2 Corinthians 11:9
“When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.”
What does 2 Corinthians 11:9 mean?
Paul is telling the Corinthians that even when he was struggling financially, he refused to let them support him. Instead, other believers from Macedonia stepped in to meet his needs, allowing him to serve the Corinthian church freely without becoming a financial strain. This wasn't about pride, but about protecting his credibility. Paul knew that some people might question whether he was really preaching the gospel or just trying to make money off them. By supporting himself through the help of other churches, he kept his ministry clear and his motives unquestionable. He's also reassuring them that this won't change, even as their relationship moves forward into the future.