Paul continues his defense, not to protect his reputation, but to guard the Corinthians and the purity of the Gospel. With sharp irony and deep pastoral concern, he exposes the deceit of false apostles who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. His so-called "foolish" boasting is really a faithful plea to keep the church from being led astray. This is a spiritual battle for the heart of the bride of Christ.

The Rev. Sean Willman, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.

To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit www.stpauls-hillsdale.org.

What does it mean to follow Christ in weakness? What does true ministry look like in the face of criticism, suffering, and spiritual warfare? And how can the Church hold fast to the Gospel when pressured by the world—and even by false teachers within?

On Thy Strong Word, we walk verse by verse through, arguably, the apostle Paul’s most personal, emotional, and paradoxical letter: 2 Corinthians. From forgiveness and reconciliation to generous giving and boasting only in the Lord, 2 Corinthians calls every believer to follow Christ boldly. This is the way of the cross, where God’s grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in you.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].