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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those "super-apostles," even though I am nothing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/47_2Co_12_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:11 - Concern for the Corinthians" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those super-apostles, even though I am nothing." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/12-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/12-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:10">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 12:11 <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New International Version</a> I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the &#8220super-apostles,&#8221 even though I am nothing. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> You have made me act like a fool. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” even though I am nothing at all. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I have become a fool; you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you, for in no way was I inferior to those "most eminent apostles," even though I am nothing. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a> I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a> I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was in no respect inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most-eminent apostles, even if I am nothing. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now I have become foolish; you have forced me [by questioning my apostleship]. Actually I should have been commended by you [instead of being treated disdainfully], for I was not inferior to those super-apostles, even if I am nobody. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I have been a fool; you forced it on me. You ought to have commended me, since I am not in any way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I have become a fool; you forced it on me. I should have been endorsed by you, since I am not in any way inferior to the &#8220super-apostles,&#8221 even though I am nothing. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I have been making a fool of myself. But you forced me to do it, when you should have been speaking up for me. I may be nothing at all, but I am as good as those super apostles. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I have become a fool. You forced me to be one. You should have recommended me to others. Even if I'm nothing, I wasn't inferior in any way to your super-apostles. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am acting like a fool--but you have made me do it. You are the ones who ought to show your approval of me. For even if I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to those very special "apostles" of yours. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> I have become a fool. You forced me to be one. Really, I should have been commended by you, for I am not in any way inferior to your "super-apostles," even if I am nothing. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I have become a fool in my boasting, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those ?super-apostles,? even though I am nothing. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a> I have become a fool. You yourselves forced me to do it, for I should have been commended by you. For I lack nothing in comparison to those "super-apostles," even though I am nothing. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I have become foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended by you: for in nothing am I behind the very greatest apostles, though I am nothing. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> It is foolish of me to write all this, but you have compelled me to do so. Why, you ought to have been my vindicators; for in no respect have I been inferior to these superlatively great Apostles, even though in myself I am nothing. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a> I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have become a fool—boasting; you compelled me; for I ought to have been commended by you, for I was behind the very chiefest apostles in nothing—even if I am nothing. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> I have become a fool; you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you, for in no way was I inferior to those "most eminent apostles," even though I am nothing. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I have become a fool -- boasting; ye -- ye did compel me; for I ought by you to have been commended, for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles -- even if I am nothing. <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I have been mad boasting; ye forced me: for I ought to have been recommended by you: for I was not greatly inferior to the sent, if also I am nothing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I am become foolish: you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you: for I have no way come short of them that are above measure apostles, although I be nothing. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I have become foolish; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you. For I have been nothing less than those who claim to be above the measure of Apostles, even though I am nothing. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a> I have been foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “superapostles,” even though I am nothing. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, I am foolish to boast but you have forced me: for you ought to have testified concerning me: for in no way am I less than those apostles who are highly honored, though I am nothing. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Behold, I was stupid in my boasting, because you compelled me, for you were indebted to testify for me because I lacked nothing of those Apostles who greatly excelled, even though I was nothing.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> I have become of no understanding; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you: I am in no respect inferior to the very greatest of the apostles, although I am nothing. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> I have become a fool: you did compel me. For I ought to be commended by you: for I am not inferior to the very chief of the apostles, if indeed I am nothing. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Have I become a fool in boasting? ye have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing have I been inferior to the very chief apostles, though I be nothing. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Am I become vain? 'tis you have forc'd me to it: for I ought to have been commended by you: since I am not inferior to the chiefest of the apostles, tho' in myself I am nothing. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> It is foolish of me to write all this, but you have compelled me to do so. Why, you ought to have been my vindicators; for in no respect have I been inferior to these superlatively great Apostles, even though in myself I am nothing. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> I have become foolish; ye compelled me; for I ought to be commended by you; for in nothing was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even if I am nothing. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Am I become vain in boasting? ye have forced me to it: for I ought to have been recommended by you, as I have in nothing fallen short of the very chiefest of the apostles, though in myself I am nothing. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=2299" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Concern for the Corinthians</a> 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11<a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: Gegona (V-RIA-1S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">I have become</a> <a href="/greek/878.htm" title="878: aphrōn (Adj-NMS) -- Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving.">a fool,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">but you</a> <a href="/greek/315.htm" title="315: ēnankasate (V-AIA-2P) -- To force, compel, constrain, urge. From anagke; to necessitate.">drove</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: me (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me to it.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">In fact,</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hyph’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when)."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3784.htm" title="3784: ōpheilon (V-IIA-1S) -- Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.">should</a> <a href="/greek/4921.htm" title="4921: synistasthai (V-PNM/P) -- To place together, commend, prove, exhibit; instrans: I stand with; To be composed of, cohere. ">have commended</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">since</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-ANS) -- No one, none, nothing. "></a> <a href="/greek/5302.htm" title="5302: hysterēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short.">I am in no way inferior</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to those</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: Hyperlian (Adv) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">“super-apostles,”</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolōn (N-GMP) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">even</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">though</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">I am</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-NNS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">nothing.</a> 12The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a> But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a> I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.” <a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Philippians 3:4-7</a> though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: / circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; / as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1-2</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? / Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Galatians 2:6</a> But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5-9</a> What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">1 Corinthians 4:9-13</a> For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men. / We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored. / To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">1 Corinthians 12:11</a> All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Romans 15:18-19</a> I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">1 Timothy 1:12-16</a> I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. / I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. / And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ... <a href="/acts/20-33.htm">Acts 20:33-35</a> I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. / You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26-29</a> Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ... <a href="/1_corinthians/2-1.htm">1 Corinthians 2:1-5</a> When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. / For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. / I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7</a> For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? <a href="/1_samuel/15-17.htm">1 Samuel 15:17</a> And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very most chief apostles, though I be nothing.become.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-6.htm">2 Corinthians 1:6</a> And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-1.htm">2 Corinthians 11:1,16,17</a> Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me… for in.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a> Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a> For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-4.htm">1 Corinthians 3:4-7,22</a> For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? … though.<a href="/luke/17-10.htm">Luke 17:10</a> So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-7.htm">1 Corinthians 3:7</a> So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8-10</a> And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/15-15.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Chiefest</a> <a href="/acts/15-40.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/acts/18-16.htm">Drove</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Eminent</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-17.htm">Glorying</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Inferior</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Least</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-10.htm">Nobody</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-31.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Super-Apostles</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Superlatively</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-21.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-1.htm">Write</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-19.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/1-15.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/galatians/1-17.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/philippians/1-10.htm">Best</a> <a href="/galatians/6-4.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-29.htm">Chiefest</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Commended</a> <a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">Drove</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-11.htm">Eminent</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/galatians/3-1.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/philippians/1-26.htm">Glorying</a> <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Greatest</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">Inferior</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Least</a> <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Nobody</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-13.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Super-Apostles</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Superlatively</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-2.htm">Write</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 12</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,</a> 9. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;</a> 11. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;</a> 20. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. Paul expresses frustration with the Corinthian church, feeling compelled to defend his apostleship. This phrase highlights the tension between Paul and the Corinthians, who were swayed by false apostles. The term "fool" reflects Paul's reluctance to boast about his credentials, as boasting was contrary to his teachings (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm">1 Corinthians 1:31</a>). The cultural context of Corinth, a city known for its rhetorical prowess and philosophical debates, may have contributed to the Corinthians' admiration for eloquent speakers, leading them to question Paul's authority.In fact, you should have commended me, Paul expected the Corinthians to recognize and affirm his genuine apostolic authority and contributions to their spiritual growth. This expectation is rooted in the relationship he had established with them, having founded the church in Corinth (<a href="/acts/18.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a>). The commendation Paul sought was not for personal glory but for the validation of his ministry, which was marked by signs, wonders, and perseverance (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a>).since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” Paul uses the term "super-apostles" sarcastically to refer to those who claimed superior authority and credentials. These individuals likely boasted of their Jewish heritage, rhetorical skills, and spiritual experiences. Paul counters their claims by emphasizing his own experiences and sufferings for Christ, which align with true apostolic ministry (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5, 23</a>-28). This comparison underscores the biblical principle that true leadership in the church is marked by humility and service, not self-promotion.even though I am nothing. Paul's acknowledgment of being "nothing" reflects his humility and recognition of God's grace in his life. Despite his significant contributions to the early church, Paul consistently attributed his success to God's power working through him (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>). This statement aligns with the biblical theme of God using the weak and humble to accomplish His purposes (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a>). It also points to the example of Jesus Christ, who, though being in very nature God, humbled Himself to serve and save humanity (<a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6-8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, defending his apostolic authority and ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality, where Paul established a church during his missionary journeys. 3. <a href="/topical/s/super-apostles.htm">Super-Apostles</a> A term Paul uses sarcastically to describe false apostles who were challenging his authority and leading the Corinthians astray.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a> Paul demonstrates humility by acknowledging his own limitations and weaknesses. As Christians, we should lead with humility, recognizing that our strength and authority come from God, not ourselves. <a href="/topical/d/defending_the_faith.htm">Defending the Faith</a> Paul defends his apostolic authority not for personal gain but to protect the integrity of the gospel. We should be prepared to defend our faith and the truth of the gospel against false teachings. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_commendation.htm">Value of Commendation</a> Paul expresses that he should have been commended by the Corinthians. This highlights the importance of recognizing and affirming the work of faithful leaders in the church. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_comparison.htm">The Danger of Comparison</a> Paul contrasts himself with the "super-apostles," warning against the dangers of comparing ourselves to others. Our worth and identity should be rooted in Christ, not in how we measure up to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12</a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_early_super-apostles.htm">Who were the super-apostles in early Christianity?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_prosperity_gospel_oppose_the_bible.htm">Why does the prosperity gospel contradict biblical teachings?</a> <a href="/q/does_apollos'_delay_affect_biblical_consistency.htm">1 Corinthians 16:12 - Why is Apollos unwilling or delayed to visit Corinth, and does this contradiction with other New Testament accounts undermine biblical consistency?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_paul's_2_cor_12_journey_unclear.htm">Why doesn't Paul clarify whether his experience in 2 Corinthians 12 was a physical or purely spiritual journey, and what evidence supports either view?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) I am become a fool in glorying.--The two last words are wanting in the better MSS., and the verse opens with a somewhat thrilling abruptness,--I am become insane--it was you (emphatic) who compelled me. The words are partly ironical--partly speak of an impatient consciousness that what he had been saying would seem to give colour to the opprobrious epithets that had been flung at him. The passage on which we now enter, and of which we may think as begun after a pause, is remarkable for the reproduction, in a compressed form, of most of the topics, each with its characteristic phrase, on which he had before dwelt. The violence of the storm is over, but the sky is not yet clear, and we still hear the mutterings of the receding thunder He remembers once more that he has been called "insane"; that he has been taunted with "commending himself"; that he has-been treated as "nothing" in comparison with those "apostles-extraordinary" who were setting themselves up as his rivals. "I," he says, with an emphatic stress on the pronoun, "ought to have had no need for this painful self-assertion. You ought to have acknowledged my labour and my love for you."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - A fool (see <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">2 Corinthians 11:16</a>). For I ought. The "I" is emphatic. You compelled me to become senseless in boasting of myself to you, whereas I ought to have been commended by you. To have been commended. The verb gives one more side allusion, not without bitterness, to the commendatory epistles of which his adversaries boasted (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm">2 Corinthians 3:1</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/5-12.htm">2 Corinthians 5:12</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/10-12.htm">2 Corinthians 10:12-18</a>). The very chiefest apostles. The same strange compound, "out and out apostles," is used as in <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a>; comp. <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Galatians 2:6</a>. <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I have become Γέγονα (Gegona) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. a fool, ἄφρων (aphrōn) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_878.htm">Strong's 878: </a> Senseless, foolish, inconsiderate. Properly, mindless, i.e. Stupid, ignorant, egotistic, rash, or unbelieving. [but] you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. drove ἠναγκάσατε (ēnankasate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_315.htm">Strong's 315: </a> To force, compel, constrain, urge. From anagke; to necessitate. me [to it]. με (me) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. In fact, γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. should ὤφειλον (ōpheilon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3784.htm">Strong's 3784: </a> Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty. have commended συνίστασθαι (synistasthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_4921.htm">Strong's 4921: </a> To place together, commend, prove, exhibit; instrans: I stand with; To be composed of, cohere. me, ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. since γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. I am in no way inferior ὑστέρησα (hysterēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5302.htm">Strong's 5302: </a> From husteros; to be later, i.e. to be inferior; generally, to fall short. to those τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. “super-apostles,” Ὑπερλίαν (Hyperlian) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. though εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. I am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. nothing. οὐδέν (ouden) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become foolish in boasting (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>