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2 Corinthians 11

In this chapter, Paul continues to address the challenges posed by false apostles who threaten the spiritual integrity of the Corinthian church. He defends his apostolic authority and commitment to the gospel, contrasting his sincere, self-sacrificing service to the deceitful and exploitative behavior of the so-called "super-apostles." Paul uses a combination of irony, sarcasm, and earnest appeal to emphasize his dedication to the Corinthians and the dangers of following false teachings.

2 Corinthians 11:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me.
2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Paul expresses his deep concern and godly jealousy for the Corinthian believers, comparing them to a pure bride betrothed to Christ. His desire is to present them as spiritually faithful, uncorrupted by false teachings. Paul’s use of the marriage analogy emphasizes the intimate and covenantal relationship between Christ and His followers, highlighting their need for unwavering loyalty. His warning implies that just as a bride must remain true to her groom, believers must guard against influences that lead them away from the simplicity and purity of their devotion to Christ. This reflects the importance of holding firmly to sound doctrine and rejecting anything that undermines their faithfulness to Jesus.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (NKJV)
3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

Paul warns against being led astray by false doctrines that corrupt the simplicity of devotion to Christ. Examples of such false teachings include the belief that the Holy Spirit is a third, separate divine person, which can lead people to pray to and worship the Holy Spirit rather than the Father through the Son, despite the Bible teaching that the Holy Spirit is God's power and presence, not an independent being. Another example is the distortion of Christ’s Sonship by denying that He is truly the begotten Son of God, which undermines His unique relationship with the Father. Additionally, "another gospel" can manifest as a doctrine of righteousness by works, where people focus on legalistic rule-keeping rather than faith in Christ’s grace and sacrifice. This leads to self-reliance rather than trust in Jesus for salvation. These false teachings shift focus away from the true gospel, which calls for faith in Christ and a life empowered by God's Spirit, not human effort alone.

2 Corinthians 11:5-6 (NKJV)
5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the "super-apostles."
6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Paul refutes any claims that he is inferior to the "super-apostles," a term he uses sarcastically to describe the false apostles who boast about their credentials. He admits his lack of rhetorical polish but asserts his deep knowledge and transparent conduct among the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 11:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.
9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.

Paul defends his decision to preach without accepting financial support from the Corinthians, suggesting that his self-sufficiency was aimed at elevating them, not himself. He humorously describes receiving support from other churches as "robbing" them, underscoring his commitment to not burden the Corinthian church financially.

2 Corinthians 11:10-12 (NKJV)
10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.

Paul insists that he will continue his practice of not taking financial support to prevent the false apostles from claiming they operate on the same principles as he does. His strategy aims to expose their motives and differentiate his genuine apostolic service from their self-serving actions.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Paul exposes false apostles as deceitful workers who disguise themselves as servants of Christ, warning that their actions mirror Satan, who can transform himself into an "angel of light" to deceive others. Paul explains that it’s no surprise if Satan’s ministers also appear righteous while promoting error. These "ministers" can include both fallen angels (demons) and people—especially false teachers—who either knowingly or unknowingly become instruments of deception. Demons actively spread lies and influence people, while some humans may be possessed or simply influenced by Satan's spirit of rebellion and deceit. Regardless of whether they are spiritual beings or wicked individuals, their end will be judgment according to their deeds. This passage calls for spiritual vigilance and adherence to the truth of God’s Word, as even those who appear godly can lead people astray if their teachings do not align with the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:16-18 (NKJV)
16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I may also boast a little.
17 What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also.

Paul returns to his ironic appeal for tolerance of his "folly," preparing to boast about his qualifications in response to those who boast from a worldly perspective. He differentiates his upcoming remarks from his usual teachings, labeling them as a kind of reluctant boasting necessary to counter the boasts of his opponents.

2 Corinthians 11:19-21 (NKJV)
19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise!
20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.
21 To my shame, I say that we were too weak for that!

Using sharp sarcasm, Paul criticizes the Corinthians' willingness to endure abuse from false leaders, mocking their supposed wisdom in tolerating such mistreatment. He contrasts his own behavior, sarcastically claiming that he was "too weak" to exploit them as the false apostles do.

2 Corinthians 11:22-23 (NKJV)
22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I.
23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

Paul begins to list his credentials, matching and surpassing those claimed by his opponents. He compares his heritage and sufferings for the Gospel, demonstrating that his apostolic service, marked by extreme hardship and danger, authenticates his dedication and surpasses the superficial claims of the false apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:24-27 (NKJV)
24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

Paul continues to detail the physical sufferings and dangers he has endured in his ministry, which far exceed the experiences of the false apostles. These hardships serve as a testament to his commitment to the Gospel and his resilience. The list underscores the extremity and variety of dangers he faced, not just from external threats but also from betrayal within the community, highlighting the cost of his dedication to Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:28-29 (NKJV)
28 Besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.
29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

Beyond the physical challenges, Paul speaks of his daily psychological and emotional burdens, particularly his profound concern for the well-being of all the churches under his care. This illustrates his deep emotional investment in the spiritual health of the believers, feeling empathy for those who are weak and anger towards anything that causes them to stumble, reinforcing his pastoral heart.

2 Corinthians 11:30-31 (NKJV)
30 If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.
31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

Paul shifts the nature of his boasting, choosing to boast in his weaknesses rather than his strengths or achievements, contrary to the false apostles. This inversion highlights his reliance on God’s power rather than his own. He invokes God as his witness, emphasizing the truthfulness of his statements and his commitment to integrity.

2 Corinthians 11:32-33 (NKJV)
32 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me;
33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

Paul recounts a specific incident of danger and escape early in his ministry, which occurred in Damascus (as detailed in Acts 9:23-25). This story serves to illustrate the literal, physical dangers he faced due to his preaching of the Gospel. His escape in a basket, a humble and somewhat undignified method, further underscores his willingness to endure any means necessary for the sake of his mission.

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