2 Corinthians 11:5-15

It may seem strange to some that in Paul’s day there were people he calls the most eminent apostles (11:5; 12:11) who were in fact false apostles (11:13).  This ought not to be considered strange as it is no less true today.  There have always been those who claim to speak for God who are in fact Satanic deceivers.

This passage tells us some things about Paul while at the same time revealing the truth about those who opposed his ministry and those who continue to deceive today.  Paul was considered inferior because …

Þ   v6: he wasn’t a trained speaker.

Þ   v7: he had not taken an offering from them for his support, thus indicating perhaps that his ministry lacked significance.

Þ   v11: he didn’t seem to love the Corinthians.

In fact none of this was valid.  While not as skilled an orator Paul had come with the knowledge of God and had been completely open with them.  He had in fact lived on offerings from other churches rather than putting the burden on the Corinthians. That, among other things, was proof of his love for them.  He did not want money to interfere with their hearing and responding to the gospel.

What is interesting is to think about the ones Paul is apparently being compared with, the false apostles.  Apparently they were powerful orators, more entertaining to hear, telling more stories or the things that tickle people’s ears (2 Tim. 4:3).  Apparently the appeal for money was central to what they did.  Perhaps they poured a lot of money into the venues and meetings where they presented their deceptions.  We know their ministry involved selling the word of God for profit (2 Cor. 2:17).  Apparently they were great schmoozers, exhibiting love for others which was in fact just their means of winning others by cunning craftiness.  Since they lacked the power of Paul’s gospel they did these things to try to place themselves on the same level as Paul (v12).

The apostle makes clear what in fact is happening.  These are not apostles of Christ.  Rather they are false apostles, transforming themselves in their outward appearance, to look like apostles of Christ.  It is that transformation that links them to Satan who regularly transforms himself from the angel of darkness into the angel of light, making him the ultimate deceiver.

In the Scriptures believers are known by their love for each other.  Let us not confuse love with toleration of those who preach a false gospel.  Let us not confuse skillful speaking with truthful speaking.  Let us not confuse material wealth with the blessing of God.  Sincere love will lead us to Biblically examine those who claim to speak for God.  Sincere love will expose false apostles whose teachings leave their followers without Christ.  Remember: Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth (1 Cor. 13:6).