Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [2 Corinthians: Chapter 11].
11:15 {As ministers of righteousness} (\h•s diakonoi
dikaiosun•s\). Jesus (Joh 10:1-21) terms these false shepherds
thieves and robbers. It is a tragedy to see men in the livery of
heaven serve the devil.
11:16 {Let no man think me foolish} (\m• tis me dox•i aphrona
einai\). Usual construction in a negative prohibition with \m•\
and the aorist subjunctive \dox•i\ (Robertson, _Grammar_, p.
933). {But if ye do} (\ei de m• ge\). Literally, "But if not at
least (or otherwise)," that is, If you do think me foolish. {Yet
as foolish} (\kan h•s aphrona\). "Even if as foolish." Paul feels
compelled to boast of his career and work as an apostle of Christ
after the terrible picture just drawn of the Judaizers. He feels
greatly embarrassed in doing it. Some men can do it with complete
composure (_sang froid_).
11:17 {Not after the Lord} (\ou kata Kurion\). Not after the
example of the Lord. He had appealed to the example of Christ in
10:1 (the meekness and gentleness of Christ). Paul's conduct
here, he admits, is not in keeping with that. But circumstances
force him on.
11:18 {After the flesh} (\kata sarka\). It is \kata sarka\ not
\kata Kurion\. {I also} (\kag•\). But he knows that it is a bit
of foolishness and not like Christ.
11:19 {Gladly} (\h•de•s\). Irony again. Cf. \kalos\ in 11:4
(Mr 7:9). So as to \phronimoi ontes\ (being wise).
11:20 {For ye bear with a man} (\anechesthe gar\). " You tolerate
tyranny, extortion, craftiness, arrogance, violence, and insult"
(Plummer). Sarcasm that cut to the bone. Note the verb with each
of the five conditional clauses (enslaves, devours, takes
captive, exalteth himself, smites on the face). The climax of
insult, smiting on the face.
11:21 {By way of disparagement} (\kata atimian\). Intense irony.
Cf. 6:8. {As though} (\h•s hoti\). Presented as the charge of
another. "They more than tolerate those who trample on them while
they criticize as 'weak' one who shows them great consideration"
(Plummer). After these prolonged explanations Paul "changes his
tone from irony to direct and masterful assertion" (Bernard). {I
am bold also} (\tolm• kag•\). Real courage. Cf. 10:2,12.
http://www.ccel.org/r/robertson_at/wordpictures/htm/2CO11.RWP.html (4 of 8) [28/08/2004 09:12:16 a.m.]