2 Corinthians 11:1-31: "Paul's "Warning: The Danger of False Teachers"
Concern for Their Faithfulness
Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly — and indeed you do bear with me For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it!
Paul and False Apostles
For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? 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. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Reluctant Boasting
I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold I speak foolishly I am bold also.
Suffering for Christ
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? — I speak as a fool — I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. (NKJV)
Concern for Their Faithfulness
Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly — and indeed you do bear with me For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted — you may well put up with it!
Paul and False Apostles
For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? 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. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Reluctant Boasting
I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold I speak foolishly I am bold also.
Suffering for Christ
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? — I speak as a fool — I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. (NKJV)
Bible Study Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 11:1-31
Warning Against Believing False Teachers
I. Paul’s Concern for the Corinthian Church (verse 1-3)
A. Paul’s Request: "Bear with me for a moment: Allow me to speak for myself".
“In general, boasting is “foolish” and we should avoid it, and for this in general, I apologize, however these accusations against me gives me credence to do this in this case for a good reason so bear with me for a moment”. (vs.1)
a. The truth is: I’m upset because I care about you and I’m jealous over you with a “godly jealousy (I don’t want you corrupted by false accusations coming from false teachers who are now “in your ear”).
b. I promise your “hand” in marriage to “one husband” Jesus Christ.
c. I’m trying to do all I can to keep the fellowship pure until Christ comes back.
d. I presented you as a pure virgin to HIM (a church shunning “other” gods)
e. I fear that you are being seduced and lured away from your “pure love” in Christ. (in the same manner the serpent seduced (beguiled) Eve with smooth talk and casting doubt)
Paul wanted to keep them pure in the following areas: (verses 1-3)
(1) Simple and single-hearted devotedness to Christ and pure and unmixed attachment to him. The fear was that their affections would be fixed on other objects, and that the singleness and unity of their devotedness to Christ would be destroyed.
(2) Toward Christ and all of HIS pure doctrines. By adding world philosophy and the opinions of the world, there was danger that their minds would be turned away from their hold on the simple truths which Christ had taught.
(3) Toward simplicity of mind and heart; that childlike candor and docility; that freedom from all guile, dishonesty, and deception which so eminently characterized the Redeemer. Christ had a single aim; HE was free from all guile; was purely honest; never made use of any improper arts; never resorted to false appearances; and never deceived. His followers should in like manner be artless and guileless.
{The members of the Corinthian church were converted to Christianity through} {Jesus Christ, which meant their souls were married to Jesus Christ. They were as} {a church and Christian fellowship now the “bride” betrothed to Jesus Christ.}
B. Concerning false Teachers: “What if”?…. (verse 4-6)
1. What if these false teachers showed up preaching “Another Jesus”?
a. One with a “different spirit”?
b. One with a “different message”? You would readily accept them and their false message... Now, in comparison to them….
c. I’m just as good as they are: (they are “big shots, I’m simply me!) Why can’t you put up with “simple” me? (Paul)
d. I’m not as eloquent in speech as they are, I’m not as ‘impressive” as they are, but as least, when I open my mouth, I know what I’m talking about!
e. Concerning the gospel: We told you everything and didn’t leave out anything. These false teachers can’t say that.
Important: You can search all over…You won’t find nobody. You can search high and low, you won’t still find nobody…There is nobody greater!
Observe: Concerning:
“Preached another Jesus”…
If these false teachers proclaim to you “a different Jesus” who is more worthy of your love, more able to save. “One,” who is more worthy of your confidence, then Paul declares: “you do well to receive him”… But… to tell you the truth….”this can’t be done!” because Jesus is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and immutable. The “Jesus Christ” talked about “exclusively” in the Holy Scriptures in perfect in all of HIS ways. There’s nobody greater, greater than HIM!.
“A Jesus” we have not preached…
Let them show you, if they can, that they have found “any Savior” different than the one we preached about to you. As a matter of fact, we have given you all the evidence that we are sent by God. Even with all their pretenses, they don’t have any Savior to tell you about any different than the same “Jesus” we told you about already..
Or if ye receive another spirit ...
If they can preach to you about another Sanctifier , another Comforter; or if you, by sitting under the “teachings’ of their ministry received “higher proofs” of the power of the Spirit in performing miracles in the gift of tongues; in renewing sinners and in comforting your hearts. Paul taught the Corinthian church all of that in his 1st letter to them. Paul’s letter and preaching of the Word to this church was saturated in the Holy Spirit. His manner of preaching was vivid proof of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Corinthian church already had the evidence that demanding a verdict of vindication to Paul.
Concerning “Another gospel” ...
A gospel more worthy of your acceptance-one more free, more full, more rich in promises; one that revealed a better plan of salvation, or that was more full of comfort and peace. Remember; Paul once declared “if anybody preaches “another gospel” other than the “Gospel” He and the rest of the Apostle’s preached..Paul declared: let them be accursed (double-cursed)
Then…Ye might well bear with him …
There would then be some excuse for your conduct. There would be a good reason you would welcome such teachers. But if this cannot be done; if they can preach no other and no better gospel and Savior than I have done, then you don’t have an excuse for your conduct.
II. In Hindsight: Paul’s “Retrospective” Question and Answer (verses 7-15)
A. “I wonder, did I make a bad mistake in proclaiming God's Message to you without asking for something in return, serving you free of charge so that you wouldn't be inconvenienced by me? (Message Bible) (vs.7-11)
The truth is: (Responses are from the “Message Bible” Translation)
1. Other churches paid my expenses so you would have that burden.
2. While I lived among you, none of you lifted a finger to help me out in any way! Macedonia took care of me!
3. I was careful never to be a burden on you and I never will be…count on it!
4. With Christ as my witness, it's a point of honor with me, and I'm not going to keep it quiet just to protect you from what the neighbors will think.
5. It's not that I don't love you; God knows I do. I'm just trying to keep things open and honest between us.
B. Now…concerning Being Compared to a False Teacher: (verses 12- 15)
1. I'm not changing my position on this. I'd die before taking your money. I'm giving nobody grounds for lumping me in with those money-grubbing "preachers," vaunting themselves as something special.
2. They're a sorry bunch , “pseudo-apostles” (Jack-legged preachers), lying preachers, crooked workers (Watch them dogs- those workers of the concision) posing as Christ's agents but are” shams” to the core.
And no wonder they are shams! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn't surprise us when his servants (these false teachers) are masquerading as servants of God. But they're not getting by with anything. They'll pay for it in the end.
Final Destiny of the Wicked:
Their doom in eternity shall not be according to their fair professions and plausible pretences, for they cannot deceive God; but shall be according to their real character, and their works. Their work is a work of deception, and they shall be judged according to that. What revelations there will be at their day of judgment, when all impostors shall be unmasked, and when all hypocrites and deceivers shall be seen in their true colors! And how desirable is it that there should be such a day to disclose all beings in their true character, and FOREVER to remove imposture and delusion from the universe!
III. Paul Revisits past Events in His Ministry (verses 16-23)
A. Musingly Explaining: I’m not a fool…but humor me! (vs. 16-20)
1. Let me come back to where I started and don't hold it against me if I continue to sound a little foolish. Or if you'd rather, just accept that I am a fool and let me rant on a little.
2. I didn't learn this kind of talk (foolish jesting) from Christ. Oh, no, it's a bad habit I picked up from the three-ring preachers (jack-legged preachers) that are so popular these days. Since you sit there in the judgment seat observing all these shenanigans, you can afford to humor an occasional fool who happens along.
3. You have such admirable tolerance for impostors who rob your freedom, rip you off, steal you blind, put you down — even slap your face!
4. I shouldn't admit it to you, but our stomachs aren't strong enough to tolerate that kind of stuff.
Note: Real (God called and ordained) ministers that stay true to their Biblical and divine calling are very offended of the attention congregations pay to false teachers. After the members have gotten hoodwinked, then they come back to the Jesus preaching ministers asking us “What went wrong?
B. Paul Second Questions (Concerning Ego Tripping) (vs.21-23)
“Since you admire the egomaniacs of the pulpit so much (remember, this is your old friend, the fool, talking), let me try my hand at it. Do they brag of being Hebrews, Israelites, the pure race of Abraham? I'm their match. Are they servants of Christ? I can go them one better. (I can't believe I'm saying these things. It's crazy to talk this way! But I started, and I'm going to finish.)
C. History of Paul’s Ministry: “Seen and Experienced” (vs. 23b- 27)
Paul compares his ministry history to the false teachers.
1. I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time.
2. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes. beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day.
3. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes.
1. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers.
2. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.
IV. Paul’s Protective Passion Toward the Corinthian Church (vs. 28-31)
A. And that's not the half of it: The “Other Half” (vs. 28-29)
1. When you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches.
2. When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones.
3. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.
B. So if I had to Brag: “My Humiliation” (vs. 30-31)
1. If I have to "brag" about myself, I'll brag about the humiliations that make me like Jesus.
2. The eternal and blessed God and Father of our Master Jesus knows I'm not lying.
3. Remember the time I was in Damascus and the governor of King Aretas posted guards at the city gates to arrest me? I crawled through a window in the wall, was let down in a basket, and had to run for my life.
Dr. William Edward Boddie
Warning Against Believing False Teachers
I. Paul’s Concern for the Corinthian Church (verse 1-3)
A. Paul’s Request: "Bear with me for a moment: Allow me to speak for myself".
“In general, boasting is “foolish” and we should avoid it, and for this in general, I apologize, however these accusations against me gives me credence to do this in this case for a good reason so bear with me for a moment”. (vs.1)
a. The truth is: I’m upset because I care about you and I’m jealous over you with a “godly jealousy (I don’t want you corrupted by false accusations coming from false teachers who are now “in your ear”).
b. I promise your “hand” in marriage to “one husband” Jesus Christ.
c. I’m trying to do all I can to keep the fellowship pure until Christ comes back.
d. I presented you as a pure virgin to HIM (a church shunning “other” gods)
e. I fear that you are being seduced and lured away from your “pure love” in Christ. (in the same manner the serpent seduced (beguiled) Eve with smooth talk and casting doubt)
Paul wanted to keep them pure in the following areas: (verses 1-3)
(1) Simple and single-hearted devotedness to Christ and pure and unmixed attachment to him. The fear was that their affections would be fixed on other objects, and that the singleness and unity of their devotedness to Christ would be destroyed.
(2) Toward Christ and all of HIS pure doctrines. By adding world philosophy and the opinions of the world, there was danger that their minds would be turned away from their hold on the simple truths which Christ had taught.
(3) Toward simplicity of mind and heart; that childlike candor and docility; that freedom from all guile, dishonesty, and deception which so eminently characterized the Redeemer. Christ had a single aim; HE was free from all guile; was purely honest; never made use of any improper arts; never resorted to false appearances; and never deceived. His followers should in like manner be artless and guileless.
{The members of the Corinthian church were converted to Christianity through} {Jesus Christ, which meant their souls were married to Jesus Christ. They were as} {a church and Christian fellowship now the “bride” betrothed to Jesus Christ.}
B. Concerning false Teachers: “What if”?…. (verse 4-6)
1. What if these false teachers showed up preaching “Another Jesus”?
a. One with a “different spirit”?
b. One with a “different message”? You would readily accept them and their false message... Now, in comparison to them….
c. I’m just as good as they are: (they are “big shots, I’m simply me!) Why can’t you put up with “simple” me? (Paul)
d. I’m not as eloquent in speech as they are, I’m not as ‘impressive” as they are, but as least, when I open my mouth, I know what I’m talking about!
e. Concerning the gospel: We told you everything and didn’t leave out anything. These false teachers can’t say that.
Important: You can search all over…You won’t find nobody. You can search high and low, you won’t still find nobody…There is nobody greater!
Observe: Concerning:
“Preached another Jesus”…
If these false teachers proclaim to you “a different Jesus” who is more worthy of your love, more able to save. “One,” who is more worthy of your confidence, then Paul declares: “you do well to receive him”… But… to tell you the truth….”this can’t be done!” because Jesus is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and immutable. The “Jesus Christ” talked about “exclusively” in the Holy Scriptures in perfect in all of HIS ways. There’s nobody greater, greater than HIM!.
“A Jesus” we have not preached…
Let them show you, if they can, that they have found “any Savior” different than the one we preached about to you. As a matter of fact, we have given you all the evidence that we are sent by God. Even with all their pretenses, they don’t have any Savior to tell you about any different than the same “Jesus” we told you about already..
Or if ye receive another spirit ...
If they can preach to you about another Sanctifier , another Comforter; or if you, by sitting under the “teachings’ of their ministry received “higher proofs” of the power of the Spirit in performing miracles in the gift of tongues; in renewing sinners and in comforting your hearts. Paul taught the Corinthian church all of that in his 1st letter to them. Paul’s letter and preaching of the Word to this church was saturated in the Holy Spirit. His manner of preaching was vivid proof of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Corinthian church already had the evidence that demanding a verdict of vindication to Paul.
Concerning “Another gospel” ...
A gospel more worthy of your acceptance-one more free, more full, more rich in promises; one that revealed a better plan of salvation, or that was more full of comfort and peace. Remember; Paul once declared “if anybody preaches “another gospel” other than the “Gospel” He and the rest of the Apostle’s preached..Paul declared: let them be accursed (double-cursed)
Then…Ye might well bear with him …
There would then be some excuse for your conduct. There would be a good reason you would welcome such teachers. But if this cannot be done; if they can preach no other and no better gospel and Savior than I have done, then you don’t have an excuse for your conduct.
II. In Hindsight: Paul’s “Retrospective” Question and Answer (verses 7-15)
A. “I wonder, did I make a bad mistake in proclaiming God's Message to you without asking for something in return, serving you free of charge so that you wouldn't be inconvenienced by me? (Message Bible) (vs.7-11)
The truth is: (Responses are from the “Message Bible” Translation)
1. Other churches paid my expenses so you would have that burden.
2. While I lived among you, none of you lifted a finger to help me out in any way! Macedonia took care of me!
3. I was careful never to be a burden on you and I never will be…count on it!
4. With Christ as my witness, it's a point of honor with me, and I'm not going to keep it quiet just to protect you from what the neighbors will think.
5. It's not that I don't love you; God knows I do. I'm just trying to keep things open and honest between us.
B. Now…concerning Being Compared to a False Teacher: (verses 12- 15)
1. I'm not changing my position on this. I'd die before taking your money. I'm giving nobody grounds for lumping me in with those money-grubbing "preachers," vaunting themselves as something special.
2. They're a sorry bunch , “pseudo-apostles” (Jack-legged preachers), lying preachers, crooked workers (Watch them dogs- those workers of the concision) posing as Christ's agents but are” shams” to the core.
And no wonder they are shams! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light. So it shouldn't surprise us when his servants (these false teachers) are masquerading as servants of God. But they're not getting by with anything. They'll pay for it in the end.
Final Destiny of the Wicked:
Their doom in eternity shall not be according to their fair professions and plausible pretences, for they cannot deceive God; but shall be according to their real character, and their works. Their work is a work of deception, and they shall be judged according to that. What revelations there will be at their day of judgment, when all impostors shall be unmasked, and when all hypocrites and deceivers shall be seen in their true colors! And how desirable is it that there should be such a day to disclose all beings in their true character, and FOREVER to remove imposture and delusion from the universe!
III. Paul Revisits past Events in His Ministry (verses 16-23)
A. Musingly Explaining: I’m not a fool…but humor me! (vs. 16-20)
1. Let me come back to where I started and don't hold it against me if I continue to sound a little foolish. Or if you'd rather, just accept that I am a fool and let me rant on a little.
2. I didn't learn this kind of talk (foolish jesting) from Christ. Oh, no, it's a bad habit I picked up from the three-ring preachers (jack-legged preachers) that are so popular these days. Since you sit there in the judgment seat observing all these shenanigans, you can afford to humor an occasional fool who happens along.
3. You have such admirable tolerance for impostors who rob your freedom, rip you off, steal you blind, put you down — even slap your face!
4. I shouldn't admit it to you, but our stomachs aren't strong enough to tolerate that kind of stuff.
Note: Real (God called and ordained) ministers that stay true to their Biblical and divine calling are very offended of the attention congregations pay to false teachers. After the members have gotten hoodwinked, then they come back to the Jesus preaching ministers asking us “What went wrong?
B. Paul Second Questions (Concerning Ego Tripping) (vs.21-23)
“Since you admire the egomaniacs of the pulpit so much (remember, this is your old friend, the fool, talking), let me try my hand at it. Do they brag of being Hebrews, Israelites, the pure race of Abraham? I'm their match. Are they servants of Christ? I can go them one better. (I can't believe I'm saying these things. It's crazy to talk this way! But I started, and I'm going to finish.)
C. History of Paul’s Ministry: “Seen and Experienced” (vs. 23b- 27)
Paul compares his ministry history to the false teachers.
1. I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time.
2. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes. beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day.
3. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes.
1. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers.
2. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.
IV. Paul’s Protective Passion Toward the Corinthian Church (vs. 28-31)
A. And that's not the half of it: The “Other Half” (vs. 28-29)
1. When you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches.
2. When someone gets to the end of his rope, I feel the desperation in my bones.
3. When someone is duped into sin, an angry fire burns in my gut.
B. So if I had to Brag: “My Humiliation” (vs. 30-31)
1. If I have to "brag" about myself, I'll brag about the humiliations that make me like Jesus.
2. The eternal and blessed God and Father of our Master Jesus knows I'm not lying.
3. Remember the time I was in Damascus and the governor of King Aretas posted guards at the city gates to arrest me? I crawled through a window in the wall, was let down in a basket, and had to run for my life.
Dr. William Edward Boddie
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