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]