2 Corinthians 11: Godly Jealousy

We often think of jealousy as a negative feeling of envy towards someone we are jealous of. But here, Paul describes himself as being jealous towards the Corinthian believers. In fact, he describes his jealous attitude as Godly (v.2)! Paul uses strong language here. How should we understand his attitude of jealousy toward the Corinthians?

It is true that jealousy can be defined as “resentment against another’s success or advantage.” But there is a second definition where jealousy can also be “vigilance in maintaining or guarding something.” These definitions offer two different attitudes of jealousy. The first is self centered while the second is more protective in nature. Paul’s attitude of jealousy is inline with the second definition. Paul is not envious, but he is protective. He is not resenting, but vigilant about the Corinthian’s devotion and love towards Christ.

In fact, Paul’s biggest fear is not that he would get rejected, but that they might reject Christ! We can’t miss this. Paul’s love is so deep for the Corinthian believers that he wants nothing more than to see them purely devoted to Christ. Paul is afraid that “just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning” that the Corinthian believers might also be led astray from their pure devotion to Christ.

How does Paul display his Godly Jealousy? He keeps on doing what he’s been doing, preaching the authority of the true apostles and clarifying the gospel of Christ. Paul recognizes that there are false profits fighting for the devotion of the Corinthian believers.

“And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.”

Who do you need to have Godly jealousy towards today? Is someone you love struggling with their devotion towards Christ? How can you be vigilant and protective of their love towards Christ? A place to begin is prayer. That may lead to a conversation. Don’t be afraid to speak boldly into someone’s life with an attitude of Godly jealousy.

Posted by Terry Foester