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2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

2 Corinthians 1:23
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

2 Corinthians 12:19
Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: butwe do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

no man shall stop me of this boasting.

2 Corinthians 11:12,16,17
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we…

2 Corinthians 10:15
Not boasting of things withoutour measure,that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

1 Corinthians 9:15-18
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: forit were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void…

the regions.

2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothyour brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

2 Corinthians 9:2
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

Acts 18:12,27
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, …

this boasting of mine
Paul's "boasting" is not in worldly achievements but in his commitment to preach the gospel without financial support from the Corinthians, as detailed in2 Corinthians 11:7-9. This contrasts with the false apostles who sought financial gain. His boasting is a defense of his integrity and dedication to the gospel, similar to his statements in1 Corinthians 9:15-18, where he discusses his rights as an apostle and his choice to forgo them for the sake of the gospel.

will not be silenced
Paul is resolute in his mission and message, indicating that no opposition or criticism will deter him. This determination reflects his broader struggles and perseverance in ministry, as outlined in2 Corinthians 11:23-28, where he lists his sufferings for the sake of Christ. His unwavering commitment is a model of steadfast faith and dedication to God's calling.

in the regions of Achaia
Achaia was a Roman province in southern Greece, with Corinth as its capital. This geographical reference highlights the specific area of Paul's ministry focus. The cultural and historical context of Achaia, known for its philosophical and religious diversity, presented unique challenges and opportunities for the spread of Christianity. Paul's work in Corinth, as recorded inActs 18:1-11, was pivotal in establishing a strong Christian community in this influential region. His letters to the Corinthians address the complexities of living out the Christian faith in such a cosmopolitan and morally challenging environment.

Paul begins with a solemn affirmation.

• He calls on “the truth of Christ” living in him, echoingRomans 9:1 andGalatians 2:20, where he also testifies that Christ is the source of his integrity.

• By grounding his words in Christ’s own truth, he signals that what follows is not personal bravado but Spirit-given conviction (1 Timothy 2:7).

• The phrase reassures the Corinthian believers that everything he says about his ministry and motives can be trusted because it is anchored in the Lord who cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

Paul’s “boast” is not about personal achievement but about preaching the gospel free of charge.

• Earlier he wrote, “Did I commit a sin… because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?” (2 Corinthians 11:7).

• He refused Corinthian support so no one could claim he was peddling the word (1 Corinthians 9:15-18;Acts 20:33-34).

• His boast, therefore, is actually a testimony to God’s grace, much likeGalatians 6:14 where he boasts only in the cross.

Paul is determined to keep highlighting this distinctive of his ministry.

• False apostles in Corinth were taking money and questioning Paul’s credentials; by contrast, Paul’s unpaid service exposed their greed (2 Corinthians 11:12-13).

• He vows that no one will “muzzle” this testimony, reminiscent of1 Corinthians 9:16: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”

• His resolve models steadfastness for believers facing opposition—keep speaking truth, let nothing shut your witness (Ephesians 6:19-20).

Achaia included Corinth, Cenchrea, and the surrounding province (Acts 18:1-11).

• Corinthian culture prized status and patronage; refusing funds undercut that system and highlighted the gospel’s counter-cultural power (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

• By extending the statement to the whole region, Paul shows that his policy wasn’t limited to one congregation; it was a consistent stand that would echo from city to city (2 Corinthians 1:1;1 Thessalonians 1:7-8).

• The churches of Achaia, then, were to recognize a clear dividing line: authentic apostles serve Christ, not their own wallets (Philippians 3:18-19).

Paul calls on the indwelling truth of Christ to certify that his refusal to take money for gospel work is a God-honoring boast. He insists this testimony will keep ringing across Achaia, exposing false teachers and safeguarding believers. The verse challenges us to serve with the same transparent integrity, letting nothing silence the message or distort its motive.

No man shall stop me of this boasting.--Literally,This boast shall not be stopped for me. The verb for "stop" means primarily to "hedge round," or "fence." In the New Testament, as inRomans 3:19, it is always used of "stopping the mouth." Here, with something like a personification, he says that his boast shall not have its mouth thus sealed.

In the region of Achaia.--The word (klima) is peculiar to St. Paul among the writers of the New Testament (Romans 15:23;Galatians 1:21). Like our word "climate," which is derived from it, it was originally a term of science, and had passed gradually into colloquial usage. He names the province and not the city--probably to include Cenchreae. There is no evidence of his having preached in any other locality south of the Isthmus of Corinth.