John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:25

"Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep;" — 2 Corinthians 11:25 (ASV)

Thrice was I beaten with rods. From this it appears that the Apostle suffered many things that Luke does not mention, for he mentions only one stoning, one scourging, and one shipwreck. We do not, however, have a complete narrative, nor does it mention every detail that occurred, but only the main events.

By perils from the nation he means those that happened to him from his own nation, due to the hatred that was stirred up against him among all the Jews. On the other hand, he had the Gentiles as his adversaries; and in the third place, snares were laid for him by false brethren. Thus it happened that for Christ’s name’s sake he was hated by all (Matthew 10:22).

By fastings I understand those that are voluntary, as he has previously spoken of hunger and want. These were the signs by which he showed himself, with good reason, to be an eminent servant of Christ. For how can we better distinguish Christ’s servants than by proofs so numerous, so various, and so important? On the other hand, while those effeminate boasters had done nothing for Christ, and had suffered nothing for him, they, nevertheless, shamelessly boasted.

However, it is asked whether anyone can be a servant of Christ who has not been tried with so many evils, perils, and afflictions. I answer that all these things are not absolutely required of everyone; but where these things are seen, a greater and more distinguished testimony is undoubtedly given.

Therefore, the person who is marked by so many signs of distinction will not despise those who are less distinguished and less thoroughly tried, nor will he be filled with pride on that account. Instead, whenever the occasion arises, he will be prepared, following Paul’s example, to rejoice with a holy triumph against pretenders and worthless individuals, provided he looks to Christ and not to himself—for nothing but pride or ambition could corrupt and tarnish all these praises.

For the main thing is that we serve Christ with a pure conscience. All other things are, so to speak, additional.