Lesson 4851

 (Lesson 4851) (05-12-25) 2nd Corinthians 11:4-11 

   “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 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. As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul addressed the Corinthians' acceptance of false teachings. He expressed concern that they tolerated those who preached a different Jesus, spirit, or gospel than what he had originally taught. Paul stressed that he was not inferior to the so-called "super-apostles," acknowledging that he might be a bit more coarse of speech, he always presented the true gospel of Christ. He reminded them that it cost them nothing to hear his presentation of that gospel, choosing not to be a financial burden. To support this, he accepted aid from other churches, particularly from the Macedonians, to serve the Corinthians. Paul was emphatic that his actions stemmed from love and a desire to maintain integrity in his ministry. ~