What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:6? Although I am not a polished speaker Paul freely admits that his public speaking lacks the smooth rhetoric prized by the Corinthian culture (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:10). Yet, in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 he had already reminded them that God’s power rests not on eloquence but on “the demonstration of the Spirit.” • This humility mirrors Moses’ confession of slow speech in Exodus 4:10-11, showing that God often chooses unpolished vessels so the spotlight stays on Him. • Acts 4:13 notes that the Sanhedrin viewed Peter and John as “unschooled,” yet they spoke with boldness because they had been with Jesus. • By admitting his rhetorical shortcomings, Paul exposes the worldly mindset of the “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5), who dazzled with style but distorted truth. I am certainly not lacking in knowledge While Paul downplays his oratory, he firmly asserts his God-given insight. Galatians 1:11-12 explains that his gospel came “through a revelation of Jesus Christ,” not human instruction. • 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 shows that the Spirit imparts spiritual truths, granting Paul deep understanding others could not manufacture. • Peter even classifies Paul’s writings with “the rest of the Scriptures” in 2 Peter 3:15-16, a clear affirmation of inspired knowledge. • This knowledge encompasses: – The mysteries of Christ revealed (Ephesians 3:3-4) – Sound doctrine for the churches (1 Timothy 2:7) – Discernment to expose false teaching (2 Corinthians 11:1-3) Thus, the Corinthians must judge Paul’s ministry by the substance of gospel truth, not by flashy delivery. We have made this clear to you in every way possible Paul points to a track record the Corinthians have already witnessed. His life, teaching, and sacrificial service formed a transparent witness (2 Corinthians 1:12; 4:2). • Acts 20:20, 27 recounts how he “did not shrink” from declaring the whole counsel of God. • Signs of an apostle—“great perseverance in signs, wonders, and miracles” (2 Corinthians 12:12)—confirmed his message. • Consistency and integrity, underscored in 1 Thessalonians 2:10, gave flesh to his words. In short, every avenue—preaching, living, suffering, and miraculous attestation—proved his authenticity beyond dispute. summary 2 Corinthians 11:6 contrasts surface polish with substantive, Spirit-given knowledge. Paul’s plain speech highlights divine power rather than human performance; his revealed understanding anchors believers in truth; and his transparent ministry demonstrates that the gospel’s credibility rests on God’s work, not rhetorical flair. The verse calls us to value biblical truth and authentic living over the allure of eloquence or outward show. |
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