The gospel, free of chargeWesley Wright
Lighthouse Bible ChurchSunday, August 23, 2026
2Co 11:5-9 Title: The gospel, free of charge
Read between the lines — Paul’s enemies (2Co 11:5) claimed that he was inferior to another group.
He was not at all inferior, remember: 1Co 15:6-11
It’s important to note that Paul made it clear that even though he was unskilled in speech, he wasn’t inferior in knowledge (2Co 11:6).
Both the Greek + Roman cultures prized rhetorical skills, and Paul’s writing is up against that backdrop. 2Ti 2:14-18, Col 2:1-9
Being an unimpressive speaker was already a criticism of Paul: 2Co 10:8-11
There are great and dangerous orators both then and now. Don’t be swayed by mere words: 2Pe 2:1-3, 2:12-19
Prioritize knowledge instead.
The fear of the Lord, remember, is the beginning of knowledge: Job 28:23-28, Pro 9:9-12
There’s a bit of irony in 2Co 11:7-9, starting with a rhetorical question. When he says he “robbed” other churches, he means he did not accept money from the folks in Corinth.
Remember that Paul was a tentmaker, but gave that up later: Act 18:1-6
*he did so because of ardent financial support*
Paul wrote (2Co 11:9) that the church at Macedonia “met his need.” Remember how robustly the Macedonians gave: 2Co 8:1-5, Phi 4:10-16
Bringing the gospel free of charge was a principle for Paul (2Co 11:9). Be wary of those who seek to charge incessantly, and know Paul used his right(s) to do the opposite.
Paul accepted no charges for his services. The false folks could not say that: 1Co 9:11-18
God wants us all to come to a knowledge of the truth. Paul, an apostle, acknowledged that: 1Ti 2:1-7
Perhaps Paul wasn’t the best speaker, but he no doubt was a knowledgeable speaker. What he spoke was much more important than how he spoke — pursue knowledge. Don’t be swayed by mere words.
Providing services free of charge is one of several ways Paul distinguished himself from false apostles. Beware of those who have clear financial motivations behind what they do and teach.
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