2 CORINTHIANS 11:23 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.”
Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again — Paul's *apostolic credentials* are *suffering* (*pathē*) and *kópos*, labor. *Phylakē*, imprisonment; *plēgaí*, floggings; *thanátos*, death — these are the *marks* of authentic apostleship, the very *inverse* of worldly achievement.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 11:23
“Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I.” For it was not all Hebrews that were Israelites, since both the Ammonites and Moabites were Hebrews. Wherefore he added somewhat to clear his nobility of descent, and says, “Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ. (I speak as one beside himself,) I more.” He is not content with his former deprecation, but uses it again here also. “I speak as one beside himself, I more.” I am their…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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