Boasting in 2 Corinthians

     In the first nine chapters of 2 Corinthians the noun kaúchēsis (“boasting”) and the verb kaucháomai (to “boast”) are used a combined total of seven times (1:12; 5:12; 7:4, 14; 8:24; 9:2), whereas in three of the final four chapters they appear a combined total of nineteen times (10:8, 13, 15, 16, 17; 11:10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 30; 12:1, 5, 6, 9). The noun occurs four times in chaps. 1–9 (1:12; 7:4, 14; 8:24), and the verb only three times (5:12; 7:14; 9:2). In chaps. 10–12 the noun is used twice (11:10, 17) and the verb a hefty seventeen times (10:8, 13, 15, 16, 17 [x2]; 11:12, 16, 18 [x2], 30 [x2]; 12:1, 5 [x2], 6, 9). It would appear that the earlier allusions to “boasting” in the epistle are anticipating the discussion in the final chapters.

     Boasting is often viewed as an exhibition of prideful self-promotion and the opposite of selfless love (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4). Paul’s opponents in Corinth appear to have been engaging in this kind of self-centered boasting (2 Cor. 5:12; 10:12; 11:12, 18). Considering the cultural atmosphere, where social progression and status were of utmost importance, self-promotion and boasting were not uncommon in a community like mid-first-century Corinth (see A. C. Thiselton, First Corinthians 12-13).

     However, there is a different kind of boasting whose object is beyond self and is in fact motivated by love. The object of Paul’s boasting is threefold: (a) the spiritual health and faithfulness of fellow believers (2 Cor. 7:4, 14; 8:24; 9:2); (b) what God has accomplished through fallible human efforts (2 Cor. 10:7-18; 11:10, 16-33); and (c) Paul’s own weaknesses that exalt the power of God (2 Cor. 1:12; 11:30; 12:5b, 9). This type of boasting is well grounded if it is “in the Lord” (2 Cor. 10:17; cf. 1:14).

     Although Paul is reluctant to play the “boasting game,” he is compelled to do so because of the circumstances in Corinth at the time (2 Cor. 10:8; 11:10, 16-18; 12:1, 5a, 6). He has to authenticate his apostolic ministry due to unwarranted criticisms and the fact that the Corinthians have been swayed by them and have failed to defend him (4:2; 5:11-12; 11:21). His uneasiness about this kind of boasting is evidenced by the repeated reminders, “I am speaking in foolishness” (11:21b, 30; 12:1, 11). Paul’s boasting is not for self-glorification but for the benefit of these wavering readers.

-- Kevin L. Moore

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