18 June 2021

But whatever anyone dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? I am talking like a madman—I am a better one: with far greater labours, far more imprisonments, with countless floggings, and often near death. 

2 Corinthians 11:18,21-30, NRSV

In today’s reading, we hear Paul being forced to speak about himself and the trials he has endured in order to preach about Jesus. This has resulted from the boasting of the so-called “super apostles” who were influencing some of the Corinthians. These preachers boasted of their credentials and sufferings but Paul shows that his credentials and suffering far outweigh those of these preachers who had tried to undermine him. Not only had he suffered far more in a physical sense but he also suffered the emotional distress that came with caring for all the churches he had helped to found. Unlike his competitors, Paul was willing to embrace any amount of suffering without complaint if it meant he was helping others to know about Jesus. He was prepared to be a “fool” for Christ; to endure what was beyond the understanding of many.

• • In what sense was Paul a “fool”?
  • Who are today’s “fools for Christ”?

Pray today for those who suffer physical and emotional hardship in pursuit of the gospel.