Paul seeks their understanding so he can continue guiding them faithfully.
When the Apostle Paul writes, “I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me” (v.1), he is drawing the Corinthian believers into a candid and vulnerable line of reasoning. Having planted the church in Corinth (located in southern Greece on a narrow strip of land known as the Isthmus of Corinth), Paul, writing around AD 56 or 57, addresses them in what he calls “foolishness” because he feels compelled to defend his apostolic authority. He knows that in speaking of himself so openly, and even boastfully, he risks sounding foolish. Yet Paul makes his appeal in a pastoral, fatherly way—he asks his readers to respect his motives, trusting that he is only engaging in this self-defense for their well-being.
The core of Paul’s message in “bear with me” (v.1) reflects a plea for patience from people he has poured his life into. Historically, Paul stands an important place on the timeline as an apostle called by the risen Jesus sometime after Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection (Acts 9), traveling extensively through Asia Minor and Europe to spread the gospel. Here in 2 Corinthians, he hopes that the Corinthians, who have already shown willingness to endure his corrections and admonitions, will continue to listen to him despite whatever seeming foolishness he may project as he compares himself with false teachers. In essence, he is calling them to persevere with him and trust his genuine heart for Christ, even when his approach is unconventional.
By using the phrase “I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness” (v.1), Paul indicates that defending his ministry—though necessary—feels unnatural and somewhat petty in comparison to the greater message of the gospel. He would rather boast in Christ than bring attention to himself (Philippians 3:8). Yet his love and concern for the Corinthians inspires him to speak boldly because false apostles are threatening their faith. Through this verse, we see a powerful call for believers to exercise both humility and balanced discernment when confronted with challenges to truth.
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2 Corinthians 11:1 meaning
When the Apostle Paul writes, “I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me” (v.1), he is drawing the Corinthian believers into a candid and vulnerable line of reasoning. Having planted the church in Corinth (located in southern Greece on a narrow strip of land known as the Isthmus of Corinth), Paul, writing around AD 56 or 57, addresses them in what he calls “foolishness” because he feels compelled to defend his apostolic authority. He knows that in speaking of himself so openly, and even boastfully, he risks sounding foolish. Yet Paul makes his appeal in a pastoral, fatherly way—he asks his readers to respect his motives, trusting that he is only engaging in this self-defense for their well-being.
The core of Paul’s message in “bear with me” (v.1) reflects a plea for patience from people he has poured his life into. Historically, Paul stands an important place on the timeline as an apostle called by the risen Jesus sometime after Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection (Acts 9), traveling extensively through Asia Minor and Europe to spread the gospel. Here in 2 Corinthians, he hopes that the Corinthians, who have already shown willingness to endure his corrections and admonitions, will continue to listen to him despite whatever seeming foolishness he may project as he compares himself with false teachers. In essence, he is calling them to persevere with him and trust his genuine heart for Christ, even when his approach is unconventional.
By using the phrase “I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness” (v.1), Paul indicates that defending his ministry—though necessary—feels unnatural and somewhat petty in comparison to the greater message of the gospel. He would rather boast in Christ than bring attention to himself (Philippians 3:8). Yet his love and concern for the Corinthians inspires him to speak boldly because false apostles are threatening their faith. Through this verse, we see a powerful call for believers to exercise both humility and balanced discernment when confronted with challenges to truth.