Expressing godly jealousy as one who betrothed the Corinthians as a pure virgin to Christ, Paul fears their corruption by false apostles who preach another Jesus and transform themselves as Satan transforms into an angel of light. In his 'fool's boast,' he catalogs his sufferings: beatings, imprisonments, stonings, shipwrecks, perils from every quarter, labors, watchings, hunger, and daily anxiety for all the churches, climaxing with his escape from Damascus in a basket.
Read 2 Corinthians Chapter 11 Summary
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Places in This Chapter
The Wilderness
View on MapThe wilderness refers to the desert regions of Sinai and Judea. Israel wandered here for 40 years after the Exodus. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness of Judea, and Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. It represents testing, preparation, and encounter with God.
Damascus
View on MapDamascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Position in Book
Comfort in AfflictionChapters 1-2
New Covenant MinistryChapters 3-6
Generous GivingChapters 7-9
Paul's DefenseChapters 10-13
Against false apostles, Paul's sufferings and visions.
Bible Bites
Paul's Letter Written with Tears
Before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote a severe letter to the Corinthians 'out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears' after a painful visit. This 'letter of tears' is mentioned in 2 Corinthians but may now be lost to history.
2 Corinthians 2:3-4