In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
What does 2 Corinthians 11:32 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
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Keep this verse inside 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:32
It is evidently mentioned as an instance of peril which had escaped his recollection in the rapid account of his dangers enumerated in the previous verses. It is designed to show what imminent danger he was in, and how narrowly he escaped with his life. On the situation of Damascus, see the note, Acts 9:2 . The transaction here referred to is also related by Luke Act 9:24-25, though without mentioning the name of the king, or referring to the fact that the governor kept the city with a garrison. The governor - Greek, ο εθναρχης ho ethnarches, "The ethnarch;" properly a ruler of the people, a prefect, a ruler, a chief.
Key words
- Damascus
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Aretas or Al-Hareth was a king of Arabia, of the family of the Gassanii; among whom were many of this name (r); and who for some hundreds of years ruled over Syria, of which Damascus was the metropolis.
- Aretas
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Aretas or Al-Hareth was a king of Arabia, of the family of the Gassanii; among whom were many of this name (r); and who for some hundreds of years ruled over Syria, of which Damascus was the metropolis.
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.
Glossary
- City People
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The earliest mention of city-building is that of Enoch, which was built by Cain ( Gen. 4:17 ). After the confusion of tongues, the descendants of Nimrod founded several cities (10:10-12).
- Aretas Person
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The father-in-law of Herod Antipas, and king of Arabia Petraea.
- Damascus Place
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Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Damascus.