How does 2 Corinthians 10:17 connect with Jeremiah 9:23-24? Setting the Scene • 2 Corinthians 10:17: “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” • Paul is echoing Jeremiah 9:23-24 almost word-for-word, rooting his apostolic defense in a truth God declared centuries earlier. The Original Voice: Jeremiah 9:23-24 • Jeremiah speaks to Judah’s misplaced confidence—wisdom, strength, riches. • God redirects the spotlight: true boasting centers on knowing Him—His “loving devotion, justice, and righteousness.” • Key idea: Celebrate the Giver, not the gifts. Paul’s Immediate Context • Critics in Corinth measured Paul by outward impressiveness (vv. 10-12). • Paul refuses self-promotion; he lifts the Lord instead. • By quoting Jeremiah, he grounds his approach in God’s timeless priority: God alone deserves the glory. Shared Themes That Tie the Passages Together 1. Exclusivity of Rightful Boasting – Jeremiah: “Let not… but let him who boasts boast in this.” – Paul: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 2. Object of Glory – Jeremiah: Knowing the LORD’s character. – Paul: The Lord Himself, revealed in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). 3. Rebuke of Human Self-Reliance – Wisdom, might, riches vs. wisdom-of-God foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:25). – Corinthian eloquence, letters of recommendation (3:1) vs. Spirit-written hearts (3:3). Supporting Cross-References • 1 Corinthians 1:31—Paul quotes Jeremiah again to contrast God’s wisdom and human pride. • Psalm 34:2—“My soul will boast in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.” • Galatians 6:14—“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Ephesians 2:8-9—Salvation is “not by works, so that no one may boast.” Practical Takeaways • Evaluate our trophies—career, intellect, influence—and lay them at Christ’s feet. • Shift conversations from “what I’ve done” to “what God has done in me.” • Measure ministry success by faithfulness and obedience, not by numbers or applause. • Cultivate delight in God’s attributes—steadfast love, justice, righteousness—as Jeremiah urges. Living the Connection Instead of polishing personal résumés, both Jeremiah and Paul invite us to a single anthem: “Look at the Lord!” When hearts echo that refrain, boasting turns into worship, and every achievement becomes another reason to magnify Him who deserves all glory. |
    |