Corinthians Arrogance Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)

Quote #10

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 10:12)

We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV 2 Corinthians 10:12)

Again, the false apostles love to try to outdo each other (along with Paul). Apparently they think the guy with the most power wins? Paul sees things exactly the opposite way.

Quote #11

It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows—was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 12:1-5)

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. (KJV 2 Corinthians 12:1-5)

Paul hates boasting so much that he has to talk about his own experience in third person. So, this "friend" saw a vision of Paradise, did he? Does your "friend" have anything else interesting to tell us?

Quote #12

I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. (NRSV 2 Corinthians 12:11)

I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. (KJV 2 Corinthians 12:11)

Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Paul is stupid! But, that's other people's fault! He's not inferior! But he's nothing! What exactly is going on here?