10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
11:10
As the truth of Christ is in me,
Paul desired to maintain his integrity with the church in how he handled funds. His policy was to live his life around “the truth of Christ,” the truth that belongs to Christ. He did what his Lord desired, not what was suitable for himself. That priority was always “in” him (present tense).
no one shall stop me from this boasting
“Boasting” refers to Paul’s desire to preach without payment. His critics would not induce him to seek fees from the church in Corinth. They wanted the apostle to lower his standards to their level.
in the regions of Achaia.
Achaia was the province where Corinth was located. There were other churches in the area of Corinth as well (2 Co 1:1; Ro 16:1). Paul was up north in Macedonia when he wrote 2 Corinthians.
11:11
Why?
Did Paul boast for some other reason than a true motive? Why did he not take money from the Corinthians? His critics claimed that he did not receive support from the Corinthian church because he was not committed to them.
Because I do not love you?
Did Paul boast of not charging the church for his services because he did not love them?
God knows!
God knew that Paul loved the Corinthian church. His boast was an act of love.
11:12
But what I do,
Paul explained why he did not accept any offerings from the Corinthians.
I will also continue to do,
The apostle would continue to refuse support from the Corinthians.
that I may cut off the opportunity [occasion]
Paul’s enemies sought an occasion to misrepresent his motives for ministry. It was also an incident whereby they might claim to be authentic apostles.
from those who desire an opportunity
Paul continued to refuse support, to keep the critics from claiming that he was in the ministry for mercenary reasons. His opponents could not claim equality in this regard. They had accepted remuneration for their services.
to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
Paul’s refusal to accept money from the church distinguished him from the super-apostles who were in ministry for remuneration.
PRINCIPLE:
Unwavering devotion to the truth of Christ is characteristic of someone with biblical integrity.
APPLICATION:
For Christians in leadership to maintain a credible testimony, they need to be people of integrity who are faithful to their convictions. Many will attempt to undermine faithful servants of Christ because of envy or jealousy of effective ministry. The shadow often tries to make the substance like itself. Although some will attempt to lampoon our ministries, we keep our priorities on the highest target of God’s glory.
