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GLORYING IN ONE’S WEAKNESS (I)
MONDAY, MARCH 16
2 Corinthians 11:32-33
Acts 9:23-31
 
“I will glory of the things
which concern mine infirmities.”
 
GLORYING IN ONE’S WEAKNESS (I)
 
The inclusion of 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 after Paul’s conclusion in 2 Corinthians 11:31 has often perplexed commentators. Why did Paul find a need to include his escape from Damascus in a basket (Acts 9:25)? Perhaps a good answer would be to look at the verses that follow verse 33 (i.e. 2 Cor 12:1-10). Paul would soon write about his unique experience of being caught up to the third heaven which no one else in his time had ever experienced. Nevertheless, Paul insisted that it was an incident which he did not want to boast about. Instead, he would rather glory in his infirmities (2 Cor 12:5). The theme then is that one should not let success get to one’s head, but rather to humbly praise the Lord for His grace in service.
 
With this in mind, we see how 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 fits into the overall argument of Paul’s defence. Paul’s opponents may have gloated on how weak Paul appeared in the escape from Damascus. They might have also insinuated that Paul was a trouble-maker, pointing out that the churches had rest in all Judea, Galilee and Samaria only when Paul was in Tarsus (Acts 9:31). However, Paul saw in the incident the good hand of God in delivering him from all his troubles. His trip to Damascus was also not in vain as the gospel seed was sown in the city. Paul would rather be viewed as weak so that God’s might and strength might take centrestage. He would rather have his name decreased, and God’s magnified.
 
Who then is Aretas in verse 32? According to Kent, Aretas is likely to be Aretas IV, king of the Nabateans, whose capital was Petra. Perhaps this king had an influence in the city of Damascus via a colony of Nabateans. The Jews had somehow enlisted his help to get more men to eliminate Paul. This made the escape of Paul all the more amazing. Despite the odds against Paul, God still made a way of escape for him.
 
So long as our work on earth is not done, God will preserve our stay in this world.
 
THOUGHT: God sees fit to glorify Himself via weak instruments.
PRAYER: May Christ’s name be magnified in my weakness, O Father.

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