18 33. St Paul permits himself to enumerate his labours for the Gospel’s sake<\/p>\n
18. after the flesh<\/em> ] See note on after the Lord<\/em>, and Php 3:4<\/span>. Also note on ch. 2Co 10:3<\/span>. St Paul means after the manner of those who judge only by what is outward and visible, or perhaps he may mean boasting of things, such as “high birth, wealth, wisdom, of being circumcised, of Hebrew ancestry, of popular renown” (Chrysostom), on which fleshly men set high value.<\/p>\n I will glory also<\/em> ] “It is remarkable that St Paul does not glory in what he has done<\/em>, but what he has borne<\/em>.” Robertson.<\/p>\n Seeing that many glory … – <\/B>The false teachers in Corinth. They boasted of their birth, rank, natural endowments, eloquence, etc.; see 2Co 11:22<\/span>. Compare Phi 3:3-4<\/span>.<\/P> I will glory also – <\/B>I also will boast of my endowments, which though somewhat different yet pertain in the main to the flesh also; see 2Co 11:23<\/span> ff. His endowments in the flesh, or what he had to boast of pertaining to the flesh, related not so much to birth and rank, though not inferior to them in these, but to what the flesh had endured – to stripes and imprisonments, and hunger and peril. This is an exceedingly delicate and happy turn given to the whole subject.<\/P><\/p>\n Verse 18. Seeing that many glory after the flesh<\/B><\/I>] Boast of external<\/I> and secular<\/I> things.<\/P><\/p>\n By the flesh<\/B> is meant, carnal and external things; which though they be the gifts and favours of God, yet do not at all commend a man to God. The apostle saith, there are <\/P> many that glory after the flesh; <\/B>and there needs must be such in all places, because there are many that walk after the flesh:<\/I> now, it is but natural for men to boast and glory in those attainments, which it hath been the business of their lives to pursue after. Such there were, doubtless, in this famous church, who gloried that they were native Jews, or in their riches, or in their knowledge and learning. Now, though (saith the apostle) I know there is nothing in these things truly to be gloried in, yet, others glorying in them: <\/P> I will glory also; <\/B>and let them know, that if I thought these things worth the glorying in, I have as much to glory in of that nature as any of them have. <\/P> <\/p>\n 18. many<\/B>including the “falseteachers.” <\/P> after the flesh<\/B>asfleshly men are wont to boast, namely, of external advantages, astheir birth, doings, c. (compare 2Co11:22<\/span>). <\/P> I will glory also<\/B>thatis, I also will boast of such fleshly advantages, to show you thateven in these I am not their inferiors, and therefore ought not to besupplanted by them in your esteem though these are not what I desireto glory in (2Co 10:17<\/span>).<\/P><\/p>\n Seeing that many glory after the flesh<\/strong>,…. Or with respect to things external, such as their high birth and parentage, carnal descent, circumcision, learned education, and the like; of which the false apostles, being Jews, boasted, who it seems were many; and though a multitude is not to be followed to do evil, yet the apostle thought, that since there were so many who were indulged by this church in this way, he might be allowed to boast also of such like things, so far as he could with truth and a good conscience, and in order to secure some valuable ends:<\/p>\n I will glory also<\/strong>; for he was of the seed of Abraham as well as they, of the stock of Israel, and tribe of Benjamin, circumcised the eighth day, and brought up at the feet of Gamaliel; but these are not all the things he could, and would, and did glory of; he gloried of these, and of others besides them, which the false apostles could not, and thereby proved himself to be superior to them, even in external things, of which they bragged so much.<\/p>\n After the flesh <\/B> ( <\/SPAN><\/span>). It is <\/SPAN><\/span> not <\/SPAN><\/span>.<\/P> I also <\/B> (<\/SPAN><\/span>). But he knows that it is a bit of foolishness and not like Christ. <\/P> <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n 1) “Seeing that many glory after the flesh,”<\/strong> (epi polloi kauchontai kata ten sarka) “Since many boast according to the order of the flesh,” in fleshly, selfish pride. Paul, in glorying according to achievements in the flesh, attributed itemized successes to the power of Jesus Christ, Php_3:3-5.<\/p>\n 2) I will glory also,”<\/strong> (kago kauchesomai) I also will boast of my own accord,” Php_3:6-14. As Paul boasted after the order of false prophets he always attributed his achievements to the power and glory of Christ in him, Gal 6:14<\/span>.<\/p>\n 18. Since many glory. The meaning is — Should any one say to me, by way of objection, that what I do is faulty, what then as to others? Are not they my leaders? Am I alone, or am I the first, in glorying according to the flesh? Why should that be reckoned praiseworthy in them, that is imputed to me as a fault?” So far then is Paul from ambition in recounting his own praises, that he is contented to be blamed on that account, provided he exposes the vanity of the false apostles. <\/p>\n To glory after the flesh, is to boast one’s self, rather in what has a tendency towards show, than in a good conscience. For the term flesh, here, has a reference to the world — when we seek after praise from outward masks, which have a showy appearance before the world, and are regarded as excellent. In place of this term he had a little before made use of the expression — in appearance. (2Co 10:7<\/span>.) <\/p>\n (18) Seeing that many glory after the flesh.<\/strong>To glory, or boast,<\/em> after the flesh, as interpreted by 2Co. 5:16<\/span> (where see Note), is to lay stress on things which are the accidents of the spiritual life, not of its true essenceon descent, prerogatives, rank, reputation, and the like. There is a touch half of irony, half of impatience, in the way in which the Apostle says that he too will for once descend to their level and do as they do.<\/p>\n 18<\/strong>. <\/strong> I will glory also<\/strong> But not after the flesh.<\/p>\n ‘Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.’<\/p>\n His opponents are boasting like human beings because of their unspiritual nature, boasting in their human status and behaviour, glorying after the flesh. So he, in order to combat them, intends to do the same. But this is not what one would expect of one who walks according to the Lord. We should note that he is not here really denying God’s inspiration, or that he is doing the right thing. What he is doing is emphasising how unusual this approach is for one who is in the Lord, arising only out of special circumstances.<\/p>\n 2Co 11:18<\/span> . That which carries him away to such foolishness, 2Co 11:16<\/span> : . .<\/p>\n Seeing that many boast according to their flesh, so will I boast too<\/em> , namely, . .<\/p>\n Since is opposed to the in 2Co 11:17<\/span> , and is parallel to the , it cannot express the objective<\/em> norm (comp. 2Co 5:16<\/span> ), or the object<\/em> of the boasting (comp. Phi 3:3<\/span> ff.; Gal 6:13<\/span> ), as Chrysostom and most expositors, including Emmerling, Flatt, and Osiander, explain it: on account of external advantages<\/em> , [332] but it must denote the subjective manner<\/em> of the , namely: so that the <\/em> <\/em> is not guided by the Holy Spirit, but<\/em> proceeds according to the standard of their natural condition as material, psychically determined, and striving against the Divine Spirit<\/em> , whence they are urged on to conceit, pride, ambition, etc. [333] Comp. Rckert: “according to the impulse of self-seeking personality;” also de Wette, Ewald, Neander. Billroth, in accordance with his philosophy, takes it: “as individual, according to what one is as a single human being.” in 1Co 9:8<\/span> is not parallel. See on that passage.<\/p>\n Rckert denies that Paul after has again supplied in thought . , and thinks that he has prudently put it only in the protasis and not<\/em> said it of his own<\/em> glorying. But it necessarily follows, as well from the previous , in which the . is already expressed implicite<\/em> , as also from the following <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> , among whom Paul is included as <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong> . It is otherwise in Joh 8:15<\/span> .<\/p>\n [332] To this category belongs also the interpretation of Baur, who, however, refers quite specially to Judaism as what is inherited, and therefore understands a boasting, the object of which is only inherited accidental advantages<\/em> . The , ver. 23, and the apostle’s subsequent glorying in suffering<\/em> , ought to have dissuaded Baur from adopting such a view.<\/p>\n [333] Osiander is quite wrong in objecting to this interpretation that the article<\/em> is against it, since Paul, when he means in this sense, never<\/em> puts the article after . Paul, in fact, has the article only in this single<\/em> passage, and elsewhere writes always<\/em> (i.e. conformably to flesh<\/em> ) whether he uses in the subjective or objective sense; hence, so far as the article is concerned, there is no means at all of comparison. Besides, here is very doubtful critically, because it is wanting in D* F G * min. Chrys. Dam., and is at variance with the Pauline usage. Osiander’s further objection, that , as understood by us, is in the apostle’s mouth unworthy of him for the apodosis, is likewise incorrect, for he is speaking ironically; he wishes, in fact, to deal in boasting like a fool! As to the distinction between and , we may add that the one means: “after the manner of natural humanity,” the other, “after the manner of their natural humanity.” Comp. on Phi 1:24<\/span> ; Phi 1:22<\/span> . In substance they are equivalent; the latter only individualizes more concretely.<\/p>\n 18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Ver. 18. Glory after the flesh<\/strong> ] Or in the flesh,Gal 6:13<\/span>Gal 6:13<\/span> , or have confidence in the flesh, Phi 3:4<\/span> . <\/p>\n 18.<\/strong> ] Since many<\/strong> (viz. the false teachers, but not only they: ‘since it is a common habit,’ for he is here speaking as , see Job 2:10 ) boast according to the flesh<\/strong> (not = , as Chrys., al., but ‘in a spirit of fleshly regard,’ ‘having regard to their extraction, achievements, &c.’ as below 2Co 11:22<\/span> ff.), I also will boast<\/strong> (scil. . Rckert thinks these words are omitted purposely, thereby to imply that tbe Apostle’s boasting was not<\/em> fleshly; but this is distinctly contradicted by the context: he is speaking as one of the , of , see next verse).<\/p>\n 2Co 11:18<\/span> . . . .: seeing that many, sc.<\/em> , of the Corinthian Judaisers against whom this whole polemic is directed ( cf.<\/em> 2Co 2:17<\/span> , where they are also alluded to as , glory after the flesh, i.e.<\/em> , in external circumstances which are really no fit subject for glorying (see, on , chap. 2Co 5:12<\/span> and reff.), I too will glory, sc.<\/em> , after the flesh; i.e.<\/em> , he proceeds to explain how much better external grounds he has for boasting than his Judaising rivals.<\/p>\n Seeing that = Since. <\/p>\n I, &c. Read I also, U. <\/p>\n 18.] Since many (viz. the false teachers, but not only they:-since it is a common habit,-for he is here speaking as , see Job 2:10) boast according to the flesh (not = , as Chrys., al., but in a spirit of fleshly regard,-having regard to their extraction, achievements, &c. as below 2Co 11:22 ff.), I also will boast (scil. . Rckert thinks these words are omitted purposely, thereby to imply that tbe Apostles boasting was not fleshly; but this is distinctly contradicted by the context: he is speaking as one of the , of , see next verse).<\/p>\n 2Co 11:18. , many) What is allowed to many, is the more easily granted as an indulgence to one.- , according to the flesh) for example, that they are Hebrews, 2Co 11:22.<\/p>\n 2Co 11:18<\/p>\n 2Co 11:18 <\/p>\n Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.-As the false apostles gloried in their fleshly relation to Abraham, he meets them on this ground. [Here for the first time, he tells just what course his glorying is to take. It is to his claim to honor as a man. It includes his ancestry, his endurance of physical hardships in his ministry, and the special visions and revelations which had been granted to him. His opponents so magnified themselves and their services, and so depreciated him and his labors, that he was forced, in order to maintain his influence as the advocate of the pure gospel, to set forth his claims to the confidence of the people.] <\/p>\n many: 2Co 11:12, 2Co 11:21-23, 2Co 10:12-18, Jer 9:23, Jer 9:24, 1Co 4:10, 1Pe 1:24 <\/p>\n I will: 2Co 12:5, 2Co 12:6, 2Co 12:9, 2Co 12:11 <\/p>\n Reciprocal: 1Co 10:18 – Israel 2Co 10:7 – even 2Co 11:17 – foolishly Gal 6:13 – that they may Phi 3:4 – General<\/p>\n 2Co 11:18. After the flesh is not said in the bad sense commonly attached to fleshly things. Paul is applying it to his personal experiences, which though they were unpleasant, yet since they were endured for the sake of the Gospel, he found a joy in them and of such an experience he boasts.<\/p>\n Here our apostle, with some kind of salt and smartness, reflects upon the Corinthians (whom ironically he calls wise men) for suffering themselves to be imposed upon by their false teachers, to be tyrannized over, to be spunged upon and exhausted, to be brought again into bondage to Jewish ceremonies, to be smitten on the face; that is, to be upbraided to their very faces, because they had subjected themselves to so mean and weak a person as Paul, a tentmaker. However, he assures them, that in any thing according to the flesh, wherein the false apostles could glory, he could glory also. <\/p>\n Here note, That by glorying after the flesh, is meant glorying in any external privileges and outward advantages, particularly in glorying that they were the seed of Abraham according to the flesh; for the Jews had a very high opinion of themselves, as being the seed of Abraham, and the only people of God, by visible profession, at that time in the world; having contemptible thoughts of all others, whom they called the profane, and the people of the earth, likening them to dogs.<\/p>\n Now the apostle tells the Corinthians plainly, That although there is nothing after the flesh which deserves greatly to be gloried in, yet seeing that the false apostles did pride themselves in these things, he could boast of the same carnal privileges with them, and glory after the flesh as well as themselves; and accordingly, thus he speaks in the following verses:<\/p>\n Verse 18<\/strong> <\/strong> The false teachers had boasted about fleshly things while downgrading Paul in the same. He now turns to show the weakness of their argument. <\/p>\n 2Co 11:18-21. Seeing that many glory after the flesh In circumcision, Jewish extraction, and other outward privileges and qualifications; I will glory also In the same manner; nor can my seeming folly offend you; for ye The disciples of the false apostles; suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wonderfully wise And in your extraordinary wisdom can cherish that arrogant temper in others. As if he had said, Being such very wise men, I hope you will bear with this piece of folly in me as you bear with it in others. This is written in the highest strain of ridicule, as is plain from the next verse, where, in mockery, he mentions their abjectly bearing the contumelious and injurious behaviour of the false teachers, as an example of their wisdom in bearing. But it was a bearing, not with fools, but with knaves, to their own cost. By taking notice of that circumstance, therefore, the apostle placed their pretended wisdom in a truly ridiculous light. For, &c. Your patience in bearing is indeed very great; for ye suffer Not only the folly, but the gross abuses of those false teachers; ye take it patiently if a man Any of the false teachers; bring you into bondage Lord it over you in the most arbitrary manner. If a man devour you By his exorbitant demands, notwithstanding his boast of not being burdensome; if he take of you Gifts and presents, pretending to exact nothing as due; if he exalt himself By the most unbounded self- commendation; if he smite you on the face Treat you as disgracefully as if he did so. I speak What I have now said; concerning reproach Namely, the reproach which they cast upon you Gentiles as uncircumcised and profane, while they are all of a holy nation: or, I mean it of those reproaches with which they load me and my fellow-labourers; as though we had been weak Or contemptible, in comparison of them, and could have used no such authority over you. Howbeit, whereinsoever any is bold Thinks he may value and extol himself; (I speak foolishly That is, in appearance;) I am bold also I have as much to say for myself, as he has for himself.<\/p>\n Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. [I am about to follow the carnal example of the boasters, that I may defeat them with their own weapon.] <\/p>\n Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 18 33. St Paul permits himself to enumerate his labours for the Gospel’s sake 18. after the flesh ] See note on after the Lord, and Php 3:4. Also note on ch. 2Co 10:3. St Paul means after the manner of those who judge … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 11:18”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28953","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28953","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28953"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28953\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28953"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28953"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28953"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Greek Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"