2 Corinthians 11:1; Indeed Bear With Me

2 Corinthians 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.

The Apostle Paul asked that the church in Corinth will bear with him as he took the unenviable task of authenticating his ministry so that they may not be hoodwinked by the false apostles that has crept into the church. He was not blowing his own trumpet but affirming the truth that his teachings were from Christ!

Martin Luther, the 16th century Reformer understood and explained well the Apostle Paul’s rationale for magnifying his office as an apostle of Jesus Christ when he said in his commentary to the Galatians, “Every minister should make much of his calling and impress upon others the fact that he has been delegated by God to preach the Gospel. As the ambassador of a government is honored for his office and not for his private person, so the minister of Christ should exalt his office in order to gain authority among men. This is not vain glory, but needful glorying. Paul takes pride in his ministry, not to his own praise but to the praise of God. Writing to the Romans, he declares, “Inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office,” i.e., I want to be received not as Paul of Tarsus, but as Paul the apostle and ambassador of Jesus Christ, in order that people might be more eager to hear. Paul exalts his ministry out of the desire to make known the name, the grace, and the mercy of God.”

He sought their understanding as he defended his ministry so that they will affirm in their hearts the Word of God that he has imparted to them. He was not being long-winded, he says, “indeed bear with me”.  It is interesting to observe how Job had to defend his integrity before his friends but before God, he dare not speak of any merits. He understood that his clarification with his friends will being honour to God’s Name because he was a true follower of God.

Martin Luther further explained, “We exalt our calling, not to gain glory among men, or money, or satisfaction, or favour, but because people need to be assured that the words we speak are the words of God. This is no sinful pride. It is holy pride.”

There is a place for the believer to testify of the faith that he has in Christ in the sight of men. May the Lord grant him boldness to honour His Name. Amen.