Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
What does 2 Corinthians 11:24 mean?
The apostle gives an account of his labours and sufferings; not out of pride or vain-glory, but to the honour of God, who enabled him to do and suffer so much for the cause of Christ; and shows wherein he excelled the false apostles, who tried to lessen his character and usefulness.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 11:23-24 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:24
- On this verse and the following verse it is of importance to make a few remarks preliminary to the explanation of the phrases: (1) It is admitted that the particulars here referred to cannot be extracted out of the Acts of the Apostles. A few can be identified, but there are many more trials referred to here than are specified there. (2) this proves that this Epistle was not framed from the history, but that they are written independently of one another - Paley. (3) yet they are not inconsistent one with the other.
Key words
- times
-
Five times - This was doubtless in their synagogues and before their courts of justice.
- received
-
The number of stripes he received at each time agrees with the traditions and customs of the Jews.
- stripes
-
The number of stripes he received at each time agrees with the traditions and customs of the Jews.
Context in 2 Corinthians 11
Show chapter context
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
Explore by topic
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.
Central texts on sin, grace, faith, Christ’s saving work, and the Bible’s announcement that salvation is received rather than achieved.
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.