Paul And The False Apostles

II Corinthians 11:1–9
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The Apostle Paul is dealing with the most dangerous threat to a church the devil has – infiltration – the destruction of a church from within by teachers who are straying from the truth. This is still a dangerous threat to churches today. They are being destroyed from within by the satanic process of infiltration, by people who come in and gradually began to teach a deviate gospel. That is what was happening here at Corinth, and that is what is threatening many of our churches today.

In this passage we find Paul comparing himself to a “spiritual father” caring for his family. The picture is of a loving daughter engaged to be married. The engaged woman owes her love and allegiance to the one she is engaged to. If she was to share her heart with any other man, she would be guilty of unfaithfulness. Paul is comparing the church in Corinth to Eve (vv. 2-3). Instead of resisting the devil, Eve listened and gave in. He says the devil’s representatives in Corinth are doing the very same things as they make this threefold appeal: 

1.              They claimed to be associated with the twelve apostles.

2.              They claimed to have superiority in speaking abilities. (vv. 4-9)

3.              They claimed their method of being supported by the churches was proof of authority.

Paul sacrificed to minister to the church at Corinth. While there, he labored with his own hands as a tent maker (Acts 18:1-3) He did this so no one could accuse him of using the preaching of the Gospel as a means of making money.

Application

I need to be careful that I do not give more importance to associations, speaking abilities and methods than I do to faithfulness to the Lord and commitment to His Word.