Read 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
Paul presented his credentials to counteract the charges that the false teachers were making against him. He felt foolish boasting like this, but his list of credentials would silence any doubts about his authority. Paul wanted to keep the Corinthians from slipping under the spell of the false teachers and turning away form the Gospel. Paul also gave a list ofhis credentials in his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 3).
Sea travel was not as safe as it is today. Paul had been shipwrecked three times, and he would face another accident on his voyage to Rome (Acts 27). By this time, Paul had probably made at least eight or nine voyages.
Not only did Paul face beatings and dangers, he also carried the daily concern for the young churches, worrying that they were staying true to the Gospel and free from false teachings and inner strife. Paul was concerned for individuals in the churches he served. If God has placed you in a position of leadership and authority, treat people with Paul’s kind of empathy and concern.
Paul was angry that the false teachers had impressed and deceived the Corinthians. Therefore, he had reestablished his credibility and authority by listing the trials he had endured in his service for Christ. Some of these trials are recorded in the book of Acts (Acts 14 – 16). Because Paul wrote this letter during his third missionary journey (Acts 18 – 21), his trials weren’t over. He would experience yet further difficulties and humiliations for the cause of Christ (Acts 21 – 22). Paul was sacrificing his life for the Gospel, something the false teachers would never do. The trials and hurts we experience for Christ’s sake build our character, demonstrate our faith, and prepare us for further service to the Lord.
King Aretas, king of the Nabateans from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40, had appointed a governor to oversee the Nabatean segment of the population in Damascus. Somehow the Jews in Damascus had been able to enlist this governor to help them try to capture Paul (Acts 9). Paul recounted this incident to show what he had endured for Christ. The false teachers couldn’t make such claims.