A Masterpiece of Apostolic Rhetoric -- Paul's "Fool's Speech" (2 Corinthians 11:21b-12:13) A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast

Episode Synopsis:

Paul’s “Fool’s Speech” is a masterpiece in ancient rhetoric. Under constant criticism from false teachers and apostles who thought of themselves wiser and superior to Paul, the apostle responds to their accusations by taking on the role of a fool. These men are braggarts who regard Paul as weak and ineffective. They see themselves as vastly superior to the apostle.

Rather than respond in kind, Paul offers a bit of bragging of his own. But instead of boasting about his own accomplishments (which are far greater than anything the false teachers claim)–he will play the fool and exalt in his weaknesses. This is how he has been portrayed by those seeking to undermine his role in the Corinthian church. Okay, so he will take on the role they’ve assigned to him. Paul will boast, but not in his strength. Instead, He will boast in his weakness. In doing so he will expose the false apostles for what they are–men who think the gospel is about power, success, and overcoming all the difficulties of life. And in playing the fool, Paul will also remind the Corinthians of their own foolishness in listening to such men with their false gospel, false Jesus, and false Holy Spirit.

In this remarkable speech Paul gives us a list of the incredible suffering which he has endured for the cause of Christ and the sake of the gospel. He has faced all sorts of physical danger–from near drowning, to being stoned and beaten nearly to the point of death. He’s been reviled by both Jews and Gentiles. He has taken great risks in his 10,000 miles of travel and suffered all sorts of physical deprivation and danger as a result. He’s borne the weight of worrying about the new churches–the fruit of his Gentile mission. He’s spent many a sleepless night. And all the while the false teachers seek a life of ease and luxury while exploiting the Corinthian’s foolishness in giving them free reign in the congregation. In playing the fool, Paul exposes the false teachers for who and what they are, as well as rebuke the Corinthians for being foolish enough to listen to them.

We also find several important biographical gems in Paul’s speech. The first is a catalogue of Paul’s trials and tribulations just mentioned. But we also find Paul’s account of his vision of the third heaven–that which he sees cannot be put into words. Paul is prevented from attempting to do so. What he saw he cannot reveal. But since such a vision carries with it the possibility of fostering pride, Paul was given an unidentified “thorn in the flesh” to remind him of his weakness, where his real power is to be found. Paul repeatedly asked for this thorn to be taken away, and each time, the Lord’s answer was “no,” my grace is sufficient for you. We learn much here about which otherwise we would not know. And we are reminded yet again that weakness is Paul’s secret weapon.

Show Notes:

This was a difficult episode to record. My allergies were bad (you can hear it in my voice) and I felt like I was recording on an aircraft carrier with constant takes-offs and landings. I was repeatedly interrupted by planes coming and going from the local municipal airport, as well as a more Eastern landing approach to LAX than usual. I felt like there was a sign on my roof, announcing “recording in session” so fly directly over. Or I could just blame it on the devil.

Recommended Links:

Paul Is Forced to Play the Fool

The Pastoral Implications of the Fool’s Speech

What Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

Series Bibliography:

Frank Thielman, Paul, The Apostle of Grace. This is an outstanding biography of Paul. Expensive but well worth it. Reviewers claim it replaces Bruce’s volume, but they really are two different books. I would own both!

F. F. Bruce, Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free. A bit dated but still remains a useful biographical study of Paul’s life and times

Douglas J. Moo, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (2021). A helpful big picture survey of Paul’s theology and epistles

Guy P. Waters, The Life and Theology of Paul (DVD series). A great introduction. There is also a print edition

Commentaries:

Mark Seifrid, The Second Letter to the Corinthians. This would be my first choice for an in-depth commentary

Colin Kruse, 2 Corinthians (Tyndale). This is the best choice for most readers

Paul Barnett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians. This one is also very good

Riddleblog Resources: Pauline Studies and Resources

Music:

(Shutterstock): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op 92m, second movement, Allegretto (A minor)