The latter part of our passage explores the very important reason why Paul is so desperate and why he is going to such lengths... Paul is desperate for the Corinthians because of the nature of religious manipulation. You see, it is an unfortunate truth that throughout history, Christians have been susceptible to leaders who have larger than life domineering personalities who exploit their influence and dominate those they lead. These leaders rely on charisma, the force of their personalities and people's blind trust to get what they want. We see it today still: Pastors feed their people snakes, spray them with Doom, or have them buying every book and CD they've ever made. There's a surprising lack of common sense in many of these situations. People will blindly follow leaders who manipulate and abuse their congregations. The relationship is that of star and fan rather than shepherd and sheep. In v.20 Paul notes: "In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face."The nature of religious manipulation
Paul is still preparing the Corinthians for his "boasting" (This gives us some idea of how nervous he is about taking such a desperate step.) He specifically points out - that he is talking - not as the Lord would, but as a fool and that boasting is worldly. But desperate times call for desperate measures and so in an attempt to create extreme irony, Paul will lower himself to boasting but his "boasting" will be self-deprecating instead of self-exalting. I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. 17 In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. 18 Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. 19 You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! 20 In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or pushes himself forward or slaps you in the face. 21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! (2Corinthians11:16-21)
Leadership is a high call and a high privilege. Unfortunately in religious circles, people are attracted to authoritarianism and powerful personalities. Leaders would do well to avoid this route and to remember how Jesus aligned His leadership style to a 500 year old Messianic prophecy:
Matt.12:18-21 "Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope."
