2 Corinthians 11:19-20; Ye Suffer Fools Gladly
2 Corinthians 11:19-20 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.
The Apostle Paul provided 5 distinct factual descriptions of the impact the enemies of the gospel had upon the Corinthians. He sought they would be awakened to their perils.
- Bring You Into Bondage – by their false doctrines – slavery of the law (Acts 15:10), Christ is not sufficient for salvation. [MacDonald]
- Devour You – by taking advantage of their privilege for receiving financial support, made heavy financial demands on them, not serving out of love. [Wiersbe]
- Take of You – controlling them, taking against their freedom, like a bird caught in a snare. [Wiersbe]
- Exalt Himself – exalting themselves rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Smite You – verbal, abusive attacks on the congregation as opposed to the Apostle Paul’s loving warnings and admonitions. [MacDonald]
He was asking them why they would subject themselves to such abuse. They are harmed through and through. He sought that they would free themselves from the snare of these men. Why would they choose to suffer fools gladly?
In the church’s hour of need there calls for strong leadership to meet the many needs of the afflicted flock of God. It is these times of testing that the congregation looks to their leaders for encouragement and direction.
May the Lord protect His church for His glory. Amen.