The word grace (ca,rij) is used eighteen times in 2 Corinthians (1:2, 12, 15; 2:14; 4:15; 6:1; 8:1, 4, 6,7, 9, 16, 19; 9:8, 14, 15; 12:9; 13:13) and appears in the introduction (1:1–11), conclusion (13:11–14), and in each of the three major sections of the book (1:12–7:16; 8:1–9:15; 10:1–13:10). Recently I was teaching through 2 Corinthians 10 and 11, a section in which the idea of boasting plays a prominent role (10:8; 13, 15, 16, 17 [2x]; 11:12, 16, 18 [2x], 30 [2x]). The fact that boasting plays such a prominent role is ironic for at least two reasons. (1) Paul recognizes that boasting in one’s accomplishments in ministry is an exercise in foolishness (11:1a). (2) Paul understands that his apostolic calling and ministry are according to grace. As there is no “I” in team, there is no “I” in grace.
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