Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.
What does 2 Corinthians 11:18 mean?
It is the duty and practice of Christians to humble themselves, in obedience to the command and example of the Lord; yet prudence must direct in what it is needful to do things which we may do lawfully, even the speaking of what God has wrought for us, and in us, and by us.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 11:18-20 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:18
- The false teachers in Corinth. They boasted of their birth, rank, natural endowments, eloquence, etc.; see 2 Corinthians 11:22 . Compare Philippians 3:3-4 . I will glory also - I also will boast of my endowments, which though somewhat different yet pertain in the main to the "flesh" also; see 2 Corinthians 11:23 ff. His endowments "in the flesh," or what he had to boast of pertaining to the flesh, related not so much to birth and rank, though not inferior to them in these, but to what the flesh had endured - to stripes and imprisonments, and hunger and peril. This is an exceedingly delicate and happy turn given to the whole subject.
Context in 2 Corinthians 11
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2 Corinthians 11 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as fool’s speech and weakness. Second Corinthians is Paul’s deepest letter on apostolic suffering, consolation, generosity, reconciliation, and the paradox of strength in weakness. Read this chapter with the wider themes of weakness, ministry, and reconciliation in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Passages on lowliness, modesty, the contrast between pride and humility, and the way God exalts those who humble themselves.
Passages on strength from God, courage under pressure, endurance in weakness, and the difference between divine strength and self-confidence.