Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:28
Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while cataloging his physical hardships to validate his apostolic authority. He speaks from a position of ongoing ministry defense, immediately following his list of exposure, hunger, and sleeplessness.
The words — The Greek phrase χωρὶς παρεκτὸς (chōris parektos) literally translates to "besides external things." It marks the boundary between visible suffering and the invisible burden of pastoral oversight.
The thread — This emphasis on unseen stewardship appears in 1 Corinthians 7:17 and Romans 15:16, where Paul consistently ties faithful service to the specific calling and circumstances God assigns.
Why it lands — The text states that leadership carries a daily, internal pressure for every church, not merely external hardships. It requires readers to evaluate ministry by its hidden burden of concern rather than by visible success or comfort.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 7:17 Regardless, each one should lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is what I prescribe in all the churches.
- Romans 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 20:18 When they came to him, he said, “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.
- Acts 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
- Acts 18:23 After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
- Romans 11:13 I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
- Romans 16:4 who have risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
- Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,
- Acts 15:36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”
- Acts 20:2 After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,