2 Corinthians 11:30-33
The things that concern my weakness ( τα της ασθενειας μου ). Like the list above.I am not lying ( ου ψευδομα ). The list seems so absurd and foolish that Paul takes solemn oath about it (cf. 1:23). For the doxology see Ro 1:25; 9:5.
The governor under Aretas ( ο εθναρχης Hαρετα ). How it came to pass that Damascus, ruled by the Romans after B.C. 65, came at this time to be under the rule of Aretas, fourth of the name, King of the Nabatheans (II Macc. 5:8), we do not know. There is an absence of Roman coins in Damascus from A.D. 34 to 62. It is suggested (Plummer) that Caligula, to mark his dislike for Antipas, gave Damascus to Aretas (enemy of Antipas).
Guarded ( εφρουρε ). Imperfect active of φρουρεω, old verb (from φρουρος, a guard) to guard by posting sentries. In Ac 9:24 we read that the Jews kept watch to seize Paul, but there is no conflict as they cooperated with the guard set by Aretas at their request.
To seize ( πιασα ). Doric first aorist active infinitive of πιεζω (Lu 6:38) for which see on Ac 3:7.
Through a window ( δια θυριδος ). For this late word see on Ac 20:9, the only N.T. example.
Was I let down ( εχαλασθην ). First aorist passive of χαλαω, the very word used by Luke in Ac 9:25.
In a basket ( εν σαργανη ). Old word for rope basket whereas Luke (Ac 9:25) has εν σφυριδ (the word for the feeding of the 4,000 while κοφινος is the one for the 5,000). This was a humiliating experience for Paul in this oldest city of the world whither he had started as a conqueror over the despised Christians.
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