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What Does “Insults” Mean in 2 Corinthians 12:10?

Question: What does the word insults mean in 2 Corinthians 12:10?

Answer: Let us examine this passage closely in its biblical and theological context.

The Passage in Focus

2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV):

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In this verse, the term translated as insults (Greek: ὀνειδισμοί, oneidismoi) refers to verbal abuse, reproach, or public mockery—being spoken against because of one’s identification with Christ. This word appears elsewhere in the New Testament, often describing the scorn that Christ Himself endured (cf. Hebrews 13:13; Romans 15:3).

Paul’s Perspective on Weakness and Insults

The Apostle Paul boldly declares that he delights or takes pleasure in weaknesses and insults—not because suffering is inherently good, but because such experiences provide an arena for God’s power to be revealed. Just one verse earlier, Paul explains why:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV):

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul understood that insults and weaknesses were not obstacles but opportunities. They stripped him of self-reliance and positioned him to rely wholly on Christ’s grace and strength. This paradox—“when I am weak, then I am strong”—reflects the Gospel itself: life comes through death, glory through humility, and strength through dependence on God.

The Example of Christ

Paul’s joy in insults mirrors the experience of Jesus Christ, who endured mockery and shame for our sake. As Isaiah foretold, He was “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3), and during His crucifixion He was publicly mocked (Matthew 27:39–44). Paul’s willingness to endure insults for Christ is rooted in his union with Christ; sharing in Christ’s sufferings means also sharing in His glory (Romans 8:17).

Enduring Insults as a Mark of True Discipleship

Jesus Himself taught that insults are a mark of blessing for those who follow Him:

Matthew 5:11–12 (ESV):

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

To be insulted for Christ is to walk in the path of the prophets, the apostles, and Christ Himself. It confirms that we belong to Him and that our ultimate reward is not earthly vindication but heavenly glory.

Application for Believers Today

For modern believers, Paul’s teaching challenges us to reframe our response to criticism, mockery, or rejection because of our faith. Instead of resentment, we are invited to rejoice, knowing that God’s strength is perfected in our weakness and that our endurance testifies to the reality of Christ in us (1 Peter 4:14).

Conclusion

Paul’s statement in 2 Corinthians 12:10 reveals a profound spiritual truth: enduring insults for Christ’s sake is not a sign of defeat but of victory. In weakness, we encounter the sufficiency of God’s grace. In insults, we participate in the sufferings of Christ and anticipate the glory that awaits us.

May the Lord strengthen you to endure reproach for His name and find joy in His sustaining grace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Understanding 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “He Became Poor So That Through His Poverty We Might Become Rich”

The Verse

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

1. The Context: Encouragement to Generosity

In chapters 8–9 of 2 Corinthians, Paul is urging the believers in Corinth to contribute to a collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. To inspire them, he does not appeal merely to obligation but to the grace of Christ Himself. Paul points to Jesus’ incarnation and sacrifice as the ultimate example of self-giving love.

This is significant: Christian giving is rooted in the gospel itself. It flows from the reality that Christ gave everything for us (John 3:16; Romans 8:32).

2. Christ’s Pre-Existence and Riches

Before His incarnation, Christ was eternally rich. As the eternal Word of God (John 1:1–3), He shared in the glory of the Father (John 17:5) and possessed all authority and majesty in heaven.

Philippians 2:6 (ESV) describes this divine richness:

Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.

This means Christ did not cling to His privileges but willingly set them aside—not by ceasing to be God, but by taking on the limitations of humanity (Philippians 2:7–8).

3. Christ’s Poverty: The Incarnation and the Cross

The “poverty” Paul speaks of is primarily Christ’s humiliation and suffering. He entered into our fallen world, born in a humble manger (Luke 2:7), living without wealth (Matthew 8:20), and ultimately enduring the shame of crucifixion.

Isaiah 53:3 (NKJV) foretold this:

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…

On the cross, Christ bore not just physical poverty but the spiritual poverty of sin’s curse (Galatians 3:13). He became “sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that we might receive His righteousness.

4. The Riches We Gain in Christ

The “riches” believers receive through Christ are not merely financial but spiritual and eternal. Through His poverty, we gain:

  • Forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14)
  • Adoption as God’s children (John 1:12; Romans 8:15)
  • The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14)
  • An eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3–4)
  • Paul echoes this in Ephesians 1:3 (NKJV):

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

These blessings far surpass material wealth—they are unshakable and eternal (Matthew 6:19–21).

5. The Call to Imitate Christ’s Generosity

Paul uses Christ’s example to encourage the Corinthians toward sacrificial giving. He also points to the Macedonian churches, who gave generously even in hardship:

2 Corinthians 8:2–3 (NKJV)

That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing.

This demonstrates that true Christian generosity is not measured by the amount given, but by the heart and willingness behind it.

6. Correcting Misinterpretations

This verse is sometimes misused to teach a “prosperity gospel”—claiming Christ became poor so that we might be materially rich. While God can bless materially, Paul’s emphasis here is on spiritual riches. The ultimate goal is not earthly wealth but eternal life and fellowship with God.

James 2:5 (ESV) affirms this:

Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

Conclusion

2 Corinthians 8:9 reveals the heart of the gospel: Christ voluntarily exchanged His glory for our poverty, so that we might inherit His riches. This truth not only humbles us but also compels us to live generously toward others—reflecting the same grace we have received.

 

 

 

 

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“If That Were Not So, Your Children Would Be Unclean” – 1 Corinthians 7:14

Question: According to this verse, does it mean that children of unbelievers will not be saved?

1 Corinthians 7:14 (ESV)

“For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”

Answer:

When we read the full context, this Scripture speaks about married couples where one partner is a believer and the other is not. Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, instructs the believing partner not to leave the unbelieving spouse if the latter is willing to remain in the marriage.

This is because the believing partner sanctifies (sets apart) the unbelieving spouse, and also the children are considered holy (i.e., set apart to God). This “sanctification” does not automatically mean salvation, but it speaks of a spiritual influence and environment that favors salvation.

Now, does this verse imply that if one parent is saved, the whole family—including the children—is automatically saved?

No.

That is not what the verse means. Salvation is not inherited or received by association—it must be received personally through faith in Jesus Christ.

What Does This Sanctification Mean Then?

It means that through the presence of a believer in the household:

  • The home becomes a channel of divine influence.

  • The unbelieving spouse and the children are exposed to godly teaching, prayer, and the Gospel.

  • There is a greater opportunity for salvation through example, instruction, and love.

This aligns with how faith spreads within families.

1 Peter 3:1–2 (ESV)

“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives—when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

This shows how a believer’s conduct can draw an unbelieving spouse to faith—not through argument, but through a consistent, godly lifestyle.

Final Thought:

Every person—whether a child or an adult, rich or poor, believer’s child or pagan’s child—must personally receive Jesus Christ to be saved.
However, the influence of a believing parent or spouse plays a powerful role in leading others to that decision.

Let us make our homes places of worship, love, and truth. Let our lives and words reflect the Gospel. It’s through such living that those around us can come to saving faith in Christ.

 Summary:

  • Sanctification in this context means spiritual influence, not automatic salvation.

  • Faith is personal, not transferable (Romans 10:9–10).

  • Your lifestyle matters in reaching your family (Matthew 5:16).

  • Children raised in faith-filled homes are more likely to come to Christ.

Be blessed, and continue sharing these good news with others.
If you’d like help to receive Christ, contact us via the numbers at the end of this article.

To receive daily teachings via WhatsApp, join our channel by clicking here:
👉 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10

📞 Contact:
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God bless you richly.

 

 
 
 
 

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CHOOSE HOLINESS THIS YEAR.

‭Psalms 93:5 (NIV‬ );

[5] “Your statutes, Lord, stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days. “

The House of God is not just about the structure/building where we congregate for fellowship in worship to God.It’s more than just our places of worship. Remember, our bodies are also the house of God.

‭John 2:20-21 (NIV‬ );

[20] “They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?”
[21] But the temple he had spoken of was his body. “

‭1 Corinthians 3:16 (NIV‬ );

[16] “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? “

You can also refer to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,to get a better understanding.

If then our bodies are a Temple of God,that is, the house of God, what have you decided to do with your body this year? The Bible says in Psalm 93:5, that Holiness is what befits the House of God.Not for a single day but for endless days.

Brethren, choose and pursue holiness this time.Rid yourself of all filthiness.Keep your body and heart free from defilement. Be holy,not indulging yourself in any form of evil that makes one unclean,as you used to in the past years. Let this year mark a new beginning, a different version of you.

Start writing a new story.Your physical appearance and your inner person should do the talking. Your character and conduct transformed,reflecting change.As you strive to live in holiness,people will see a changed person in you and,thus,will say that indeed you are a true Christian. When they ask,say to them, “I HAVE CHOSEN HOLINESS FOR IT IS WHAT BEFITS GOD’S HOUSE”.

Tell them that this is year is all about holiness. It’s not time to compete with others in matters of little importance as to who wears the most fashionable outfits,but a time to adorn God’s house with holiness.That this year is for preaching HOLINESS everywhere,for without it no one shall see God(Hebrews 12:14).

‭2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV‬ );

[1] “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. “

May the Lord help us to lead holy lives while we live.

Shalom.

Share the good news to others also.

If you wish to receive Jesus Christ into your life as your Saviour and Lord,and need help,talk to us via our contacts below.

Also,if you would like to receive daily Bible teachings via Whatsapp, join our channel by following this link >>> https://whatsapp.com/0029VaBVhuA3WHTbKoz8jx10.

To reach us,contact us on:
+255789001312/+255693036618.

God bless you.

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