Paul engaged in what he called “foolish” boasting. He did this to demonstrate his genuine love for the church at Corinth. Paul desired to present them to Christ as those with pure devotion. He saw Christ as their husband and the church as his pure virgin bride. But the Corinthian church was very inclusive. They gladly accepted different teachings about Jesus, different spirits, and different gospels. In this way, they were not faithful to their true husband.

The Corinthians listened to those who seemed like “super” apostles. They spoke well, but Paul reminded the Corinthian church of how he and other churches had borne every burden on their behalf. Paul loved them as Christ loved the church. The “super” apostles were actually false apostles, competing with Paul out of their own self-interest. They were only masquerading as servants of righteousness; they desired to be compared favorably with Paul, but in doing so, they earned nothing but condemnation.
Application: Lord, protect my heart from everything false. Help me to humbly serve others so that they may love Jesus purely.
One Word: Help others to love Jesus purely