<p>11:7- see on Phil. 4:16; Lk. 3:5.</p><p><em>Or did I commit a sin- </em>This kind of sarcasm is hardly in line with Paul's claim to now be appealing to them in the spirit of the Lord's gentleness and meekness (10:1). His bitterness reveals that his previous positivity about them in chapter 7 was uttered on the cusp of emotion, hoping against hope because of the love he had for them.</p><p><em>In abasing myself so you might be exalted, because I preached to you the gospel of God for nothing?</em>- Paul told Corinth that he had abased himself so that <em>they</em> might be exalted. This is one of Paul's many allusions to the Gospels; this time to Lk. 14:11; 18:14, which teach that he who abases himself will <em>himself</em> be exalted. But Paul was abasing himself so that Corinth could be exalted, so that they could share the exaltation he would receive on account of his humility. In all this, of course, he reflected to his brethren the very essence of the attitude of the Lord Jesus for toward us. It was through refusing funding for his work from the Corinthians that he <em>abased</em> himself that they might be <em>exalted</em>- all language of the crucifixion (cp. Phil. 2:8,9). Thus his refusing of legitimate help to make his way easier was an enactment in himself of the cross. We live in a world which has made the fulfilment of personal aims of paramount importance. It has affected the fabric of every society, and become embedded in every mind. To <em>live to serve</em>, to put oneself down that others may rise&hellip; this is strange indeed. John the Baptist had this spirit, for he rejoiced that he decreased whilst the Lord&rsquo;s cause increased. Paul likewise abased himself that others might be exalted, after the pattern of the cross. God&rsquo;s gentleness, His humility / bowing down (Heb.) has made us great, lifted us up (Ps. 18:35). And we respond to it by humbling <em>our</em>selves.</p>