FocusAnother message and false apostles
Connection to the wholePaul fears the church is being drawn from sincere devotion to Christ and exposes the deceptive character of rival messengers.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 11:13
KJVFor such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
Read it in context
Concern about deception
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 11:1 (2 Corinthians 11:1 to 2 Corinthians 11:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul fears the church is being drawn from sincere devotion to Christ and exposes the deceptive character of rival messengers.
- 11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.
- 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
- 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
- 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
- 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
- 11:6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.
- 11:7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
- 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
- 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
- 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
- 11:11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
- 11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
- 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
- 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
- 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14): Paul answers challenges to his ministry among the Corinthians and warns the church before his next visit. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Concern about deception. Read 2 Corinthians 11:1 through 2 Corinthians 11:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul fears the church is being drawn from sincere devotion to Christ and exposes the deceptive character of rival messengers. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Concern about deception (2 Corinthians 11:1 to 2 Corinthians 11:15). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 11:15, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- false 2 Cor 11:15 2 Cor 2:17 2 Cor 4:2 Matt 25:24 Acts 15:1,24 Acts 20:30 Rom 16:18 Gal 1:7
- deceitful Phil 3:2 Titus 1:10-11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 11
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
A reluctant account of suffering
2 Corinthians 11:16–33FocusThe cost of apostolic service
Connection to the wholePaul's unusual boasting recounts hardship and weakness, overturning his opponents' measures of authority and success.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation The ministry entrusted to Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14–7:16FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation The collection
2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.