John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 11:8

"I robbed other churches, taking wages [of them] that I might minister unto you;" — 2 Corinthians 11:8 (ASV)

I robbed other churches. In my opinion, he has intentionally used an offensive term so that he might more forcibly express the unreasonableness of the situation—namely, his being despised by the Corinthians. “I have,” he says, “obtained payment for myself from the spoils of others, so that I might serve you. While I have spared you in this way, how unreasonable it is for you to give me such a poor return!” It is, however, a metaphor taken from what is customary among soldiers. For as conquerors take spoils from the nations they have conquered, so everything that Paul took from the churches he had won for Christ was, in a way, the spoils of his victories. However, he never would have taken it from people against their will; rather, what they contributed freely was, in a way, due by the right of spiritual warfare.

Observe, however, that he says he had been in want, for he would never have been a burden to them if he had not been compelled by necessity. Nevertheless, meanwhile, he labored with his hands, as we have seen before (1 Corinthians 4:12), but as the labor of his hands was not sufficient for sustaining life, something additional was contributed by the Macedonians. Accordingly, he does not say that his living had been provided for him by the Macedonians, but merely that they had supplied what was lacking.

We have spoken elsewhere of the Apostle’s holy prudence and diligence in guarding against dangers. Here we must note the pious zeal of the Macedonians, who did not hesitate to contribute from their substance for his support, so that the gospel might be proclaimed to others—even to those who were wealthier than themselves. Ah, how few Macedonians there are today, and on the other hand, how many Corinthians you may find everywhere!