2 Corinthians 11:21-33 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. However, when ever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.… I. HIS MANLY AVOWAL OF HIS DISTINGUISHED ADVANTAGES. 1. His superior character (ver. 21). 2. His superior ancestry (ver. 22). 3. His superior apostleship (ver. 23). II. HIS HISTORIC SKETCH OF HIS EXTRAORDINARY TRIALS. The trials here sketched indicate several things. 1. The mysteriousness of God's procedure with His servants. One might have thought that the man inspired with supreme love to Him, and receiving a commission from Him, involving the salvation of souls, would have made his way clear, safe, and even pleasant. The more important the Divine work intrusted to a man, and the more faithful he is in its discharge, the more trials will embarrass and distract him. For an explanation of this we must await the great explaining day. 2. The unconquerableness of Christly love in the soul. What stimulated Paul to embark in, and what bore him up under such an enterprise as this? The answer is, "The love of Christ constraineth me." 3. The indelibility of the impressions which trials produce. They had long since transpired, but they were fresh in Paul's memory. It is a law in our nature that our trials make a deeper impression on us than our mercies. Why? Because they are the exceptions, not the rule. 4. The blessedness which the memory of trials rightly endured produces. In Paul's case — (1) It generated sympathy with the woes of others (ver. 29). No man can sympathise with the trials of others, unless he has passed through trials himself. (2) It inspired the soul with true rejoicing (ver. 30). (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. |
    |