Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 11:8
I robbed other churches by accepting their support in order to serve you.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation to explain his refusal to accept their financial support while defending his ministry against critics. He notes that he sustained his work by drawing funds from other congregations instead of burdening them.
The words — The verb ἐσύλησα (esulēsa) literally means "I robbed" or "I plundered," coupled with λαβὼν (labōn) "having received" and ὀψώνιον (opsōnion) "support" or "wages." These terms describe the mechanical transfer of resources from other communities to fund his labor toward the Corinthians.
The thread — The passage links directly to 2 Corinthians 11:9, where Paul reiterates his refusal to be a financial burden, and aligns with Philippians 4:14 and 4:18 regarding his acceptance of gifts from another church.
Why it lands — The text states that Paul funded his ministry through other churches rather than the recipients of his message. This requires readers to evaluate apostolic authority based on the message delivered, not on the financial independence of the messenger.
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
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
- Philippians 4:14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.
- Philippians 4:18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.