2 Corinthians 11:23
“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.”
2 Corinthians 11:23 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- 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.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise): I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
- DARBYDarby
- Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as being beside myself) I above measure so; in labours exceedingly abundant, in stripes to excess, in prisons exceedingly abundant, in deaths oft.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- ministrants of Christ are they? ; as beside myself I speak ; I more; in labours more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths many times;
- BPVBiblePics Version
- Are they servants of Christ? (I speak like a madman) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes beyond measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
Context: 2 Corinthians 11
21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
23Are 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.
24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
About 2 Corinthians 11: The Suffering of Paul
Paul defends himself against false apostles and explains the sufferings he has endured for the sake of the gospel.
Commentary
2 Corinthians 11 is a chapter that speaks to the importance of Paul's authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul is defending his authority as an apostle, and he does so by comparing himself to the false apostles who were trying to undermine his authority. He points out that he has been more faithful and diligent in his service to the Lord than the false apostles, and that he has suffered more for the sake of the gospel. He also speaks of his own humility and willingness to serve, and his willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel.