2 Corinthians 11:18
Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 11:18
Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just boasting for the sake of it; he's deliberately mirroring the "boasting according to the flesh" of others to expose its emptiness. He turns their own method of self-promotion back on them, highlighting that his boasting, though seemingly similar, is rooted in his service to Christ, not his own achievements. This clever rhetorical move forces listeners to question what true boasting even looks like.
Paul is responding to false apostles who are boasting about their achievements and spiritual credentials, trying to gain authority and sway the Corinthian church. He sarcastically adopts their boasting style, setting up a comparison between his genuine apostolic authority and their deceptive claims, all to expose their manipulation and defend the true gospel. This sets the stage for him to recount his own sufferings and weaknesses, highlighting God's power revealed through them, rather than through worldly accomplishments.
Paul quotes others who boast about their achievements, their status, their human accomplishments. Sound familiar? This is the world's playbook.
Boasting According to the Flesh
Paul is kicking off a section where he has to defend himself. He's dealing with people in Corinth who are bragging – likely about their spiritual gifts, their eloquence, their connections to religious leaders, or maybe even their suffering. This is 'boasting according to the flesh.' It's about puffing yourself up based on outward appearances, human abilities, or worldly status. Think of it as scoring points in a game only the world understands.
When Paul says, 'I too will boast,' he's not joining the world's game. He's about to flip the script and show us a different way to boast.
Boasting in the Lord
Paul doesn't just stop at pointing out the 'fleshly' boasting. He declares, 'I too will boast.' But don't get it twisted! He's not about to start bragging about his own resume. Throughout the rest of this chapter, Paul's boasting is consistently reoriented towards God. He boasts about his weaknesses, his suffering for Christ, his reliance on God's power, and the amazing grace he's received. His boasting is a testament to God's work him, not his own innate abilities.
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Understand the original words
sarx · Greek Noun
The outward, human, or natural sphere of life, often contrasted with the Spirit. In this passage, it signifies the reliance on worldly status, credentials, and carnal accomplishments.
Paul is writing this letter in a highly charged atmosphere where rival 'apostles' were present in Corinth, boasting about their credentials and attacking Paul's legitimacy. His words here are a sharp, almost sarcastic, response to their arrogance.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
A significant early church council addressed issues of Gentile inclusion and adherence to Jewish law, setting precedents for future debates.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent extensive time in Corinth, establishing the church and facing opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities. This laid the groundwork for his later letters.
c. AD 55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul likely wrote his first letter to address divisions and problems within the Corinthian church, including issues of boasting and leadership.
c. AD 55-56
The 'Painful Visit' and 'Severe Letter'
Paul made a difficult visit to Corinth and wrote a severe letter (now lost) to confront serious issues and correct false apostles.
c. AD 56— this verse
Writing of 2 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter, his 'third letter' to Corinth, to follow up on the severe letter and the painful visit, addressing ongoing disputes and defending his apostolic authority.
c. AD 57
Paul's Final Visit to Corinth
Paul likely made a final visit to Corinth, during which he solidified his relationship with the church before his final journeys.
Paul himself boasts according to the flesh here, detailing his impressive credentials before showing why they are worthless compared to Christ.
1 Samuel 17:45-47David's boast is not in his own strength, but in the name of the Lord Almighty, contrasting with the boast 'according to the flesh' that Paul is addressing.
Jeremiah 9:23-24This passage echoes Paul's sentiment by warning against boasting in human strength, wisdom, or riches, redirecting true boasting to the knowledge and character of God.
Matthew 7:22-23Jesus cautions against boasting in outward deeds or prophecies, highlighting that true acceptance comes from doing God's will, not merely claiming spiritual authority.
Paul isn't just boasting for the sake of it; he's deliberately mirroring the "boasting according to the flesh" of others to expose its emptiness. He turns their own method of self-promotion back on them, highlighting that his boasting, though seemingly similar, is rooted in his service to Christ, not his own achievements. This clever rhetorical move forces listeners to question what true boasting even looks like.
Paul is responding to false apostles who are boasting about their achievements and spiritual credentials, trying to gain authority and sway the Corinthian church. He sarcastically adopts their boasting style, setting up a comparison between his genuine apostolic authority and their deceptive claims, all to expose their manipulation and defend the true gospel. This sets the stage for him to recount his own sufferings and weaknesses, highlighting God's power revealed through them, rather than through worldly accomplishments.
Paul is responding to false apostles who are boasting about their achievements and spiritual credentials, trying to gain authority and sway the Corinthian church. He sarcastically adopts their boasting style, setting up a comparison between his genuine apostolic authority and their deceptive claims, all to expose their manipulation and defend the true gospel. This sets the stage for him to recount his own sufferings and weaknesses, highlighting God's power revealed through them, rather than through worldly accomplishments.
"Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast." — Paul isn't just boasting for the sake of it; he's deliberately mirroring the "boasting according to the flesh" of others to expose its emptiness. He turns their own method of self-promotion back on t…
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