7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
7 Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge?
7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?
7 I wonder, did I make a bad mistake in proclaiming God's Message to you without asking for something in return, serving you free of charge so that you wouldn't be inconvenienced by me?
7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
7 Was I wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God's Good News to you without expecting anything in return?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:7
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)
It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.