Free Bible Commentary
“2 Corinthians 12:11-13”
Categories: 2 Corinthians“I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!”
---End of Scripture Verses---
The “thorn in the flesh” that Paul received to keep him from exalting himself worked really well (verse 7). In spite of all of his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ and all of his accomplishments in his service to Christ, he still understood that he was “a nobody” (verse 11). That is humility at its finest. No matter how wonderful and superb other people may consider us to be, we must be careful to be little in our own eyes (1 Samuel 15:17).
Paul was dealing with just the opposite reaction though. His brethren were looking down on him when they really SHOULD have loved him and esteemed him highly because of his excellent faith and work. But even though they treated him as inferior, he did not return the mistreatment to them (verse 13). He still loved and served and respected them with all of his heart. Another sign of humility as well as maturity in the faith.
When we think we are really something, we are actually nothing in comparison to the Lord above! When others think we are a nobody, we are really something in the eyes of our Father in heaven! Perspective, perspective, perspective!
Please read 2 Corinthians 12:14-18 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
-Louie Taylor
