Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. New Living Translation I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost. English Standard Version I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. Berean Standard Bible I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. Berean Literal Bible I robbed other churches, having received support for ministry to you⁺. King James Bible I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. New King James Version I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. New American Standard Bible I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; NASB 1995 I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; NASB 1977 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to serve you; Legacy Standard Bible I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to minister to you. Amplified Bible I robbed other churches by accepting [more than their share of] financial support for my ministry to you. Berean Annotated Bible I robbed other churches {ekklēsias} by accepting their support in order to serve {diakonian} you⁺. Christian Standard Bible I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. Holman Christian Standard Bible I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. American Standard Version I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you; Contemporary English Version I robbed other churches by taking money from them to serve you. English Revised Version I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you; GOD'S WORD® Translation I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to serve you. Good News Translation While I was working among you, I was paid by other churches. I was robbing them, so to speak, in order to help you. International Standard Version I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. NET Bible I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so that I could serve you! New Heart English Bible I robbed other churches, taking wages from them that I might serve you. Webster's Bible Translation I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. Weymouth New Testament Other Churches I robbed, receiving pay from them in order to do you service. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. World English Bible I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionI robbed other assemblies, having taken wages, for your ministry; Berean Literal Bible I robbed other churches, having received support for ministry to you⁺. Young's Literal Translation other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration; Smith's Literal Translation I stripped other churches, having received pay, for your service. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleI have taken from other churches, receiving wages of them for your ministry. Catholic Public Domain Version I have taken from other churches, receiving a stipend from them to the benefit of your ministry. New American Bible I plundered other churches by accepting from them in order to minister to you. New Revised Standard Version I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI deprived other churches, taking supplies from them, in order to minister to you. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And I robbed other assemblies and took expenses for your service. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI robbed other churches, taking wages to do you service: and when I was present with you, and wanted, I was not a burden to any one; Godbey New Testament I robbed other churches, having received support for your ministry, and being present with you and being destitute, I burdened no one; Haweis New Testament I plundered other churches, receiving a provision from them, in order to minister to you. Mace New Testament by taking wages of other churches, I may have injured them, to do you service. Weymouth New Testament Other Churches I robbed, receiving pay from them in order to do you service. Worrell New Testament I robbed other assemblies, taking wages of them, that I might minister to you; Worsley New Testament I trespassed on other churches, receiving maintenance from them for your service. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul and the False Apostles…7Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you. 9And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.… Cross References I robbed other churches Philippians 4:15-16 And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. 2 Corinthians 12:13 In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 1 Corinthians 9:18 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. by accepting their support Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 1 Corinthians 9:14-15 In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. / But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. 2 Corinthians 8:4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. in order to serve you. 2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. / To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. / To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. … 1 Corinthians 9:11-14 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you? / If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. / Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? … 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. Galatians 6:6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor. Acts 20:33-35 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.’” 1 Corinthians 4:11-12 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. / We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. / Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. Treasury of Scripture I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. Philippians 4:14-16 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction… Jump to Previous Accepting Assemblies Churches Hire Minister Ministration Ministry Money Order Pay Payment Receiving Rob Robbed Servant Serve Service Spoiled Support Towards Wages WorkJump to Next Accepting Assemblies Churches Hire Minister Ministration Ministry Money Order Pay Payment Receiving Rob Robbed Servant Serve Service Spoiled Support Towards Wages Work2 Corinthians 11 1. Out of his jealousy over the Corinthians, he enters into a forced commendation of himself,5. of his equality with the chief apostles, 7. of his preaching the gospel to them freely, and without any charge to them; 13. showing that he was not inferior to those deceitful workers in any legal prerogative; 23. and in the service of Christ, and in all kinds of sufferings for his ministry, far superior. I robbed other churches Paul uses the term "robbed" metaphorically to emphasize the sacrifice other churches made to support his ministry in Corinth. This hyperbolic language underscores the gravity of the situation and the generosity of the Macedonian churches, such as those in Philippi and Thessalonica (Philippians 4:15-16). The term highlights the selflessness of these churches, which were not wealthy but gave out of their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). This phrase also reflects Paul's commitment to not burden the Corinthians financially, maintaining his integrity and independence in ministry (1 Corinthians 9:12). by accepting their support in order to serve you Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his ministry and explaining his actions in supporting the Corinthian church. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth was established by Paul and faced many challenges, including divisions and false teachings. 3. Macedonian Churches These churches, including Philippi and Thessalonica, were known for their generosity despite their poverty. They supported Paul financially so he could minister to the Corinthians without burdening them. 4. False Apostles Paul contrasts his genuine ministry with those who were misleading the Corinthians, emphasizing his sacrificial service. 5. The Early Church The broader context of the early Christian communities, which often supported one another through financial and spiritual means. Teaching Points Sacrificial ServicePaul’s willingness to "rob" other churches highlights the importance of sacrificial service in ministry. He prioritized the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians over his own material needs. Generosity in the Body of Christ The Macedonian churches exemplify the principle of generosity, showing that even those with limited resources can contribute significantly to God’s work. Integrity in Ministry Paul’s actions underscore the importance of integrity and transparency in ministry. He was careful to avoid any appearance of exploiting the Corinthians. Interdependence Among Churches The early church model demonstrates the value of interdependence, where churches support one another to advance the gospel. Prioritizing the Gospel Paul’s approach teaches us to prioritize the spread of the gospel over personal gain or comfort, trusting God to provide through various means. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:8?2. How does 2 Corinthians 11:8 illustrate Paul's approach to financial support in ministry? 3. What can we learn from Paul's actions about supporting church leaders today? 4. How does Paul's example in 2 Corinthians 11:8 connect to Philippians 4:15-16? 5. Why is it important for churches to support missionaries, as Paul experienced? 6. How can we apply Paul's financial principles in 2 Corinthians 11:8 to our giving? 7. Why did Paul say he "robbed other churches" in 2 Corinthians 11:8? 8. How does 2 Corinthians 11:8 reflect on the financial support of ministry? 9. What historical context explains Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 11:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 11? 11. How can we verify, historically or archaeologically, that the collection Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 8 was actually delivered to, and used by, the intended recipients in Jerusalem? 12. What is the definition and meaning of heresy? 13. 2 Corinthians 11:29 - How could Paul meaningfully empathize with and support multiple distant churches given the limited communication and travel methods of his era? 14. What does 'weak in the faith' mean? What Does 2 Corinthians 11:8 Mean I robbed other churchesPaul uses startling words, not to confess sin, but to spotlight his sacrificial choice. • He willingly received help from the Macedonian assemblies (2 Corinthians 11:9; Philippians 4:15-16), funds they could have used for their own needs. • By calling this “robbery,” he underscores how deeply he feels the debt of gratitude he owes them. • He is not endorsing literal theft; his life testifies to financial integrity (Acts 20:33-35). • The expression exposes the sharp contrast between genuine apostleship and the money-focused “super-apostles” troubling Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:12-13). by accepting their support Receiving gifts is a legitimate right for gospel workers (1 Corinthians 9:11-14), yet Paul handled that right carefully. • He lived tent-making seasons (Acts 18:3) and labored “night and day” elsewhere (1 Thessalonians 2:9), but allowed other churches to send aid so he could give undistracted time to Corinth. • This help arrived providentially—“the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs” (2 Corinthians 11:9). • His openness to outside support demonstrated the body’s interdependence (2 Corinthians 8:14-15). • The same principle still stands: believers share resources so that the Word spreads (Philippians 4:17-19). in order to serve you Paul’s financial strategy had one aim: maximize ministry in Corinth without casting a shadow of greed. • He “kept himself from being a burden” so that no one could question his motives (2 Corinthians 11:9; 12:13). • By declining local pay he removed every obstacle to the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12, 18). • His heart shines through: “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15). • The pattern echoes Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45) and “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). summary 2 Corinthians 11:8 reveals Paul’s loving resolve: he let generous believers elsewhere underwrite his mission so that the Corinthians could receive the gospel free of charge. The vivid phrase “I robbed other churches” magnifies his gratitude to those donors and his protective love for a congregation easily swayed by flashy pretenders. It calls today’s church to the same blend of generous giving, responsible receiving, and self-emptying service that mirrors the Savior Himself. (8) I robbed other churches, taking wages of them.--The word for wages--strictly rations, or wages in kind, rather than in money--is found in Luke 3:14; Romans 6:23; 1Corinthians 9:7. Its use in the last-named passage had, perhaps, given occasion for a sneer. "He too can take wages when it suits his purpose." From St. Paul's point of view, if what he had received had been wages at all, he had been guilty of an act of spoliation. He had received wages from one employer while he was acting in the service of another.Verse 8. - I robbed; literally, I ravaged, or plundered. The intensity of St. Paul's feelings, smarting under base calumny and ingratitude, reveals itself by the passionate expression which he here uses. Other Churches. The only Church of which we know as contributing to St. Paul's needs is that at Philippi (Philippians 4:15, 16). Taking wages. The expression is again impassioned. It is meant rather ironically than literally. Literally it means rations (1 Corinthians 9:7).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek I robbedἐσύλησα (esylēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 4813: To rob, plunder, strip. From a derivative of sullo; to despoil. other ἄλλας (allas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. churches ἐκκλησίας (ekklēsias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. by accepting λαβὼν (labōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. [their] support ὀψώνιον (opsōnion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3800: Neuter of a presumed derivative of the same as opsarion; rations for a soldier, i.e. his stipend or pay. in order πρὸς (pros) Preposition Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. to serve διακονίαν (diakonian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service. you. ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. Links 2 Corinthians 11:8 NIV2 Corinthians 11:8 NLT 2 Corinthians 11:8 ESV 2 Corinthians 11:8 NASB 2 Corinthians 11:8 KJV 2 Corinthians 11:8 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 11:8 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 11:8 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 11:8 French Bible 2 Corinthians 11:8 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other assemblies taking wages (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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