2 Corinthians 11:1-4

A valid servant of Christ is one who belongs to Christ (2 Cor. 10:7).  The same can be said of the Corinthian church.  Their loyalty to Christ is seen in whether they bear with Paul or in fact follow after those with a different Jesus.

There is a bit of sarcasm in the opening verse.  Many of the Corinthians were not sold out for the beloved apostle and could be said to only bear with Paul.  But his love for them was much stronger.  He says he is jealous for them.  This means he has a strong zeal for them and their establishment in Christ.  This is a godly jealousy because it has to do with the believer’s relationship with Christ.  The Church is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:22-33) and a bride is to have only one husband.  Paul is concerned that the Corinthians do not have that kind of a simplicity but have been deceived so as to follow others.  Consider the terms.

o   Deceived: Satan tricked Eve, something claimed by Eve (Gen. 3:13) and affirmed elsewhere (1 Tim. 2:14).  He told her a half-truth, which is of course a whole lie.  This is typical with Satan who is “the deceiver.” 

o   Craftiness: This refers to cunning or wisdom with a negative connotation.  This is how those who promote false teaching gain a following (Ep. 4:14).  

o   Minds corrupted: This is a strong word that indicates they are corrupt to the point of being destroyed.  Their minds were of no use; they could not think clearly according to Biblical principles.

In these ways Satan keeps the believer from a pure and simple devotion to Christ.  There are some illustrations alluded to in v4.

o   Another Jesus:  Some of the deceptive teaching presented a “Jesus” who was different than the one Paul had preached.  For example, cults will generally emphasize either the humanity or deity of Christ to the exclusion of the other.  Many have been tricked by these teachings.

o   Another Spirit:  The Holy Spirit is given to the believer to help and lead him day by day.  Perhaps some came, as today, offering a spirit of self-confidence or patriotic zeal or of fleshly effort. 

o   Another Gospel:  The good news is of One Person’s singular provision for men on the cross, a provision that is received by faith.  False gospels are not good news.  They call men to measure up to some law, to do more good works than bad or to be more religious.  False teachers always mix faith with works, leaving their followers deceived and spiritually dead.

It should be clear why Paul is so adamant that the Corinthians be loyal to him and his teaching.  It is because he speaks for Christ.  Paul had not come to attract a following for himself.  Rather he had betrothed (the Corinthians) to one husband that they might be a chaste virgin to Christ.  Christ’s bride (the Church) will be presented to Him at the great marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7).  Let us not be deceived lest we find ourselves missing on that day.