Concerning Reproach 2 Corinthians 11:21

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “For you suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-one of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members,“I speak concerning reproach” where we read:

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.

Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

The verse begins, “I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. ...” Paul began with the words, “I speak” which means “Paul uttered, proclaimed and declared” “as concerning” or “down from, through out and according to” “reproach” or “dishonor, ignominy and disgrace ”, “as though” which means “like, because and since” “we had been weak” which refers to “Paul and his companions being feeble, without strength and powerless”. Paul referred to the way he and his companions were “dishonored” and “powerless”.

The verse goes on to say, “Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.” Paul added the word, “Howbeit” which means “nevertheless, moreover and” “whereinsoever” or “in that which” “any” which means “certain ones” “is bold” or “”, “(I speak” or “Paul utters, declares and proclaims” “foolishly” in a “senselessly, folly, thoughtlessly and recklessly”), “I am bold also” which means “Paul was without dread or shun through fear”. Paul allowed himself to speak in a “fearless, senseless and reckless” manner.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he permitted himself to “speak foolishly” like the “false apostles” and “deceitful workers” who were among them. Those who were “false” would “boast” and “glory” in themselves, and Paul was prepared to do so “senselessly” and in a “bold” manner. Jesus Christ is the only person worthy of “glory”, and if a person has anything, they owe it all to Him. Paul allowed himself to begin a list of traits and accomplishments that shall be seen in the next few verses, and as he enumerates them, may all who read his words “concerning reproach” be challenged by the Lord's provision for him.

Next time Paul asks the church members, “Are they Hebrews? So am I”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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