What does 2 Corinthians 11:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse from 2 Corinthians 11:19, [For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.], is part of a letter the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth.

The literal reading suggests that the Corinthians are tolerating foolish people among them because they consider themselves to be wise.

On a deeper level, Paul is using irony to address a serious situation, that of the community putting up with false teachers and teachings that may lead them astray.

He is calling out their self-perceived wisdom, which has ironically led them to embrace individuals who offer distorted teachings rather than sound doctrine.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is one of the letters written by Paul in the mid-first century to the church in Corinth, a major Greek city known for its cultural diversity and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Corinth was notorious for its wealth, decadence, and moral laxity.

False apostles and teachers often challenged Paul’s authority and teachings, leading him to defend his apostolic calling and the true gospel of Christ.

This passage is part of a broader section where Paul is defending his ministry and contrasting himself with the 'super-apostles' who were leading the Corinthians astray.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches on the themes of spiritual discernment and true wisdom.

Paul’s message emphasizes that true wisdom does not lie in tolerating every teaching or teacher but rests in adherence to the gospel he preached.

This has been interpreted by some as a contrast between worldly wisdom, which prides itself on open-mindedness to all ideas, and godly wisdom, which demands a discerning heart.

Some theological interpretations also see this as a testament to Paul's pastoral concern for the Corinthians’ spiritual well-being and his challenge to their complacency.

Practical Applications

The verse can be applied in a practical context by emphasizing the need for discernment in spiritual matters.

It suggests that one should not accept ideas blindly, even if they sound eloquent or come from seemingly credible sources. Instead, there should be a critical evaluation of teachings against the foundational truths of scripture.

Additionally, the verse cautions against intellectual pride, pointing out that a sense of wisdom can sometimes make individuals vulnerable to deception.

Cross-References

• Proverbs 26:12: "Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him."
• 1 Corinthians 3:18-19: "Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God..."

• Galatians 1:6-7: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

Language Study

The term “fools” in the Greek text is “ἄφρονες” (aphrones), which can refer to those who are senseless or lacking in judgment. It implies irrationality or thoughtlessness.

“Gladly” translates from “ἡδέως” (hedeōs), meaning with pleasure or willingly. So the Greeks to whom Paul was writing would understand his meaning to be that they were all too willing to endure those who lacked spiritual judgment or discernment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Greek culture, wisdom was highly prized, and the philosophers of the time, like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, were engaged in defining and seeking wisdom.

In contrast to this cultural backdrop, the Pauline concept of wisdom as expressed in this verse and others diverges significantly.

It challenges the cultural emphasis on intellectualism and rhetorical skills, focusing instead on divine wisdom as revealed through Christ.

Across different religions, there is often a theme that the wisdom of the divine transcends human wisdom.

This verse, therefore, resonates with the broader religious concept of humility before divine truth.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific perspective on this verse, the underpinning psychological aspect of whether people believe and follow foolish ideas can be studied scientifically.

Cognitive psychology examines how individuals process information, make decisions, and are sometimes prone to biases and errors in thinking.

Understanding the psychological mechanisms that lead to accepting false information can help to interpret why communities might "suffer fools gladly."

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various interpretations of 2 Corinthians 11:19.

Some suggest that Paul is using sarcasm to highlight the Corinthians’ lack of discernment.

According to the 'Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges,' Paul implies that the Corinthians might bear with him a little if they could bear with fools.

John Calvin notes that Paul is reproaching the Corinthians for their foolishness in allowing themselves to be deceived.

Matthew Henry's commentary underscores that Paul's reproach is meant to awaken the Corinthians to the trap of false apostles.

These commentaries collectively interpret this verse as Paul’s exhortation for the Corinthians to recognize and correct their misplaced tolerance for misleading teachings and teachers.