Bible reading and commentary: 2 Corinthians 11:7-15

Paul lives out the gospel, humbling himself so that others might be exalted, just as Christ did for him (v 7). He follows Jesus’ lead in loving the church with all of its spots and blemishes and is grieved by their disloyalty to him. Paul works on different terms than the false apostles (v 12). While they are deceitful and disguised (v 13), he is honest and open in his ministry (4:2).

The question is, if the Corinthians had a compelling gospel witness in the life and ministry of Paul, how were they deceived by the false apostles? The answer is, just as the cunning serpent that deceived Eve (11:3) disguises himself as an angel of light (v 14), so the false apostles have disguised themselves as servants of righteousness. False teachings, if taught with authority, sound appealing and sweet to the ear. In a world where success was defined by rhetoric and lineage, the false apostles tried to show Paul was lacking both.

In our world, where success is defined by self-achieved wealth, power, and social standing, false gospels also tell us what we want to hear. In other words the false teachings tickle our ears. To guard and proclaim the gospel, we must show that our culture’s definition of success (i.e. money, control, and fame) lacks transformative power. The gospel claims that through the ministry of Christ in and for us that poverty is wealth, weakness is power, and the interest of others is more important than our own self-interest. Christ’s self-giving love leads us to live this kind of paradoxical life (Philippians 2:5-11).

There are three spiritual priorities that emerge from 2 Corinthians 11:1-15. One is our devotion to Christ which Paul indicates is a very intimate relationship. It is a miracle of God’s grace that he unites us to the Lord Jesus. We are like those promised in marriage. Our love for him matters intensely and our faithfulness to him is essential, although at times it can be a weak faith. Satan sees to it that all kinds of things, even spiritual duties and activities, rival or threaten our love for Jesus. We should be jealous about the well-being of our love for him. We are never closer to God the Father than when we love his Son.

Second we are to be on our guard because of Satan’s activities. He comes to us most often in our minds. He may do it through people to whom we listen or books and magazines we read. We need to be like the Bereans (Acts 17) and check what we read or hear with Scripture. Of course, talking to the Pastors, Elders, Deacons and other members of the church is encouraged too.

And lastly, we are called to be discerning, not suspicious of everyone. We are to prove all things, test everything and hold on to the good. We are to check not only what we hear but the spirit and attitude of those who may seek to influence us.