2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
Some of his critics in Corinth called Paul's apostolic credentials into question. It is usual for a worldly person to boast in their educational and professional achievements before speaking on any specific subject. This self-gratification supposedly instills confidence in the minds of their prospective audiences in that they are qualified to talk about the information they are bringing forward. It would make perfect worldly sense that if Paul were to stoop to his enemies' level, he would come up with some praiseworthy achievements that he had accomplished in his life. Prior to becoming the apostle Paul, Saul was highly educated in the scriptures of what we know today as the Old Testament. He had studied under Gamaliel, known as a Pharisee doctor of Jewish Law. He was held in the highest esteem by all Jewish people. He was known as Rabban, not Rabbi, which the latter means a teacher of the Law and the former means my teacher. Under the tutelage of Gamaliel, Saul developed an expert knowledge of the Law and the Hebrew Scriptures. He would be equivalent today as one holding a Ph.D. in theology. Paul could have blown most or even all of his critics out of the water by his achievements. However. he chose to boast in his weakness instead so that all the glory and honor for the great things he had accomplished would go to Christ Jesus.
We can find great comfort in Paul's usage of the word "weakness" because it does not point to some unforgiven sin or rebellion towards our following the will of God for our lives. Quite the contrary, this weakness means some perceived failure or shortcoming, as perceived by worldly standards. We can, as Paul did, accept, and welcome them as golden opportunities to bring honor and glory to Christ Jesus. When we draw attention to any such worldly perceived weakness or failures on our part, we will be drawing attention to the all-sufficiency of the unlimited love, grace, and power of almighty God so that we would magnify Him alone.
No matter what the world might perceive as a weakness on our part, we can use it to show that through faith in Christ Jesus, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). To boast in our weakness does not indicate that we have given in to any obstacle standing in our way. To succumb or submit to mediocrity without resistance. Instead, it is an indication that we have forsaken all self-importance or carnal bragging and entirely and wholly placed our faith and trust in Christ Jesus. In this, the world will see that anything we accomplish is to bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior. (Romans 15:18).
Even though God uses us as his ambassadors here in this world, He is the one that is doing the work. Therefore, as ministers of the gospel, our goal is to show what God has accomplished through our ministry. While at the same time increasing the glory of Christ Jesus and decreasing our recognition, taking no credit for God's work through us (John 3:30; 1 Corinthians 9:16).
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