Although I am not a polished speakerPaul acknowledges his lack of eloquence, which contrasts with the Greek cultural emphasis on rhetoric and oratory skills. In Corinth, a city known for its appreciation of skilled speakers, this admission highlights Paul's humility and reliance on the power of the Gospel rather than human wisdom (
1 Corinthians 2:1-5). This echoes Moses' own hesitance in
Exodus 4:10, where he expressed concern over his speaking abilities, yet God used him mightily.
I am certainly not lacking in knowledge
Despite his rhetorical shortcomings, Paul asserts his deep understanding of the Gospel and the mysteries of God. His knowledge is rooted in his Pharisaic background (Philippians 3:5) and his direct revelation from Christ (Galatians 1:12). This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, as Paul lived out the truths he preached (2 Timothy 3:10-11).
We have made this clear to you
Paul emphasizes the transparency and clarity with which he and his companions have communicated the Gospel. This reflects his commitment to truth and integrity, contrasting with the false apostles who relied on deceit (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). His approach aligns with Jesus' teaching inJohn 8:32, where truth is central to freedom and understanding.
in every way possible
Paul's ministry was characterized by adaptability and a willingness to become "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) to effectively communicate the Gospel. This phrase underscores his dedication to ensuring the Corinthians fully grasped the message, whether through teaching, personal example, or written correspondence. It reflects the comprehensive nature of his ministry efforts, as seen throughout his epistles.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He acknowledges his lack of eloquence but emphasizes his deep knowledge of the Gospel.
2.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and false teachings.
3.
False ApostlesIndividuals who were misleading the Corinthian church by questioning Paul's authority and promoting a different gospel.
Teaching Points
The Value of Knowledge Over EloquencePaul prioritizes the truth of the Gospel over rhetorical skill. In our own lives, we should focus on understanding and sharing the truth rather than being concerned with how eloquently we can present it.
Authenticity in MinistryPaul’s transparency about his weaknesses serves as a model for authentic ministry. We should not be afraid to acknowledge our limitations, trusting that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
Discernment Against False TeachingsThe Corinthian church was susceptible to false teachings. We must be vigilant and discerning, grounding ourselves in Scripture to recognize and refute false doctrines.
The Role of the Holy SpiritPaul’s effectiveness in ministry was not due to his speaking ability but the work of the Holy Spirit. We should rely on the Spirit’s guidance and empowerment in our own witness.
Commitment to TruthPaul’s commitment to making the truth clear to the Corinthians is a call for us to be diligent in studying and communicating God’s Word accurately.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:6?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 11:6 emphasize the importance of knowledge over eloquence in ministry?
3.In what ways can we prioritize truth over presentation in sharing the Gospel?
4.How does Paul's approach in 2 Corinthians 11:6 connect to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5?
5.What practical steps can we take to deepen our understanding of God's Word?
6.How can we ensure our message remains clear and truthful despite our speaking skills?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 11:6 address the importance of eloquence versus knowledge in preaching?
8.Why does Paul emphasize knowledge over eloquence in 2 Corinthians 11:6?
9.How does 2 Corinthians 11:6 challenge modern views on effective communication in ministry?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11?
11.Who knows the Son except the Father?
12.What are my spiritual gifts?
13.What defines the belief system of Luciferianism?
14.What are the Nag Hammadi writings?What Does 2 Corinthians 11:6 Mean
Although I am not a polished speakerPaul freely admits that his public speaking lacks the smooth rhetoric prized by the Corinthian culture (cf.2 Corinthians 10:10). Yet, in1 Corinthians 2:1-5 he had already reminded them that God’s power rests not on eloquence but on “the demonstration of the Spirit.”
• This humility mirrors Moses’ confession of slow speech inExodus 4:10-11, showing that God often chooses unpolished vessels so the spotlight stays on Him.
•Acts 4:13 notes that the Sanhedrin viewed Peter and John as “unschooled,” yet they spoke with boldness because they had been with Jesus.
• By admitting his rhetorical shortcomings, Paul exposes the worldly mindset of the “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5), who dazzled with style but distorted truth.
I am certainly not lacking in knowledgeWhile Paul downplays his oratory, he firmly asserts his God-given insight.Galatians 1:11-12 explains that his gospel came “through a revelation of Jesus Christ,” not human instruction.
•1 Corinthians 2:6-16 shows that the Spirit imparts spiritual truths, granting Paul deep understanding others could not manufacture.
• Peter even classifies Paul’s writings with “the rest of the Scriptures” in2 Peter 3:15-16, a clear affirmation of inspired knowledge.
• This knowledge encompasses:
– The mysteries of Christ revealed (Ephesians 3:3-4)
– Sound doctrine for the churches (1 Timothy 2:7)
– Discernment to expose false teaching (2 Corinthians 11:1-3)
Thus, the Corinthians must judge Paul’s ministry by the substance of gospel truth, not by flashy delivery.
We have made this clear to you in every way possiblePaul points to a track record the Corinthians have already witnessed. His life, teaching, and sacrificial service formed a transparent witness (2 Corinthians 1:12; 4:2).
•Acts 20:20, 27 recounts how he “did not shrink” from declaring the whole counsel of God.
• Signs of an apostle—“great perseverance in signs, wonders, and miracles” (2 Corinthians 12:12)—confirmed his message.
• Consistency and integrity, underscored in1 Thessalonians 2:10, gave flesh to his words.
In short, every avenue—preaching, living, suffering, and miraculous attestation—proved his authenticity beyond dispute.
summary2 Corinthians 11:6 contrasts surface polish with substantive, Spirit-given knowledge. Paul’s plain speech highlights divine power rather than human performance; his revealed understanding anchors believers in truth; and his transparent ministry demonstrates that the gospel’s credibility rests on God’s work, not rhetorical flair. The verse calls us to value biblical truth and authentic living over the allure of eloquence or outward show.
(6)
But though I be rude in speech.--The word for "rude" is the same as that translated as "unlearned" in
1Corinthians 14:23-24. This, then, had also been said of him by some at Corinth. It might seem at first as if the contemptuous criticism was likely to have come from the Hellenic or paganising party of culture, who despised the Apostle because he was without the polish and eloquence of the rhetoric in which they delighted. The context, however, makes it clear that the opponents now under the lash are the Judaising teachers, the "apostles-extraordinary." They apparently affected to despise him because he had abandoned, or had never mastered, the subtleties of Rabbinic casuistry, the wild allegories of Rabbinic interpretation. "He talks," we hear them saying, "of others as 'laymen,' or 'unlearned.' What right has he so to speak who is practically but a 'layman' himself? How can a man who is cutting and stitching all day be a 'doctor of the law'?
Ne sutor ultra crepidam." Side by side with the recognition of the dignity of labour in some Jewish proverbs (such,
e.g., as that the father who did not teach his son to work taught him to be a thief), there was among the later Rabbis something like the feeling of an aristocracy of scholarship. Even the Son of Sirach, after describing the work of the ploughman and the carpenter and the potter, excludes them from the higher life of wisdom. "They shall not be sought for in public counsel . . . they cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken" (
Ecclesiasticus 38:33). The word for "rude" was probably used as the equivalent for the Hebrew term by which the Pharisees held up the working classes to contempt as "the people of the earth."
But we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.--The readings vary, some of the better MSS. giving the active form of the verb,having made(it) manifest in everything among all men. The apparent awkwardness of having a transitive verb without an object probably led to the substitution of the passive participle.
Verse 6. -
Rude in speech; literally,
a laic in discourse; see
2 Corinthians 10:10 and
1 Corinthians 2:13; and, for the word
idiotes, a private person, and so "one who is untrained," as contrasted with a professor, see the only other places where it occurs in the New Testament (
Acts 4:13;
1 Corinthians 14:16, 23, 24). St. Paul did not profess to have the trained oratorical skill of Apollos. His eloquence, dependent on conviction and emotion, followed none of the rules of art.
Yet not in knowledge. Spiritual knowledge was a primary requisite of an apostle, and St. Paul
did claim to possess this (
Ephesians 3:3, 4).
We have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things. This would be an appeal to the transparent openness and sincerity of all his dealings, as in
2 Corinthians 4:20 and 2 Cor 12:12; but the best reading seems to be the active participle,
phanerosantes (
א, B, F, G), not the passive,
phanerothentes. The rendering will then be,
In everything making it (my knowledge)
manifest among all men towards you.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Althoughκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.[I am] not a polishedἰδιώτης(idiōtēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2399:From idios; a private person, i.e. an ignoramus.speaker,λόγῳ(logō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.I am certainly not lackingοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.in knowledge.γνώσει(gnōsei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1108:Knowledge, doctrine, wisdom. From ginosko; knowing, i.e. knowledge.We have made this clearφανερώσαντες(phanerōsantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5319:To make clear (visible, manifest), make known. From phaneros; to render apparent.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.every way possible.παντὶ(panti)Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:6 But though I am unskilled in speech (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
