Was it a sin for me to humble myselfPaul begins with a rhetorical question, emphasizing his humility. In the Greco-Roman world, humility was often seen as a weakness, yet Paul embraces it as a Christ-like virtue (
Philippians 2:5-8). His self-humbling is a reflection of Jesus' own humility and servanthood. This phrase challenges the cultural norms of status and honor, showing that true leadership in the Christian context is marked by humility.
in order to exalt you,
Paul's purpose in humbling himself was to elevate the Corinthians spiritually. This reflects the biblical principle that leaders should serve others, as seen in Jesus' teaching inMatthew 20:26-28. By exalting the Corinthians, Paul aimed to strengthen their faith and understanding of the gospel, prioritizing their spiritual growth over his own status.
because I preached the gospel of God to you
Paul's mission was to spread the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. The phrase "gospel of God" underscores the divine origin and authority of the message he preached. This aligns withRomans 1:1, where Paul identifies himself as set apart for the gospel of God. His preaching was not for personal gain but to fulfill his calling as an apostle.
free of charge?
Paul did not accept financial support from the Corinthians, which was unusual for teachers of that time who often relied on patronage. This decision was to avoid any hindrance to the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12) and to distinguish himself from false apostles who exploited the church for money. His approach reflects Jesus' instruction to freely give what has been freely received (Matthew 10:8). By preaching without charge, Paul demonstrated the selfless nature of true gospel ministry.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his ministry and the manner in which he preached the gospel to them.
2.
The Church in CorinthA Christian community in the city of Corinth, known for its diverse and often problematic congregation. Paul wrote multiple letters to them, addressing various issues and providing guidance.
3.
The False ApostlesIndividuals who were challenging Paul's authority and teachings, often promoting a different gospel and seeking financial gain.
4.
The Gospel of GodThe message of salvation through Jesus Christ, which Paul preached without charging the Corinthians, contrasting with the practices of the false apostles.
5.
Macedonian ChurchesOther Christian communities that supported Paul financially, allowing him to offer the gospel freely to the Corinthians.
Teaching Points
Humility in MinistryPaul exemplifies humility by choosing to serve without financial gain, prioritizing the spiritual growth of the Corinthians over his own rights.
The Value of the GospelThe gospel's worth is immeasurable, and Paul’s decision to preach it freely underscores its importance and accessibility to all.
Discernment Against False TeachingsBelievers must be vigilant against those who preach for personal gain, ensuring that the true gospel remains untainted.
Support for MinistryWhile Paul chose not to accept support from the Corinthians, he did receive help from other churches, highlighting the importance of supporting genuine ministry work.
Self-Sacrifice for the GospelPaul’s actions encourage believers to consider how they might sacrifice personal comforts for the advancement of the gospel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:7?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 11:7 demonstrate Paul's humility in spreading the Gospel?
3.Why did Paul choose to preach "free of charge" to the Corinthians?
4.What can we learn from Paul's sacrifice in 2 Corinthians 11:7 for ministry today?
5.How does Paul's approach in 2 Corinthians 11:7 connect with Jesus' teachings on service?
6.How can we apply Paul's example of selflessness in our own ministry efforts?
7.Why did Paul preach the gospel free of charge in 2 Corinthians 11:7?
8.How does 2 Corinthians 11:7 challenge the concept of paid ministry?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's decision in 2 Corinthians 11:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11?
11.What were Jesus' characteristics and personality like?
12.What defines a Christian comfort zone?
13.Why did the apostle Paul work as a tentmaker?
14.Zechariah 13:7 - Who is the 'shepherd' in this verse, and why does the text imply that God himself would strike him, which seems contradictory to other passages?What Does 2 Corinthians 11:7 Mean
Was it a sin for mePaul opens with a rhetorical question that drips with irony.
• He is answering critics who hinted that his refusal of financial support proved he was no real apostle (cf.2 Corinthians 12:13 – “For what is it in which you were inferior to the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!”).
• By asking whether it was “a sin,” Paul exposes the absurdity of treating a loving sacrifice as moral failure.
• Scripture repeatedly shows that godly leaders sometimes waive legitimate rights for the sake of the flock (1 Corinthians 9:12 – “But we did not exercise this right; instead, we endure everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ.”;1 Thessalonians 2:5).
to humble myselfPaul’s “humbling” was practical, not merely emotional.
• He worked with his own hands (Acts 18:3 – “He stayed and worked with them, for they were tentmakers by trade.”).
• Choosing the low place echoes Christ’s pattern (Philippians 2:7 – “but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.”).
• His meek posture stood in sharp contrast to the self-promoting “super-apostles” troubling Corinth (2 Corinthians 10:1).
in order to exalt youThe paradox of leadership: Paul lowers himself so the church can rise.
• He saw himself as their servant for Jesus’ sake (2 Corinthians 4:5 – “we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”).
• Every decision aimed at building them up, not magnifying himself (Romans 15:2;Ephesians 4:12).
• By declining money, he removed any barrier to their spiritual growth, ensuring no one could accuse him of preaching for profit.
because I preached the gospel of God to youThe message came straight from God, not human invention (Galatians 1:11-12).
• Paul’s priority was crystal clear: “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
• Since the good news belongs to God, it must remain untainted by commercial motives.
• He carried this stewardship with holy fear, echoingRomans 1:16—“I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation.”.
free of charge?Refusing support was deliberate, not accidental.
• The Lord allows ministers to live from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14), yet Paul voluntarily laid that right down (1 Corinthians 9:18 – “What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge.”).
• His own hands supplied his needs (Acts 20:33-34;2 Thessalonians 3:8).
• Doing so silenced accusations, distinguished him from peddlers of religion, and showcased grace—because salvation itself is a gift, not a transaction.
summary2 Corinthians 11:7 shows Paul turning worldly values upside down. By laboring without pay, he models Christlike humility that lifts others up, guards the purity of the gospel, and shames those who measure ministry by money. His “free of charge” approach proves that the true treasure is Jesus Himself, offered without cost to all who believe.
(7)
Have I committed an offence (literally,
a sin)
in abasing myself . . .?--The rival teachers apparently boasted of their disinterestedness. "They didn't come for what they could get." St. Paul, we know, more than most men, had acted on the law of which they boasted as their special distinction, and in
1Corinthians 9:1-18, in the discussion on the question of eating things sacrificed to idols, had dwelt with a pardonable fulness on his own conduct in this matter, as an example of foregoing an abstract right for the sake of a greater good. His enemies were compelled to admit this as far as his life at Corinth was concerned; but they had detected what they looked on as a grave inconsistency. He had accepted help from the churches of Macedonia (
2Corinthians 11:9), and in this they found ground for a two-fold charge: "He wasn't above taking money from other churches--he was only too proud to take it from that of Corinth;" and this was made matter of personal offence. To take money at all was mean; not to take it from them was contemptuous.
He does not deny the facts. He repeats the irritating epithet,"abasing myself"; he adds the familiar antithesis (Matthew 23:12;Luke 1:52;Luke 14:11;Luke 18:11), "Yes, but I did it that you might be exalted," perhaps with reference to elevation in spiritual knowledge, perhaps, because the fact that he laboured for them without payment was the greatest proof of disinterested love for them which could be given. . . .
Verse 7. -
Have I? literally,
or have I? An ironical exception to his manifestation of knowledge; "unless you think that I committed a sin in refusing to accept maintenance at your hands." It is clear that even this noble generosity had been made the ground for a charge against the apostle. "If he had not been conscious," they said, "that he has no real claims, he would not have preached for nothing, when he had a perfect right to be supported by his converts" (
1 Corinthians 9:1-15).
Abasing myself. The trade of tentmaker was despised, tedious, and mechanical, and it did not suffice to provide even for Paul's small needs (
Acts 18:3;
Acts 20:34).
That ye might be exalted; namely, by spiritual gifts (
Ephesians 2:4-6).
The gospel... freely. Some of them would feel the vast contrast between the words. The gospel was the most precious gift of God, and they had got it for nothing. Compare the fine lines of Lowell -
"For a cap and bells our lives we pay,
Bubbles we earn with our whole soul's tasking;
Tis only God who is given away,
Tis only heaven may be had for the asking." To be a free and unpaid missionary was St. Paul's pride (2 Corinthians 12:14;1 Thessalonians 2:9;2 Thessalonians 3:8, 9;Acts 20:33).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
[Was it]Ἢ(Ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.a sinἁμαρτίαν(hamartian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 266:From hamartano; a sin.[for me]ἐποίησα(epoiēsa)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.to humbleταπεινῶν(tapeinōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5013:To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.myselfἐμαυτὸν(emauton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1683:Genitive case compound of emou and autos; of myself so likewise the dative case emautoi em-ow-to', and accusative case emauton em-ow-ton'.in order toἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.exalt you,ὑψωθῆτε(hypsōthēte)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5312:(a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.I preachedεὐηγγελισάμην(euēngelisamēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2097:From eu and aggelos; to announce good news especially the gospel.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospelεὐαγγέλιον(euangelion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.of GodΘεοῦ(Theou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.to youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.free of charge?δωρεὰν(dōrean)Adverb
Strong's 1432:As a free gift, without payment, freely. Accusative case of dorea as adverb; gratuitously.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:7 Or did I commit a sin (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
