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(text, and Acts 9:24, 25): — This incident is mentioned by Paul in a curious manner. He appears to be about to give a history (ver. 30) of "the things that concern mine infirmities." The escape is thereupon narrated in a sharply detailed manner. And next he says, "It is not expedient for me doubtless (then) to glory." It was a ridiculous, humiliating circumstance; most men would have concealed it. Of such odd things the religion of Jesus can make splendid use.

I. IT WAS AN INSTANCE OF PECULIAR DISCIPLINE. That there was something in Paul requiring to be thus dealt with we may be certain — an over-sensitiveness that might occasionally make him a trouble to himself and others; a deep-rooted feeling of personal dignity and Jewish pride. In such ways we get the "starch" taken out of us. Of the stiff but brittle Pharisee God was making a keen and flexible weapon. Many would have hesitated to avail themselves of such a means of escape. It tended to make the fugitive ridiculous. It might even be considered destructive of his authority and usefulness. Anything that stands in the way of God's service will He in like manner remove.

II. IT WAS A TEST OF THE FAITH OF THE DISCIPLES. There are many who cannot receive the truth apart from extraneous and meretricious recommendation. Moral influence is with them inextricably bound up with personal position and external dignity, etc. It is surprising how very few are able to receive the truth for its own worth. Yet a humble exterior is no proof of real lowering. Splendour may cloak corruption and spiritual death. One might fancy the Damascene Christians exclaiming inwardly, "Where is the miracle, the sign?" So here Paul banters the Corinthians — I am a fool, "bear with me." With men God ever pursues this separative process, dissolving the temporal and accidental elements from the essential and eternal in His Word.

III. IT WAS A SPECIMEN OF THE IRONY OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. In certain historical events one seems to detect such a mood. Especially in the more critical moments in the history of nations, churches, etc., does it betray itself. The means of checkmating the moves of the adversary of souls are reduced to a minimum — a ridiculous, preposterous circumstance, but it is sufficient. And when one compares, as he cannot but do, the huge preparations and complex machinery of Satan, with the simplicity and external meanness of the Divine instrumentality, the power and wisdom of God stand forth the more sheer and absolute. Because we feel the battle stern and long and difficult we find it hard to conceive of it being otherwise with God and higher intelligences. But there are traces of contempt for Satan in the Bible.

(A. F. Muir, M. A.)

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KJV: If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

WEB: If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness.