Plain Speech, Powerful Gospel
Thank you for joining us as we discuss 2 Corinthians 11–13. I am comforted by the words of Matthew Henry:
“It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives.” (1)
Henry was speaking about Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:5–15, and the same applies to me.
I took one debate class at a small college in Wyoming. I believe I received a decent grade, but I was not a strong debater. This is ironic since much of my career has been in sales and training sales agents. You might think a strong debater could persuade customers. For me, it was honesty and caring about getting the customer what they needed.
Paul’s Calling and His Thorn
Paul cared about the people he shared the gospel with. He had fellowship with Peter and James (Galatians 1:18–19), but his message was not secondhand. He states:
“The gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11–12).
Paul’s authority came through divine revelation, what he refers to when speaking of being “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:2–4). Some suggest his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7) may have been a speech impediment or physical ailment, but his strength was never in eloquence—it was in Christ.
Modern Example of Perseverance
This brings to mind David Ring, a preacher from Jonesboro, Arkansas, who has cerebral palsy yet reached thousands for Christ. His signature phrase: “I have cerebral palsy… What’s your problem?” (2). Like Ring, I refuse to let my disability hinder me. If I don’t use it as an excuse, how can those who hear me justify timidity when they have no excuse at all?
Paul’s Perseverance Through Trials
Paul faced unimaginable hardship—beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and constant danger (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). Yet he pressed on. He was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3) and received no salary for preaching (2 Corinthians 11:7–9). His motivation was clear:
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
When the gospel convicts you and Jesus compels you, you preach—not for fame or fortune, but because the message burns within you (Jeremiah 20:9).
Warning Against False Teachers
Paul warns of those who preach for wealth or popularity, disguising themselves as “servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). They dilute their gospel, and their motives are corrupt. In the end, everyone will know the truth about them.
What’s Stopping You?
If the gospel has changed your life, what holds you back? Fear of ridicule? Concerned about saying something wrong? Paul embraced weakness so that Christ’s power could rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). The Lord promises to give you the words (Luke 12:12). Next time you feel that nudge, recognize it as the Holy Spirit prompting you to speak. Not for your sake, but for that of the person you would speak to.
Tomorrow, we will read Galatians 1-3.
Footnotes
- Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible, Vol. 6 (London: 1710). https://biblehub.com/commentaries/2_corinthians/11-6.htm
- David Ring, Just As I Am: The Life of David Ring (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994).