How does 2 Corinthians 11:7 demonstrate Paul's humility in spreading the Gospel? The Verse at the Center 2 Corinthians 11:7 – “Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?” Why This Choice Showcases Humility • “Humble myself” – Paul lowered his own status, declining normal apostolic support (1 Corinthians 9:4–6). • “To exalt you” – his sacrifice aimed at their spiritual gain, not personal recognition. • “Free of charge” – he refused payment so no one could confuse grace with fees (Isaiah 55:1; Romans 3:24). How Paul Practiced That Humility • Tentmaking in Corinth (Acts 18:3) – manual labor the culture considered menial. • Supplemented by Macedonian gifts, not Corinthians, so he stayed burden-free (2 Corinthians 11:9). • Repeated pattern everywhere: “We worked night and day… so as not to be a burden” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Motives Behind His Decision 1. Protect the gospel from accusations of profiteering (1 Corinthians 9:12). 2. Distinguish himself from “super-apostles” who trafficked in prestige (2 Corinthians 11:12–13). 3. Model Christ’s self-emptying love (2 Corinthians 8:9; Philippians 2:5-8). 4. Remove every obstacle so hearers focused on Christ alone (2 Corinthians 6:3). Contrast With the False Apostles • They demanded honor and money; Paul waived both (2 Corinthians 11:20). • They preached themselves; Paul preached Christ Jesus as Lord, himself a servant for His sake (2 Corinthians 4:5). Gospel Echoes of Humility • Jesus “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). • The cross itself is the ultimate “free of charge” offer; Paul’s method mirrored that message (Ephesians 2:8–9). Practical Takeaways for Today • Rights may be surrendered when they hinder others’ view of Christ. • Financial transparency and integrity safeguard gospel credibility. • True ministry lifts others up, content to stay in the background. Summary By working without pay and lowering his own status, Paul dramatized the very gospel he proclaimed—salvation freely offered through a Savior who humbled Himself first. |
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