Essentially Paul’s “list” has been completed now, an enumeration of some of his “hardships” serving Christ Jesus our Lord. It has been a rather long paragraph, too!
“Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?” Taken from 2nd Corinthians chapter 11, Paul’s most personal Epistle ever. I’ve reproduced only verses 22-29, for brevity and clarity purposes.
But today, our little hero adds one more thought. Discussing WHY he has felt so compelled to give us this data in the first place.
Paul next writes: “If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” 2nd Corinthians 11:30
The verb “must needs” is spelled (in Greek) “dei.” It means “necessary!” It is derived from “deo,” a verb meaning “to bind, fasten, tie up in chains!”
See it?
“No choice,” an absolutely “must-be-done” situation!
An obligation, a debt!
There had come to the Church at Corinth a group of men (calling themselves preachers and teachers of Christ) who had told everybody that … Paul was an “impostor!”
And Paul felt (for the Cause of the Gospel of Grace) he had to defend himself. To “brag” on himself a bit, on his authenticity as a true Minister!
Thus, he must “needs” glory.
And the verb “glory” (in Greek “kauchaomai”) clearly means “to boast!” And it is so translated 8 times in the King James Version of the New Testament.
It can also mean “to rejoice” in something. And is expressed this way 4 times.
So … what is Paul’s basis for so rejoicing, to boasting … about his Ministry?
“If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.”
In his “weaknesses,” exactly what “infirmities” means! “Astheneia” in Greek, suggesting a great “lack of strength!”
Paul bragging, not on his education or speaking ability or other talent … but on what he had faced (crisis after crisis) serving Jesus!
All those “things” … without quitting!
Or grumbling!
Or criticizing others!
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Once the Lord told Paul that when he (the Apostle himself) was WEAK … God would give him supernatural STRENGTH!
Jesus’ actual words to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in (your) weakness.” 2nd Corinthians 12:9