Paul’s Distraction with “Super Apostles”
2 Corinthians 11:1-33
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2 Corinthians Chapter 11: Paul expresses his concern for the Corinthians, fearing they may be misled by false apostles who preach a different Jesus and gospel. He emphasizes his commitment to presenting them as pure to Christ and defends his authority, stating he is not inferior to these so-called "super-apostles." Paul recounts his sacrifices, including preaching without charge and relying on support from other churches, to serve them. He highlights the deceit of false apostles, who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, warning that their end will reflect their actions. Paul then shifts to boasting, albeit reluctantly, about his sufferings for Christ, detailing his hardships, including beatings, imprisonment, and constant danger. He expresses deep concern for the churches, sharing his emotional burdens and weaknesses. Ultimately, he asserts that if he must boast, it will be of his weaknesses, as they demonstrate his reliance on God. Paul concludes with a personal account of escaping danger in Damascus, underscoring his commitment to his mission despite the challenges he faces.
Paul warns against false apostles and talks more about the many trials he has endured for the gospel.
I. Paul’s Jealousy over the Church (11:1–2)
A. It is a godly jealousy (11:1–2a).
B. It is a goal-oriented jealousy (11:2b): He desires to present the church as a pure virgin bride to Christ.
II. Paul’s Concern regarding the Church (11:3–4)
A. What he fears (11:3): He is concerned lest Satan deceive the Corinthian church as he once deceived Eve.
B. Why he fears (11:4) They are so gullible, ready to believe anything they hear about Jesus and the gospel.
III. Paul’s Service to the Church (11:5–12)
A. He is not a “super” apostle, but knows what he is talking about (11:5–6).
B. He “robbed” other churches, receiving their support so he could minister in Corinth at no cost (11:7–8).
C. He earned his own keep, receiving nothing from the Corinthians when he ministered there (11:9–12).
IV. Paul’s Warning to the Church (11:13–15): Paul describes their enemies—namely, the Judaizers.
A. What they are able to do (11:13): The Judaizers deceive the church into accepting them as true apostles of Christ.
B. How they are able to do it (11:14–15)
1. The root of this ability (11:14): Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2. The fruit of this ability (11:15): Satan is then able to transform his followers in a similar fashion.
V. Paul’s Credentials and the Church (11:16–22)
A. The Judaizers and their false credentials (11:16–21a): These foes of the church use their credentials to harm believers.
B. The apostle and his valid credentials (11:21b–22): This friend of the church uses his credentials to help believers.
VI. Paul’s Sufferings for the Church (11:23–33): The pain and persecution Paul endured are almost inconceivable.
A. He was imprisoned often (11:23a).
B. He was whipped times without number (11:23b).
1. He received 39 lashes from the Jews on five occasions (11:24).
2. He was beaten with rods on three occasions (11:25a).
C. He faced death time and again (11:23c).
1. He faced danger from flooded rivers (11:26b).
2. He faced danger from robbers (11:26c).
3. He faced danger from both Jewish and Gentile mobs (11:26d).
D. He was stoned once (11:25b).
E. He was shipwrecked three times (11:25c).
F. He spent a terror-filled night and day on the open sea (11:25d).
G. He traveled many weary miles (11:26a).
H. He spent sleepless nights (11:27a).
I. He knew constant hunger and thirst (11:27b).
J. He was often cold and ill-clothed (11:27c).
K. He experienced harrowing escapes (11:32–33).
L. He bore daily the burden for the many churches he had started (11:28–31).
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Take Away Challenges
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?
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