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2 Corinthians 11:8

2 Corinthians 11:8 in Multiple Translations

I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you;

I took money from other churches as payment for my work, so that I might be your servant;

I robbed as it were other churches, taking pay from them so I could work for you.

I robbed other Churches, and tooke wages of them to doe you seruice.

other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration;

I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them , to do you service.

I have taken from other churches, receiving wages of them for your ministry.

Some people might say that it was as though [IRO] I was robbing other congregations because I accepted money from them in order that I might work among you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:8

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2 Corinthians 11:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK αλλας εκκλησιας εσυλησα λαβων οψωνιον προς την υμων διακονιαν
αλλας allos G243 another Adj-APF
εκκλησιας ekklēsia G1577 assembly Noun-APF
εσυλησα sulaō G4813 to rob Verb-AAI-1S
λαβων lambanō G2983 to take Verb-2AAP-NSM
οψωνιον opsōnion G3800 compensation Noun-ASN
προς pros G4314 to/with Prep
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
υμων su G4771 you Pron-2GP
διακονιαν diakonia G1248 service Noun-ASF
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:8

αλλας allos G243 "another" Adj-APF
In the Bible, this word means another or different, used in many contexts, such as in Matthew 20:3 and 1 Corinthians 3:10. It can also mean the other or others, like in John 19:32 and 1 Corinthians 14:29. This word is used to show a distinction between things.
Definition: ἄλλος, -η, -ο, (cf. Lat. alius, Eng. else), [in LXX for אַחֵר ,אֶחָד, etc. ;] other, another: absol., Mat.20:3, al.; ἄ. δέ, 1Co.3:10 12:8; pl., Mrk.6:15; attached to a noun, Mat.2:12 4:21, al.; with art., ὁ ἄ., the other, Mat.5:39, Jhn.19:32 (Bl., §47, 8); οἱ ἄ., the others, the rest, Jhn.20:25, 1Co.14:29; ἄ. πρὸς ἄλλον = πρὸς ἀλλήλους (BL, §48, 10), Act.2:12; ἄλλ᾽ (i.e. ἄλλο) ἤ (Bl., §77, 13), Luk.12:51; before πλήν, Mrk.12:32; εἰ μή, Jhn.6:22; παρά with accusative, 1Co.3:11. SYN.: ἕτερος, which see ἄ. denotes numerical, ἕ. qualitative difference (Cremer, 89). ἄ. generally "denotes simply distinction of individuals, ἕ. involves the secondary idea of difference in kind" (see Lft., Meyer, Ramsay, on Gal.1:6, 7; Tr., Syn., §xcv; BL, §51, 6; M, Pr., 79f., 246; MM, VGT, s.vv.). As to whether the distinction can be maintained in 1Co.12:8, 10 see ICC, in l., and on Heb.11:35f., see Westc, in l. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 140 NT verses. KJV: more, one (another), (an-, some an-)other(-s, -wise) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; Luke 22:59; Hebrews 4:8.
εκκλησιας ekklēsia G1577 "assembly" Noun-APF
An assembly refers to a group of people gathered together for a common purpose, like a church or community, as seen in Acts 19:32 and Hebrews 2:12. This term is used to describe both Jewish and Christian communities.
Definition: ἐκκλησία, -ας, ἡ (ἐκ-καλέω), [in LXX chiefly for קָהָל, otherwise for one of its cogn. forms ;] __1. prop., an assembly of citizens regularly convened (in Thuc., ii, 22, opposite to σύλλογος, a concourse): Act.19:32, 39 41. __2. In LXX of the assembly, congregation, community of Israel (Deu.4:10 23:2, al.): Act.7:38, Heb.2:12" (LXX) . __3. NT, esp. of an assembly or company of Christians, a (the) church; __(a) of gatherings for worship: 1Co.11:18 14:19, 34 35; __(b) of local communities: Act.8:3, 1Co.4:17; with name added, Act.8:1, Rom.16:1, 1Th.1:1, al.; pl., Act.15:41, 1Co.7:17; τ. Χριστοῦ, Rom.16:16; τ. Ἀσίας, 1Co.16:19; τ. ἁγίων, 1Co.14:33; εἰπο]ν τ. ἐκκλησίᾳ, Mat.18:17 (but see Hort, Ecclesia, 10); of a house-congregation (DB, i, 431a), Rom.16:5, 1Co.16:19, Col.4:15, Phm 2; __(with) of the whole body of Christians: Mat.16:18, 1Co.12:28, Eph.1:22, Php.3:6, al.; τ. θεοῦ, Act.20:28 (Κυρίου, T, R, mg.), 1Co.15:9, Gal.1:13, 1Ti.3:15; ἐ. προτοτόκων ἀπογεγραμμένων ἐν οὐρανοῖς, Heb.12:23. SYN.: συναγωγή, which see (see Tr., Syn., §i; DB, i, 426; Hort, Ecclesia, esp. 4ff., 107ff.; Hamilton, People of God, ii, 37ff.; reff. s.vv. "Church," "Congregation," in DB and DCG; Cremer, 332). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 112 NT verses. KJV: assembly, church See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 15:41; Hebrews 2:12.
εσυλησα sulaō G4813 "to rob" Verb-AAI-1S
To rob or steal from someone, like taking spoil in war, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:8. This is about taking something that doesn't belong to you.
Definition: συλάω, -ῶ [in LXX: Ep. Jer.1:18 * ;] with accusative of person(s), to strip, plunder, spoil: 2Co.11:8.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: rob See also: 2 Corinthians 11:8.
λαβων lambanō G2983 "to take" Verb-2AAP-NSM
To take or receive something, like in Matthew 26:26, where Jesus takes bread and breaks it. It can also mean to accept or obtain something, and is often translated as receive or accept in the KJV.
Definition: λαμβάνω, [in LXX chiefly for לקח, also for אחז ,לכד ,נשׂא, etc. ;] __1. to take, lay hold of: absol., Mat.26:26, Mrk.14:22; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.5:40 26:52, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Mat.21:35, Mrk.12:3, al.; pleonastic λαβών (M, Pr., 230; Bl., §74, 2), Mat.13:31 14:19, al.; so also indic., Mrk.7:27, Jhn.19:1, 40 Rev.8:5, al.; metaphorically, with accusative of thing(s), ἀφορμήν, Rom.7:8, 11; ὑδόδειγμα, Jas.5:10; id. with accusative of person(s), φόβος, Luk.7:16; πνεῦμα, Luk.9:39; πειρασμός, 1Co.10:13; aoristic pf. (M, Pr., 145, 238; BL, §59, 4), Rev.5:7 8:5, al. __2. to receive: absol., opposite to αἰτεῖν, Mat.7:8, al.; διδόναι, Mat.10:8, Act.20:35; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.27:6, Mrk.10:3o, al. mult.; with accusative of person(s), Jhn.6:21 13:20 19:27, 2Jo.10; ῥαπίσμασιν (a vulgarism; Bl., §38, 3), Mrk.14:65; metaphorically, τ. λόγον, Mat.13:20, Mrk.4:16; τ. μαρτυρίαν, Jhn.3:11; τ. ῥήματα, Jhn.12:48; πρόσωπον (Heb. נָשָׂא פָּנִים, Dalman, Words, 30), Luk.20:21, Gal.2:6; ζωὴν αἰώνιον (Dalman, op. cit., 124f.), Mrk.10:30 (cf. ἀνα-, ἀντι-, συν-αντι- (-μαι), ἀπο-, ἐπι-, κατα-, μετα-, παρα-, συν-παρα-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, συν-περι-, ὑπο-λαμβάνω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 248 NT verses. KJV: accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, X when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:12; John 10:18; 1 Peter 4:10.
οψωνιον opsōnion G3800 "compensation" Noun-ASN
Compensation refers to payment for work or services. In Luke 3:14, soldiers were told not to take extra money, and in 1 Corinthians 9:7, Paul talks about earning wages for his ministry.
Definition: ὄψώνιον, -ου, τό (ὀψον- see: ὀψάριον— and ὠνέομαι), [in LXX: I Est.4:56, 1Ma.3:28 1Mac 14:32 * ;] __1. provisions, provision-money, soldiers' pay: Luk.3:14, 1Co.9:7. __2. Generally, wages, hire: 2Co.11:8; ὄ. τῆς ἁμαρτίας, Rom.6:23 (see Deiss, BS, 148, 266).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: wages See also: 1 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 3:14; Romans 6:23.
προς pros G4314 "to/with" Prep
A preposition showing direction or relationship, like towards or with something, as seen in Mark 5:11 and John 18:16. This means indicating movement or direction. It's about showing proximity or connection.
Definition: πρός, prep. with genitive, dative, accusative __I. I. C. genitive, of motion from a place, from the side of, hence metaphorically, in the interests of, Act.27:34 (cf. Page, in l.). __II. II. C. dative, of local proximity, hard by, near, at: Mrk.5:11, Luk.19:37, Jhn.18:16 20:11, 12 Rev.1:13. __III. C. accusative, of motion or direction towards a place or object, to, towards. __1. Of place, __(a) after verbs of motion or of speaking and other words with the idea of direction: ἔρχομαι, ἀναβαίνω, πορεύομαι, λέγω, ἐπιστολή, etc., Mat.3:14, Mrk.6:51, Luk.11:5, Jhn.2:3, Act.9:2, al. mult.; metaphorically, of mental direction, hostile or otherwise, Luk.23:12, Jhn.6:52, 2Co.7:4, Eph.6:12, Col.3:13, al.; of the issue or end, Luk.14:32, Jhn.11:4, al.; of purpose, Mat.26:12, Rom.3:26, 1Co.6:5, al.; πρὸς τό, with inf., denoting purpose (cf. M, Pr., 218, 220; Lft., Notes, 131), Mat.5:28, Mrk.13:22, Eph.6:11, 1Th.2:9, al.; __(b) of close proximity, at, by, with: Mat.3:10, Mrk.11:4, Luk.4:11, Act.3:2, al.; after εἶναι, Mat.13:56, Mrk.6:3, Jhn.1:1, al. __2. 2. Of time, __(a) towards (Plat., Xen., LXX: Gen.8:11, al.): Luk.24:29; __(b) for: πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; πρὸς ὥραν, Jhn.5:35, al.; πρὸς ὀλίγον, Jas.4:14. __3. Of relation __(a) toward, with: Rom.5:1, 2Co.1:12, Col.4:5, 1Th.4:12, al.; __(b) with regard to: Mat.19:8, Mrk.12:12, Rom.8:31, al.; __(with) pertaining to, to: Mat.27:4, Jhn.21:22, Rom.15:17, Heb.2:17 5:1; __(d) according to: Luk.12:47, 2Co.5:10, Gal.2:14, Eph.3:4 4:14; __(e) in comparison with: Rom.8:18. __IV. In composition: towards (προσέρχομαι), to (προσάγω), against (προσκόπτω), besides (προσδαπανάω) . (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 655 NT verses. KJV: about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, X at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), X together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:1; Acts 2:47; 1 Peter 2:4.
την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
υμων su G4771 "you" Pron-2GP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
διακονιαν diakonia G1248 "service" Noun-ASF
Service refers to the work of helping others, like the ministry of the Christian church, as seen in Acts 6:1. It is about using one's skills to benefit others.
Definition: διακονία, -ας, ἡ (διάκονος), [in LXX for נַעַר, שָׁרַת pi.: Est.6:3, Est.6:5 A; 1Ma.11:58 * ;] the office and work of a διάκονος, service, ministry; __(a) of domestic duties (Field, Notes, 63): Luk.10:40 __(b) spec. of religious ministration, and the exercise of ministerial functions in the Church: Act.1:17, 25 6:1, 4 11:29 12:25 20:24; 21:19, Rom.11:13 12:7 15:31, 1Co.16:15, 2Co.4:1 6:3 8:4 9:1, 13, Eph.4:12, Col.4:17, 1Ti.1:12, 2Ti.4:5, 11, Heb.1:14, Rev.2:19; δ. τ. θανάτου, 2Co.3:7; τ. πνεύματος, 2Co. 3:8; τ. κατακρίσεως, τ, δικαιοσύνης, 2Co. 3:9; τ. καταλλαγῆς, 2Co. 5:18; τ. λειτουργίας, 2Co. 9:12; with obj. genitive, τὴν ὑμῶν δ., ib. 11:8; pl., 1Co.12:5.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: (ad-)minister(-ing, -tration, -try), office, relief, service(-ing) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:5; Acts 1:17; Hebrews 1:14.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
2 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
3 Philippians 4:14–16 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

2 Corinthians 11:8 Summary

[In 2 Corinthians 11:8, Paul explains that he accepted financial support from other churches so that he could minister to the Corinthian church without being a burden to them. This shows that Paul was willing to make sacrifices in order to help others, as seen in his statement that he 'robbed other churches' to serve them. As Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 9:14, ministers should receive their living from the gospel, but it should be done in a way that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of those being ministered to. By following Paul's example, we can learn to prioritize the needs of others and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Paul mean by 'robbing other churches' in 2 Corinthians 11:8?

Paul is explaining that he accepted financial support from other churches in order to minister to the Corinthian church without being a burden to them, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:9, where he notes that the brothers from Macedonia supplied his needs.

Is it wrong for a minister to accept financial support from other churches?

According to 1 Corinthians 9:14, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel, so it is not wrong for a minister to accept support, but it should be done in a way that does not create a burden or obligation, as Paul notes in 2 Corinthians 11:7-9.

How does Paul's approach to financial support relate to his ministry in Corinth?

Paul's decision to accept support from other churches allowed him to preach the gospel to the Corinthian church free of charge, as noted in 2 Corinthians 11:7, demonstrating his commitment to their spiritual well-being over his own financial gain.

What can we learn from Paul's example about financial support and ministry?

We can learn that financial support for ministry should be given and received in a way that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of those being ministered to, as seen in Paul's example, and that ministers should strive to be free from financial burdens in order to focus on their ministry, as noted in 1 Timothy 6:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, like Paul, prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over my own financial gain?
  2. What are some ways that I can support ministers and missionaries financially, and how can I do so in a way that does not create a burden or obligation?
  3. How can I apply Paul's example of selflessness and commitment to my own life and ministry?
  4. What are some potential pitfalls or challenges that can arise when accepting financial support for ministry, and how can I avoid them?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:8

I robbed other churches,.... Meaning the churches of Macedonia; not that what he had of them was by force and rapine, or by plundering of them, and spoiling of their substance, and living upon them

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:8

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. I robbed - i:e., took from them, in order to spare you the cost of my maintenance while preaching to you, e.g., the Philippian church (Philippians 4:15-16).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:8

He interpreteth the term of robbed other churches, by a taking wages of them; which indeed is no robbery, as he had proved, . All the robbery that was in it lay in this, that his maintenance, in strictness of right, should have been proportionably from this, as well as from other churches; but for some reasons (which he thinks fit to conceal) he refused to receive any thing from this church; but spared them, and lived upon the maintenance he had from other churches, while he was doing them service. Either he saw the members of this church were poor, or that there were some in this clulrch who would sooner have taken advantage to reproach him for it, and so have hindered the success of the gospel. Whatever it was that caused the apostle to do it, certain it is, that he did it, and make it a great piece of his glorying.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:8

8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. Ver. 8. I robbed other churches] Grandis metaphora, Great metaphor, th Piscator, I took maintenance from them (as the apostle presently expounds himself), I made a prey and prize of them, εσυλησα.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:8

(8) I robbed other churches, taking wages of them.—The word for wages—strictly rations, or wages in kind, rather than in money—is found in Luke 3:14; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 9:7. Its use in the last-named passage had, perhaps, given occasion for a sneer. “He too can take wages when it suits his purpose.” From St. Paul’s point of view, if what he had received had been wages at all, he had been guilty of an act of spoliation. He had received wages from one employer while he was acting in the service of another.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:8

Verse 8. I robbed other Churches] This part of the sentence is explained by the latter, taking wages to do you service. The word οψωνιον signifies the pay of money and provisions given daily to a Roman soldier. As if he had said: I received food and raiment, the bare necessaries of life, from other Churches while labouring for your salvation. Will you esteem this a crime?

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:8

8. I robbed other churches] “An hyperbolical expression” (Meyer). And yet in one sense it was true, for the Corinthians were just as much bound to support the Apostle when at Corinth as any other Churches were when the Apostle was with them. And, therefore, if when at Corinth he availed himself of assistance from those other Churches, he was taking from them what they ought not to have been called upon to supply. Why he did so we are told in 2 Corinthians 11:12.taking wages of them] The Philippian Church, we learn from Philippians 4:15-16 (cf. next verse), is the Church referred to. Their liberality, St Paul felt, was not likely to be cast in his teeth, therefore he readily accepted it. In later days he again received their bounty with a willingness which would not, he knew, be misconstrued. This is an instance of that minute but undesigned agreement in points of detail which constitutes so strong an argument for the genuineness of most of the Scriptures of the N. T. For the word translated wages see St Luke 3:14; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 9:7. It was most commonly used of a soldier’s pay, when given in kind.to do you service] Rather, towards my support in my ministry to you.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:8

I robbed other churches - The churches of Macedonia and elsewhere, which had ministered to his needs.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:8

8. Robbed—An indignant hyperbole. When his great ministerial labours interfered with his self-support, he accepted what they voluntarily offered, but were not obligated to give.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:8

SermonDescription
Robert Anderson Human Destiny by Robert Anderson H.C.G. Moule preaches about the concept of 'wages' in relation to sin and death, drawing parallels between the provision-money given to Roman soldiers and the consequences of sin l
Stephen Kaung Philippians: The Joy of the Lord by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always. He explains that the phrase "the Lord is near" refers to the present, rather than th
Zac Poonen A Sacrifice Like a Perfume by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving and worshiping God with a fragrant aroma, focusing on the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12. It challenges believ
Geraint Fielder The Contented and the Discontented Man by Geraint Fielder In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of contentment and its connection to the element of surprise. He shares the story of Michael Cassidy, a young man who had a remar
Charles E. Cowman Grow in the Gloom by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches on the concept of flourishing in the midst of darkness and challenges, drawing parallels between flowers that thrive in gloomy corners of a garden and sp
Jonathan Edwards Christians a Chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a Peculiar People by Jonathan Edwards Jonathan Edwards preaches about the significance of Christians being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. He emphasizes how believers are
C.H. Spurgeon Whereby They Have Made Thee Glad. by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the church and its people have the privilege of making the Savior glad through their love, praise, and acts of kindness. He acknowledges that while ou

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