I am a nobody

Wesley Wright

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, October 11, 2026

 

2 Corinthians 12:11-13

Title: I am a nobody

 

Today:

• Foolish again, but humble nonetheless
• What are the signs of a true apostle?
• Not a burden to anyone

 

Being “foolish” is something Paul says readers compelled him to be (2CO 12:11). He’s made this same point repeatedly about their penchant for listening to those they should not.

 

Remember that the Lord did not call a bunch of people of high repute:

1CO 1:26-31

 

Remember how much Paul has warned his readers about false apostles? Paul’s references to the “most eminent” apostles

(2CO 12:11) is a nod to the selfish men some were listening to.

 

Calling himself a nobody

(2CO 12:11) is not only Paul’s humble ways at work, but he also might have been reworking a term the false apostles used for him. Remember how he wasn’t a gifted speaker?

 

That humble nature is a Christlike quality, remember.

MAT 20:20-28,

PHI 2:5-11

 

What are the signs of a true apostle? What are the signs, wonders, and miracles Paul is referring to in

2CO 12:12?

 

God did miracles and signs and wonders via His Son in the sight of many:

ACT 2:22-24; ACT 2:37-47

 

Many who saw the acts of the apostles believed in the Lord: ACT 5:7-16

 

Even as the miracles and wonders took place, the apostles had serious opposition: ACT 14:1-10

 

Paul, an apostle, mentioned signs and wonders that God did through him: ROM 15:15-21

 

The author of Hebrews asserts that God confirmed their great salvation with signs they saw: HEB 2:1-4

 

The rhetorical question in

2CO 12:13 is sarcasm. He did not treat this church as inferior at all, but his point is that he might as well have given they treated him.

 

Notice that Paul dealt with the qualifications of an apostle, not the rights of an apostle. His aim was not to abuse his rights, but instead to serve via works + example.

 

Paul had rights, but he did not seek to lord that over others:

1CO 9:11-16

 

Neither did the apostle John:

3Jo 1-7

 

Paul “robbed” other churches for the sake of those at Corinth. Here’s another reminder of his sarcasm: 2CO 11:5-10

 

Paul was of no real repute, and we aren’t either. He knew where his bread was buttered (with our Lord), and we should too, but remember the false apostles credited themselves instead.

 

The apostles and their acts are unique in nature + confirmed the ministry of the true apostles. Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession with the best miracle of all.

 

Paul sought to make sure the church at Corinth was not burdened in their support of him. Consider Christ, who made it so we are ultimately unburdened as well in an infinitely greater sense.

 

The concept of being unburdened will come up again next week, as will Paul’s sarcasm. For now, consider what it means to love one another.