2 Corinthians 11 - Introduction

Paul, A True Apostle

Second Corinthians Eleven

The self appointed apostles at Corinth wanted to be apostles like Paul but they were not. The false apostles had even managed to gain some followers there. Paul felt that it was folly for him to have to defend his apostleship. He could have used his time in a much better way. However, he felt responsible to see that the church at Corinth was sound in the faith. Brethren must not be lured away from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ.

What was happening at Corinth was a very serious matter. The false teachers were preaching another Jesus and a totally different gospel. The false apostles felt superior to Paul, especially in the matter of preaching style. Paul was not concerned about an entertaining preaching style, but his concern was the faithful proclamation of the gospel of Christ. The false apostles were saying that Paul was not worth hearing because he preached for free. Paul had taken money from other church so that he could preach freely at Corinth.

Satan is responsible for every false doctrine. It was not surprising to Paul that there were false apostles because "Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." Through the years Satan has taken on many forms in his work of deception. Paul's concern was that the Corinthians might not be able to discern the false teachers and their false teachings.