What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:31? The God and Father Paul opens by anchoring his words in the character of God. • Calling Him “God and Father” reminds us that the One who judges truth is both sovereign Creator and compassionate Parent (Romans 8:15; James 1:17). • By invoking God in this way, Paul reinforces that every claim he makes is made under the watchful eye of the One “with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). • The phrase also recalls Jesus’ own language after the resurrection: “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God” (John 20:17). It underscores shared family identity for all who believe. of the Lord Jesus Paul immediately identifies which “God and Father” he means—“of the Lord Jesus.” • “Lord” highlights Christ’s absolute authority (Philippians 2:9-11). • “Jesus” grounds that authority in the historical, incarnate Savior (John 1:14). • Connecting Father and Son affirms the unity within the Godhead and safeguards against any generic notion of deity (John 14:9-10). • For Paul, the relationship is personal: the same Father who sent His Son now validates Paul’s apostolic ministry (Acts 9:15). who is forever worthy of praise Paul breaks into doxology, reminding readers that truth about God naturally sparks worship. • “Forever” points to God’s eternal nature (Psalm 90:2). • “Worthy of praise” echoes heavenly worship scenes: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11). • By embedding worship in his defense, Paul models that even an apostolic resume must yield to adoration; theology fuels doxology (Ephesians 3:20-21). knows that I am not lying The heart of Paul’s statement: his integrity is measured before God. • Invoking divine omniscience—“knows”—places Paul’s honesty under ultimate verification (Hebrews 4:13). • Similar oaths appear elsewhere: “In what I am writing to you before God, I do not lie!” (Galatians 1:20). • This appeal counters the false apostles accusing him (2 Corinthians 11:13). His credibility rests not on human commendation but on God’s perfect knowledge (1 Thessalonians 2:5). • For believers, the principle endures: live transparently before the One who sees all (Proverbs 15:3). summary Every phrase of 2 Corinthians 11:31 stacks unshakable truths: the personal, sovereign Father; His union with the Lord Jesus; His eternal praiseworthiness; and His all-knowing witness to human integrity. Paul’s brief oath invites us to anchor our words and lives in the same holy reality—speaking and serving with confidence that the God we worship forever sees and affirms the truth. |
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