Applying Paul's Example of Perseverance in 2 Corinthians 11

Paul's example of perseverance in 2 Corinthians 11 is a powerful demonstration of his endurance in the face of adversity. The passage begins with Paul's plea to the Corinthians to "bear with me a little in my folly" (2 Corinthians 11:1 ^[1]). He recounts his numerous hardships, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, as evidence of his apostolic credentials (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Literary Context

The surrounding chapters (2 Corinthians 10-13) form a larger unit, often referred to as the "Fool's Speech," where Paul defends his apostleship against the criticisms of his opponents. In this context, Paul's perseverance is not just a personal virtue but a necessary aspect of his ministry. He is "always carrying around in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:10 ^[6]).

Historical Setting

Paul's letters to the Corinthians were written during his missionary journeys, likely around 55-56 AD ^[8]. The Corinthian church was facing various challenges, including internal divisions and external pressures. Paul's example of perseverance was meant to encourage the believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Key Terms

The concept of perseverance is closely tied to the idea of "hypomone" (ὑπομονή), which refers to the ability to endure hardship or suffering with patience and steadfastness. Paul's use of this term in 2 Corinthians 1:6 and 12:12 highlights its importance in his theology ^[3].

Major Exegetical Decisions

One of the key interpretive decisions in 2 Corinthians 11 is the understanding of Paul's "folly" (2 Corinthians 11:1, 16-17 ^[1]). Some interpreters see this as a rhetorical device, while others understand it as a genuine expression of Paul's humility. The context suggests that Paul is using irony to highlight the absurdity of his situation.

Range of Interpretations

Traditions have interpreted Paul's example of perseverance in various ways. The early church fathers, such as Clement and Polycarp, saw perseverance as a key aspect of Christian discipleship, encouraging believers to imitate Christ's patience ^[4]. Reformed theologians, like Calvin, emphasized the role of God's sovereignty in enabling believers to persevere ^[5]. In contrast, some Catholic theologians, such as Aquinas, discussed perseverance as a virtue that requires human cooperation with divine grace ^[7].

Function in Tradition

Paul's example of perseverance has functioned in various ways throughout Christian tradition. It has been used to encourage martyrs and confessors during times of persecution. In liturgical contexts, 2 Corinthians 11 has been read alongside other passages that emphasize the importance of endurance, such as Hebrews 12:1-3. The passage has also been invoked in debates about the perseverance of the saints, with some traditions arguing that it demonstrates the believer's ability to persevere through God's enabling power ^{[2, 9]}.

The example of Paul's perseverance in 2 Corinthians 11 remains a powerful inspiration for Christians across traditions. As John Chrysostom noted, Paul's endurance in the face of adversity is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel ^[10]. By examining Paul's example and the various interpretations it has received, believers can deepen their understanding of perseverance and its role in the Christian life.

Sources

King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 11:1 — Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Perseverance of the saints — Their certain continuance in a state of grace. Once justified and regenerated, the believer can neither totally nor finally fall away from grace, but will certainly persevere therein and attain everlasting life. This doctrine is clearly taught in these passages, John 10:28, 29; Rom. 11:29; Phil. 1:6; 1 Pet. 1:5. It, moreover, follows from a consideration of (1) the immutability of the divine decrees (Jer. 31:3; Matt. 24:22-24; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:30); (2) the provisions of the covenant of grace (Jer. 32:40; John 10:29; 17:2-6); (3) the ato”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Patience — God, is the God of -- Ro 15:5. Christ, an example of -- Isa 53:7; Ac 8:32; Mt 27:14. Enjoined -- Tit 2:2; 2Pe 1:6. Should have its perfect work -- Jas 1:4. Trials of saints lead to -- Ro 5:3; Jas 1:3. Produces Experience. -- Ro 5:4. Hope. -- Ro 15:4. Suffering with, for well-doing, is acceptable with God -- 1Pe 2:20. To be exercised Running the race set before us. -- Heb 12:1. Bringing forth fruits. -- Lu 8:15. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; Ga 6:9. Waiting for God. -- Ps 37:7; 40:1. Waiting for Christ. -- 1Co 1:7; 2Th 3:5. Waiting for the hope of the gospel. -- R”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. VIII.--PERSEVERE IN HOPE AND PATIENCE.: Let us then continually persevere in our hope, and the earnest of our righteousness, which is Jesus Christ, "who bore our sins in His own body on the tree,"(3) "who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth,"(4) but endured all things for us, that we might live in Him.(5) Let us then be imitators of His patience; and if we suffer(6) for His name's sake, let us glorify Him.(7) For He has set us this example s in Himself, and we have believed that such is the c”
CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 4.4: with all the children of God in the faith of the gospel. When he says, from the first day , he commends their promptitude in having shewn themselves teachable immediately upon the doctrine being set before them. The phrase until now denotes their perseverance. Now we know how rare an excellence it is, to follow God immediately upon his calling us, and also to persevere steadfastly unto the end. For many are slow and backward to obey, while there are still more that fall short through fickleness and inconstancy. 32 3”
2 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 4 (introduction): In this chapter we have an account, I. Of the constancy of the apostle and his fellow-labourers in their work. Their constancy in declared (Co2 4:1), their sincerity is vouched (Co2 4:2), an objection is obviated (Co2 4:3, Co2 4:4), and their integrity proved (Co2 4:5-7). II. Of their courage and patience under their sufferings. Where see what their sufferings were, together with their allays (Co2 4:8-12), and what it was that kept them from sinking and fainting under them (Co2 4:13 to the end).”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part of the Second Part (Prima Secundae), Of the Necessity of Grace, Art. 10: Article: Whether man possessed of grace needs the help of grace in order to persevere? I answer that, Perseverance is taken in three ways. First, to signify a habit of the mind whereby a man stands steadfastly, lest he be moved by the assault of sadness from what is virtuous. And thus perseverance is to sadness as continence is to concupiscence and pleasure, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. vii, 7). Secondly, perseverance may be called a habit, whereby a man has the purpose of persever”
Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 9:1: 9:1-19 The conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus road is of central importance to the narrative of Acts—Luke recounts the story three times (also 22:1-21; 26:1-29). Paul (Saul) also alludes to this experience several times in his letters (1 Cor 15:8-10; Gal 1:11-17; Phil 3:4-11; see 1 Tim 1:12-17). Saul’s conversion was his prophetic call and commission as an apostle (Acts 9:15; 22:15, 21; 26:15-18). No one is beyond the power of God to reach, redeem, and use for holy purposes—nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Paul was prepared through his training, ”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 16: nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It will be seen that the Apostle does not rest the perseverance of the saints on the indestructible nature of faith, or on the imperishable nature of the principle of grace in the heart, or on the constancy of the believer’s will, but solely on what is out of ourselves. Perseverance, he teaches us, is due to the pu”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 399 the homilies of St. john Chrysostom archbishop of constantinople, on the EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO timothy, titus, and philemon. The Oxford Translation Edited, with Additional Notes, by rev. Philip Schaff, d.d., LL.D.”

Ask Your Own Question