2 Corinthians 11:8 Meaning: Why Paul Said He 'Robbed' Other Churches
I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them that I might minister unto you;
other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration;
I spoiled other assemblies, receiving hire for ministry towards you.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul's strong claim of 'robbing' churches is hyperbole. Learn why he used it and what it reveals about his sacrificial love for the Corinthians.
Context
Paul writes this verse in a painful defense. False teachers have slipped into the Corinthian church, questioning his authority. In chapter 11, Paul does something he hates: he boasts. Not for pride, but to protect the gospel. One of his key points is that he never took money from the Corinthians. Instead, he accepted support from other churches, especially in Macedonia, so he could preach at Corinth free of charge. That is what he means by "robbing" them. He is not admitting theft; he is using a shocking word to make the Corinthians see his sacrifice.
Key Words
The word Paul chooses here is strong. It is the kind of word you would use for a conqueror stripping a defeated army. It is not gentle. And that is the point. The Greek verb esulēsa (from sulaō) means to plunder or despoil. It appears only once in the New Testament. Originally it meant to strip arms from a slain enemy. Paul deliberately picks this harsh term to get the Corinthians' attention.
Then he calls the support he received opsōnion, a soldier's pay. It was the daily ration a soldier earned. So Paul is picturing himself as a soldier at war. And he says this pay was for diakonian, their service or ministry. Everything he took from others went straight to serving them. Paul is saying: I fought for you, and I let others carry the cost so you would not have to.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree Paul is using hyperbole here. John Calvin says Paul employed an "offensive term" to show the Corinthians how unreasonable their attitude was. Albert Barnes explains that Paul did not obtain anything by violence; he calls it robbery only because he gave no equivalent service to those who gave. John Gill, a Baptist commentator, notes there was no injury because the gifts were completely voluntary. The Cambridge Bible calls it "an hyperbolical expression." All see the same thing: a man who loves so deeply he takes nothing from those he serves, letting others bear the cost.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse and think Paul actually stole money from churches. In fact, the word is hyperbole. Paul received voluntary gifts from the Philippians and other Macedonian believers. But because he used their gifts for the Corinthians rather than for the donors, he calls it "robbing", a strong term meant to emphasize his sacrifice, not to accuse anyone of theft.
Living This Out
This week, take a quiet look around. Who is carrying a cost so you can receive something good? A spouse who works extra hours so you can stay home. A church that supports a missionary while their own building needs repair. Paul's word "robbed" shines a light on those quiet sacrifices. Maybe send a thank-you note. Maybe ask how you can help. Let the weight of what others have done for you move you to gratitude, and to passing that same grace on to someone else.
Main takeaway: Paul's shocking word "robbed" reveals a love that took from others so the Corinthians could receive the gospel freely.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul loved the Corinthians very much. He wanted to give them the good news about Jesus without them having to pay. So he let other friends give him money to live on. That is why he joked that he robbed them, he took help from one place to give to another.
For ages 9, 12
Paul's word "robbed" is a metaphor. He was not really stealing. He was using strong language to make a point. The churches that gave him money did so happily. But Paul felt like he was taking from them unfairly because he could not serve them as much while he was busy in Corinth. Paul's love led him to accept help from others so that the Corinthians could hear the gospel for free. It is a picture of selfless love we can learn from today.
Questions People Ask
Why does Paul say he 'robbed' other churches?
Paul uses the Greek word esulēsa, meaning to plunder or strip as a conqueror. It is hyperbole: he received voluntary gifts from Macedonian churches but calls it robbery because he gave them no equivalent service while using their gifts for the Corinthians. He wanted the Corinthians to feel the weight of his sacrifice.
Which churches did Paul 'rob'?
Paul refers especially to the churches of Macedonia, particularly Philippi. In Philippians 4:15-16, Paul acknowledges they sent him support while he was in Thessalonica. This was part of a pattern: they supplied his needs so he could minister elsewhere free of charge.
Is it wrong for ministers to accept money for their work?
Paul's point is not that receiving wages is wrong. In 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 he says the laborer is worthy of his hire. He chose not to exercise that right at Corinth to avoid being a burden. His 'robbery' language highlights his love, not a principle against support.
Why didn't Paul accept money from the Corinthians?
Paul wanted to avoid giving opponents any opportunity to accuse him of preaching for profit (2 Corinthians 11:12). He also wanted to demonstrate humility and love by serving them freely. It was a pastoral strategy, not a rejection of their duty to support ministers.
What does the Greek word for 'robbed' mean?
The Greek verb sulaō means to strip, plunder, or take as spoil from a defeated enemy. It is a strong, violent word. Paul uses it only here in the New Testament, deliberately shocking his readers to make his point.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study