministros de Cristo? (Como si estuviera loco hablo.) Yo más; en trabajos más abundante; en azotes sin número; en cárceles más; en peligros de muerte muchas veces.
24De los judíos cinco veces he recibido cuarenta azotes menos uno.
25Tres veces he sido azotado con varas; una vez apedreado; tres veces he padecido naufragio; una noche y un día he estado como náufrago en alta mar;
26en caminos muchas veces; en peligros de ríos, peligros de ladrones, peligros de los de mi nación, peligros de los gentiles, peligros en la ciudad, peligros en el desierto, peligros en el mar, peligros entre falsos hermanos;
27en trabajo y fatiga, en muchos desvelos, en hambre y sed, en muchos ayunos, en frío y en desnudez;
28y además de otras cosas, lo que sobre mí se agolpa cada día, la preocupación por todas las iglesias.
29¿Quién enferma, y yo no enfermo? ¿A quién se le hace tropezar, y yo no me indigno?
30Si es necesario gloriarse, me gloriaré en lo que es de mi debilidad.
31El Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, quien es bendito por los siglos, sabe que no miento.
32En Damasco, el gobernador de la provincia del rey Aretas guardaba la ciudad de los damascenos para prenderme;
33y fui descolgado del muro en un canasto por una ventana, y escapé de sus manos.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. For I am jealous--The justification of his self-commendations lies in his zealous care lest they …
Versículo 3
II. I fear-- (Co2 12:20); not inconsistent with love. His source of fear was their yielding character.
Versículo 4
III. if, &c.--which in fact is impossible. However, if it were possible, ye might then bear with them …
Versículo 5
IV. For--My claim is superior to that of the false teachers, "For," &c.
Versículo 6
V. rude--Greek, "a common man"; a "laic"; not rhetorically trained; unskilled in finish of diction. …
Versículo 7
VI. Have I--literally, "OR have I?" Connected with Co2 11:6, "Or will any of you make it an objection…
Versículo 8
VII. I robbed--that is, took from them in order to spare you more than what was their fair share of co…
Versículo 9
VIII. wanted--"was in want."
Versículo 10
IX. Greek, "There is (the) truth of Christ in me that," &c. (Rom 9:1).
Versículo 11
X. Love is often offended at its favors being not accepted, as though the party to whom they are off…
Versículo 12
XI. I will do--I will continue to decline help.
Versículo 13
XII. For--reason why he is unwilling they should be thought like him [BENGEL].
Versículo 14
XIII. is transformed--rather, "transforms himself" (compare Job 1:6); habitually; the first occasion of…
Versículo 15
XIV. no great thing--no difficult matter.
Versículo 16
XV. I say again--again taking up from Co2 11:1 the anticipatory apology for his boasting.
Versículo 17
16. not after the Lord--By inspired guidance he excepts this "glorying" or "boasting" from the inspir…
Versículo 18
17. many--including the "false teachers."
Versículo 19
18. gladly--willingly. Irony. A plea why they should "bear with" (Co2 11:1) him in his folly, that is…
Versículo 20
19. For--Ye may well "bear with" fools; for ye even "bear with" oppressors. Translate, "Ye bear with …
Versículo 21
20. as concerning reproach--rather, "by way of dishonor (that is, self-disparagement) I say it."
Versículo 22
21. Hebrews . . . Israelites . . . the seed of Abraham--A climax. "Hebrews," referring to the languag…
Versículo 23
22. I speak as a fool--rather, as Greek, "I speak as if beside myself"; stronger than "as a fool."
Versículo 24
23. co2 11:24Deu 25:3 ordained that not more than forty stripes should be inflicted To avoid exceedin…
Versículo 25
24. The beating by Roman magistrates at Philippi (Act 16:23) is the only one recorded in Acts, which …
Versículo 26
25. In--rather, "By": connected with Co2 11:23, but now not with "in," as there, and as in Co2 11:27,…
Versículo 27
26. fastings--voluntary, in order to kindle devotions (Act 13:2-3; Act 14:23; Co1 9:27); for they are…
Versículo 28
27. without--"Beside" trials falling on me externally, just recounted, there is "that which cometh up…
Versículo 29
28. I . . . weak--in condescending sympathy with the weak (Co1 9:22). "Care generates sympathy, which…
Versículo 30
29. glory of . . . infirmities--A striking contrast! Glorying or boasting of what others make matter …
Versículo 31
30. This solemn asseveration refers to what follows. The persecution at Damascus was one of the first…
Versículo 32
31. governor--Greek, "Ethnarch": a Jewish officer to whom heathen rulers gave authority over Jews in …