2 Corinthians 11:7

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

أمْ لَعَلِّي ارتَكَبتُ خَطِيَّةً بِإنزالِ مَقامِيَ، إذْ بَشَّرتُكُمْ دُونَ مُقابِلٍ، لِكَي يَرتَفِعَ مَقامُكُمْ؟

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Paul is asking if he has done something wrong by lowering himself to serve the people in Corinth so they could grow spiritually. He preached the gospel to them without charging any money for it.

Explained for Children

Think of a time when you share your toys with friends and don't ask for anything back because you want them to be happy. Paul is asking if he did something wrong by doing that for his friends in Corinth, sharing God's message freely so they could grow strong in their faith.

Historical Background

The verse comes from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians, written around AD 54-56. Paul wrote this letter to encourage and guide the believers in Corinth, a city known for its wealth, culture, and moral corruption.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you help a colleague master new skills at work without expecting anything in return, aiming only for their growth and success. This verse encourages selflessness in sharing knowledge or support, just as Paul did with the Corinthians.

Topics

• servanthood
• gospel
• self-sacrifice
• church leadership
• spiritual growth
• humility

Related Verses

• Philippians 2:7
• 1 Corinthians 9:18
• Matthew 10:8
• Acts 20:34
• Romans 1:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was preaching freely important to Paul?

Paul believed that the gospel should be shared without financial barriers, emphasizing its value and availability for all. This reflects his commitment to inclusivity in spreading God's message.

How does this verse encourage humility?

This verse shows humility through Paul’s willingness to lower himself to help others grow spiritually, highlighting a selfless approach to leadership and service within the church.

Can you give an example of how this applies in modern ministry?

In today's context, a pastor or missionary might offer free Bible study sessions without expecting payment, focusing on fostering spiritual growth among participants rather than personal gain.

What does 'abasing myself' mean in this verse?

'Abasing myself' means Paul was willing to humble himself and act in ways that others might consider beneath his status as a leader, all for the benefit of those he was serving.