II Corinthians 8:1-6
Giving is More Blessed Than Receiving
II Corinthians 8:7-15
Christ Our Pattern
II Corinthians 8:16-24
Collection For The Saints In Jerusalem
II Corinthians 9:1-5
Exhortation to Readiness
II Corinthians 9:6-15
The Cheerful Giver
II Corinthians 10:1-6
Paul Defends His Authority
II Corinthians 10:7-12
The Reality of Paul’s Authority
II Corinthians 10:13-18
Limits of Paul’s Authority
II Corinthians 11:1-9
Paul And The False Apostles
II Corinthians 11:10-15
Self Appointed Teachers
II Corinthians 11:16-21
Boasting as a Fool
II Corinthians 11:22-33
Suffering For Christ
II Corinthians 12:1-10
Paul’s Vision And Thorn in The Flesh
II Corinthians 12:11-18
Paul’s Concern For The Corinthians
II Corinthians 12:19-21
Sin in The Church
Self Appointed Teachers
II Corinthians 11:10–15
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I once heard a story about an Amish farmer who bought a new pair of overalls. Of course, the Amish are famous for their simplicity, and trying to avoid pride. As he put on his new overalls and looked in the mirror, he said, “Oh, this will never do! I’ll be proud in the … More
Paul says, as the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia (v. 10). Why? Because I do not love you (v. 11)? God knows! 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 (v. 12).
Up to this point Paul has been dealing graciously with his enemies, but now he lays everything on the table and says what he really thinks of them. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ” (v. 13). Who are these false apostles? We cannot be absolutely sure but several factors suggest that they were Palestinian Jews and members of the Jerusalem church. One of the things that points to this is that they carried letters of commendation from the church, possibly under the auspices of the Jerusalem Council (II Corinthians 3:1). That they were self-appointed teachers to enforce Mosaic ordinances is certain (Acts 15:24).
It is interesting to note that Paul did not contest their appeal to be under the authority of the “super-apostles” (Jerusalem council). But he did refute the value of such an appeal and stated that this was a matter of human association rather than proof of divine accreditation. It is really no surprise that these false teachers have been able to deceive the Corinthian believers,"for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (v. 14). Like whitewashed tombs, they may have looked righteous but inside there was only death and decay (Matthew 23:27-28). Don’t be fooled by eternal appearances. One day their true character will be revealed and their judgment will be according to their works (v. 15).
Application
I want to be able to recognize a false teacher if he presents himself as an angel of light. Then I must be able to warn other believers about false teachers who try to infiltrate the Church.
II Corinthians 11:10-15 (English Standard Version)
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