2 Corinthians – Chapter Eleven VII

by Ed Urzi

“And even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am certainly not so in knowledge. Indeed, we have made this plain to you in everything in every way” (2 Corinthians 11:6 NET).

One translation of 2 Corinthians 11:6 uncovers the depth of Paul the Apostle’s defense of his calling: “But even if, as is the case, I am not a professional orator in the realm of discourse, yet I am not unlearned nor unskilled in the realm of knowledge, but in everything we made it plain among all with a view to your benefit” (Wuest).

So it seems there was a faction in Corinth who questioned Paul’s authority because he lacked the rhetorical training that others possessed. This does not necessarily mean that Paul was a poor speaker (except, perhaps in the opinion of some) but it does appear that he lacked the credentials of a trained orator. With this in mind, we might rephrase this idea for 21st century readers in the following manner: “I may not possess an advanced degree but that doesn’t mean I am lacking in knowledge.”

The truth was that Paul possessed a great reservoir of knowledge and experience. For instance, Paul was born in the city of Tarsus, a place that was known for it’s emphasis upon philosophy, learning, and culture. He also studied under a respected Rabbinical teacher named Gamaliel and “…was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors…” (Acts 22:3 NIV). In fact, Paul even went so far to say the following in regard to his religious education: “I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:14).

We also know from the Scriptures that Paul was fluent in multiple languages (see Acts 21:37,40) and had some degree of familiarity with the secular authors of his day. (1) But most importantly, Paul received instruction directly from God: “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12).

This passage has also led one source to offer the following comment: “One may have eloquence with deficiency in knowledge and be inadequate for God’s use. On the other hand, one may have knowledge and be deficient in eloquence and still be very useful in the Lord’s work.” (2)

(1) See Acts 17:26-28 and Titus 1:12-13

(2) The Bible Study Textbook Series, Studies In Second Corinthians (College Press) Paul T. Butler. [p. 365] Copyright © 1985 College Press Publishing Company https://archive.org/stream/BibleStudyTextbookSeriesSecondCorinthians/132Corinthians-Butler_djvu.txt