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Paul and the False Apostles
In this part of 2 Corinthians, Paul explains why he speaks strongly about himself and about other teachers. He wants the Corinthians to notice the danger of teaching that looks impressive but leads them away from Christ.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage is part of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Here he says he is using “a little foolishness” as he speaks, because the church has been tolerating messages and messengers that differ from what they first received. He contrasts his own ministry among them with people he calls false apostles.
2 Corinthians 11:1–15Main takeaway
Christians need to weigh confident religious claims carefully, because outward appearance can hide teaching that turns minds away from the simple truth in Christ.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul’s concern for their faithfulnessPaul asks the Corinthians to bear with what he calls “a little foolishness”. He says his jealousy is “godly”, using the picture of a bride promised to one husband, so that they may be presented pure to Christ.
Explanation
Paul asks the Corinthians to bear with what he calls “a little foolishness”. He says his jealousy is “godly”, using the picture of a bride promised to one husband, so that they may be presented pure to Christ. His concern is not personal pride but their faithful devotion to Christ.
02A danger to the mind and messagePaul fears their minds may be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s craftiness.
Explanation
Paul fears their minds may be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s craftiness. He points to a serious problem: people may preach “another Jesus”, bring a different spirit, or announce a different good news. The Corinthians have been too willing to put up with this.
03Paul’s ministry among themPaul says he is not behind the “very best apostles”, even if he is not skilled in speech. He insists he is not unskilled in knowledge.
Explanation
Paul says he is not behind the “very best apostles”, even if he is not skilled in speech. He insists he is not unskilled in knowledge. He reminds them that he preached God’s Good News free of charge, accepted support from other assemblies, and refused to be a burden to them.
04Why Paul keeps acting this wayPaul says his refusal to burden them is not a lack of love, and he even calls on God as witness that he does love them.
Explanation
Paul says his refusal to burden them is not a lack of love, and he even calls on God as witness that he does love them. He will continue this practice to remove an opportunity from rivals who want to boast that they are working on the same terms as Paul.
05False apostles and disguised evilPaul finally names these opponents as false apostles and deceitful workers who masquerade as Christ’s apostles.
Explanation
Paul finally names these opponents as false apostles and deceitful workers who masquerade as Christ’s apostles. He says this should not surprise them, because Satan masquerades as an angel of light. His servants can also appear righteous, but their end will match their works.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What pictures does Paul use to show why he cares so deeply about the Corinthians’ loyalty to Christ?
Look at the images of marriage, purity, and Eve being deceived, and notice that Paul’s concern focuses on their minds and devotion to Christ.
02According to Paul, what are the warning signs that a message is not the same as the one he preached?
Identify the repeated word “different” and list the three things Paul says may be changed.
03How does Paul contrast his own conduct with the conduct of the false apostles?
Compare his free preaching and refusal to be a burden with the description of deceitful workers who masquerade as righteous servants.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
2 Corinthians 11:1–15
1I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me.
2For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you in marriage to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
3But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we didn’t preach, or if you receive a different spirit which you didn’t receive, or a different “good news” which you didn’t accept, you put up with that well enough.
5For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.
6But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things.
7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God’s Good News free of charge?
8I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.
9When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn’t a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.
10As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11Why? Because I don’t love you? God knows.
12But what I do, that I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity, that in which they boast, they may be recognized just like us.
13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles.
14And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
15It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.