I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
Parallel translations
- WEB I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.
- BSB I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
- NKJV I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
- NASB I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was in no respect inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.
- NLT You have made me act like a fool. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul says the Corinthians forced him into foolish boasting; they should have commended him, for he is in no way inferior to the 'super-apostles,' though he is nothing in himself. It matters because his worth rests on Christ, not self-estimation.
Overview
Paul ends the fool's speech by laying the blame for it on the Corinthians' failure to defend him. He affirms his apostolic equality with the most esteemed leaders while immediately confessing, 'though I am nothing.' This blend of confidence and humility shows that whatever he is, he is only by the grace of God.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- 2 Cor 11:5For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
- 1 Cor 15:8–10And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
- 2 Cor 11:1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
- Eph 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
- 2 Cor 12:6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
- 1 Cor 3:4–7For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
- 1 Cor 3:22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
- Gal 2:6–14But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
- 2 Cor 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
- 2 Cor 11:16–17I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.
- 2 Cor 1:6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
- Luke 17:10So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
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In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 12:11 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
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