5
But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles."
6
I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
7
Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge?
8
I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.
9
And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to
anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.
10
As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine.
11
Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
12
And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground
from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us
in the things they boast about.
13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
15
It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants
of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
"Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-15
It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and
consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be
lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and
unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of
worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at
Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy
may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which
Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon
the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so
there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as
well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and
salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are
deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his
ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law
as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and
the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system."
No comments:
Post a Comment