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2 Corinthians
Chapter 11


Theme: Justification of Paul's apostleship

Paul writes very intimately and very personally in this chapter. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are joined to the living Christ, and he expresses his deep, heart-felt concern for them. The message in this Letter should be a great benefit to all those who love the Lord Jesus. It truly should reach out and touch your heart.

This final section of the Letter to the Corinthians concerns the calling of Paul as an apostle. In chapter 10 we found the authentication of Paul's apostleship. Now we come to a very personal section which is the justification of Paul's apostleship.

In chapter 10, Paul had just condemned ALL self-commendation (self-praise, 2 Cor.10:18), yet here he feels forced to do what looks like praising himself. The Corinthians were in great danger of being turned away from Christ by having their confidence in Paul damaged by the fabricated perversions of his enemies. It was not necessary for Paul to again present the grounds which he had for claiming authority over them, and for declaring his superiority over his opponents. Yet so offensive was this task to him, that he not only humbly apologizes for speaking of himself in this way, but he finds it difficult to do what he felt must be done.

Paul feels forced to tell of his accomplishments (2 Cor.11:1-4)

2 Cor.11:1 Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. (KJV)

Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me . . . this expresses Paul’s earnest desire, but there is no appeal to God. This could read: I earnestly wish that you would bear patiently with me; that you would hear me patiently, and allow me to speak of myself. In my folly . . . folly in boasting. I know that boasting is foolish, and that it is not to be indulged in; but although it is to be generally considered as folly, yet circumstances force me to it, and I ask your tolerance in it.

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy . . . this states the reason why Paul was willing to speak of his accomplishments, and of what he had done. It was because he loved them, and because he feared that they were in danger of being seduced from the simplicity of the Gospel. I am jealous, properly means I dearly love you; I am full of tender attachment to you. With godly jealousy . . . with the zeal of God, meaning with great or fervent zeal (deep feeling, fervor, passion).
For I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ . . .
Espoused rightly means to adapt, to fit, to join together, to join in wedlock, to marry. Here it means to marry to another; and the idea is, that Paul had been the agent employed in forming the union, similar to a marriage union, between the Corinthians and the Lord Jesus Christ. To one husband . . . to the Redeemer, Christ Jesus, the Messiah. A chaste virgin . . . the reference seems to (Lev.21:14), where the high priest must not marry any one that was not a pure virgin. So, here, Christ is the high priest, the spouse or husband; the Corinthian Church the pure virgin to be espoused.

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

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 . . . Paul had just compared the church to a virgin, soon to be presented as a bride to the Redeemer. This seems to have brought to mind to him the fact, that the first woman was deceived and led astray by the tempter (Mat..4:3; 1 Thes.3:5), and that the same thing might happen in regard to the church which Paul so desires to be preserved pure. As the serpent beguiled Eve (Gen.3:1-11). The word serpent here refers no doubt to Satan, who was the agent by whom Eve was beguiled (Jn.8:44; 1 Jn.3:8; Rev.12:9; 20:2). Paul did not mean that they were in danger of being corrupted in the same way, but that similar efforts would be made to seduce them. Satan adjusts his temptations to the character and circumstances of the one tempted. His temptations vary according to the person and to their weakness; and he applies his temptations in such a way as best to secure his object. Because of this, ALL should be on their guard. No one knows the way in which the devil will approach him, but ALL people may be assured that Satan the tempter, will approach them in some way! See:  http://hisservants.org/who_is_satan_h_s.htm
As the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty . . . this is a strong reflection on the false apostle and his teaching, for he was very subtle. Subtle = making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something. Because of the false apostle’s flexibility of character and conduct, his capability of doing all kind of work, and accommodating himself to the whims, prejudices, and evil tendencies of those to whom he ministered, the false apostle (false teacher) was enabled to corrupt the minds of the people from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ. He had seduced the pure, chaste, well-educated virgin, from her duty, her affection, and her allegiance to her one and only true husband, the high priest, Jesus Christ. And here Paul seems to indicate that the serpent had seduced the mind of Eve from her affections and allegiance to Adam, her true husband; and certainly from God, her Creator and Governor. Seduce = attract, allure, beguile, charm, captivate, deceive, entice, induce, influence, lure, hypnotize, maneuver, mesmerize, persuade, sway, tempt, trick. SO many ways that Satan the serpent, the enemy of God and us, can come at us!

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

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 . . . he that cometh has to mean the false teacher in Corinth. There is some difficulty in determining the true meaning in this verse. Expositors have been divided in opinion, especially with regard to the last clause, ye might well bear with him. It is difficult to determine whether Paul meant to speak ironically (contrary to what was expected or intended), or seriously. If ironically, then it will be,  If a man comes among you preaching a false Saviour, and a false Spirit, and a false doctrine, then you bear with him without any difficulty. . . . But, if Paul meant to speak seriously, it will be, If the false teacher could recommend a better Saviour than I have done, or a Spirit better able to sanctify and save, then there would be a good reason in your receiving him, and tolerating his doctrines.
Another interpretation still has been suggested, If you receive so readily one who preaches another gospel, one who comes with far less evidence that he is sent from God than I have, and if you show yourselves ready to fall in with any kind of teaching that may be brought to you, you might at least bear with me also.
Amidst this variety, it is NOT easy to determine Paul’s true meaning. As to my humble opinion, it seems likely that Paul spoke seriously. The main idea no doubt is, that Paul felt that there was great danger that the Corinthians would be corrupted by false teaching. Paul, I think, tells them that IF the false teachers could bring a better Gospel, a more perfect system, and proclaim a more perfect Saviour, there would be no change . . . BUT . . . that could NOT be expected, because that could NOT be done! IF they preached another Jesus or another Gospel (2 Cor.11:4; Gal.1:6-9), or received another spirit (1 Jn.4:1-6), or IF they departed from the Truths which Paul had taught them . . . it would be bad for them. It could NOT be otherwise. The Blessed Saviour whom Paul preached was totally perfect, and was completely able to save to the uttermost (Heb.7:25). The Spirit that Paul preached was totally perfect, and well able to sanctify (1 Cor.6:11; 12:13; Tit.3:5; 1 Jn.5:9). The Gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul preached was perfect, and there was no way that it could be improved. Any change would only be for the worse! NO doctrine which any others brought could be recommended because it could NOT be better. Jesus, perfect and sinless: (Isa.53:9; Mat.27:4,19,23-24; Jn.8:46; Lk.23:41,47; 2 Cor.5:21;Heb.4:15; 7:26-27; 1 Pet.2;22; 1 Jn.2:1; 3:5).
Gospel perfect: (Rom.1:16; Eph.1:13; 3:6; Col.1:5; 1 Tim.1:11; Rev.14:6).

Preacheth another Jesus . . . my friend, there are MANY another Jesus’ in the world today! PLEASE BEWARE!!!
Consider the following:
#1. Seventh-Day Adventists teach Jesus is Michael http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Seventh-Day%20Adventist/michael.htm
#2. Jehovah Witnesses are False Prophets http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Jehovah%20Witnesses/beware_of_jehovah_witnitnesses.htm
#3. Catholics Follow Men's Traditions Instead of God's Word
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/fools.htm
#4. Baha'i Claims to be Compatible with Christianity
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Bahai/bahai-devil.htm
#5. The Jesus Christ of the Mormon Church
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Mormons/mormon_jesus.htm
#6. Heretic Joel Osteen says “Mormons are True Christians”
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Wolves/joel_osteen_mormonism.htm
#7. Why, We are Living in the LAST DAYS!
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/End%20of%20the%20World/last_days_are_here.htm
#8. There is Only One True Biblical Jesus, the Rest are Counterfeits
http://jesus-is-savior.com/salvation_webpages/20-another_jesus.htm
#9. Another Gospel
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/BTP/Dr_Harry_Ironside/another_gospel.htm
#10. Modernists are False Prophets!
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Modernism/modernism.htm

BEWARE!!! There are SO many OTHER Jesus’ in today’s world. I chose the few above, out of a multitude that are out there! There is only one TRUE Jesus! Only the Jesus who died on the cross for OUR sins, can save you! NO OTHER Jesus  can save your soul!

Paul served as an equal with the Twelve Apostles
Chosen by Jesus (2 Cor.11:5-33)

2 Cor.11:5  For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. (KJV)

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles . . . I think that I gave a good proof that I was commissioned by God as one of His apostles. In the miracles which I performed; in the abundance of my labor, and in my success. I think that I should be regarded and treated as an apostle; and if you think so, then the false teachers should not be allowed to replace me in your affections, or to seduce you from the doctrines which I have taught. On the evidence that Paul was equal to the chief apostles in the proper proof of a commission from God (verses 21-31). Your most important so-called apostles have not preached Christ, have not explained and enforced the doctrines of the Gospel in a more powerful and effectual manner than I have done. Paul says, I do not consider myself inferior in any way to the chief apostles.

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

But though I be rude in speech . . . (2 Cor.10:10). The word rude here rightly means a private citizen as opposed to one in a public station; a blue-collar, or one less educated as opposed to one of more elevated rank, or one who is learned (Acts 4:13; 1 Cor.14:16). My language is that of a plain, less educated person. This was no doubt charged against him by his enemies; and it may be that he planned in part to admit the truth of the charge. Rude in speech (1 Cor.1:17; 2:1,13).
Yet not in knowledge . . . (Eph.3:4), but I am NOT ignorant of the Gospel which I teach. I am well acquainted with the doctrines of Christianity. Critics acquainted with the Greek language say, that while there is great energy of thought and language in the writings of Paul, and while he chooses expressive words, yet that there is a lack of elegance of manner, and of the smoothness and beauty which were so pleasing to a Grecian ear.
But we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things . . .  You know all about me. I have not hidden anything from you, and you have had plenty of time to become acquainted with me.

2 Cor.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? (KJV)

Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? . . . have I done wrong? Have I committed a sin? There is here an abrupt change from the previous verse; and the connection is not very clear. Possibly he means: I admit my inferiority in regard to my manner of speaking. But this does not interfere with my full understanding of the doctrines that I preach, nor does it interfere with the many proofs that I have furnished that I am called to the office of an apostle. What then is the ground of offence? In what have I erred? Where and when have I shown that I was not qualified to be an apostle? Is it in the fact that I have not chosen to demand my claim to your support, but have preached the Gospel without charge?
There can be no doubt that they claimed this as an objection to Paul, and as a proof that he was conscious that he had no claim to the office of an apostle (1 Cor.9:3-18). Paul says: I here answer this charge; and the sum of his reply is, that he had received a support, but that it had come from others, a support which they had furnished because the Corinthians had neglected to do it.

2 Cor.11:8  I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. (KJV)

I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service . . . I robbed other churches. The churches of Macedonia and elsewhere, which had ministered to his wants. Probably he refers especially to the church at Philippi (Phil.4:15-16), which seems to have done more than almost any other church for his support.
The word robbed here, does not mean that Paul had obtained anything from them in a violent or unlawful manner, or anything which they did not given voluntarily. The word rightly means I spoiled, plundered, robbed . . . but the idea of Paul here is, that he, as it were, robbed them, because he did not render an equal for what they gave him. They supported him when he was laboring for another people. A conqueror who plunders a country gives no equivalent for what he takes. In this sense only could Paul say that he had plundered the church at Philippi. His general principle was, that the labourer was worthy of his hire, and that a man was to receive his support from the people for whom he labored (1 Cor.9:7-14), but this rule Paul had not observed in this case.

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

And when I was present with you, and wanted . . . when I was laboring to build up the church in Corinth.
I was chargeable to no man . . .  I was not a burden to anyone. He did not expect support from them when he was doing nothing; nor did he demand support which would in any sense be a burden to them. By his own hands (Acts 18:3), and by the aid which he received from other churches, he was supported without receiving aid from the people of Corinth.
For that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied . . . he most likely refers to the supplies which he received from the Church at Philippi, which was in Macedonia; of which he says, that in the beginning of the Gospel no Church communicated with him, as concerning giving and receiving, for even at Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my necessity (Phil.4:15-16).
And in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself . . . in all respects I have carefully kept myself from being a burden on the church. Paul refused to live at other men's expense when he was doing nothing. He refused to receive anything for which he had not rendered a fair equivalent (2 Cor.12:13).

2 Cor.11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. (KJV)

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia . . . Paul says: I solemnly say this as in the Presence of Christ. I am a Christian, and I speak the truth, for I Know that I must answer to Christ (Rom.9:1; 1 Tim.2:7). No man shall stop me . . . Paul was determined that his same lifestyle would continue. He had not been a burden to anyone, and he was determined that he would not be. No man should be burden to his friends; and all should firmly decide that by the grace of God they never will be. In the regions of Achaia . . . Achaia was that part of Greece of which Corinth was the capital (Acts 18:12).

2 Cor.11:11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. (KJV)

Wherefore . . . because of what Paul said before.
Because I love you not? God knoweth . . . why have I refused help from you? It is not because I do not love you. God knows that I love you. Paul had a godly jealousy over the Corinthians. Possibly it might have been thought that his unwillingness to receive aid from them was some proof of lack of affection, and this may have been charged against him. This he somberly denies.

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

But what I do, that I will do . . . it seems that Paul means that he would continue the same course of life which he had been pursuing; he would continue to preach the Gospel as he had done, without demanding financial support. He would continue to work with his own hands if necessary. He would preach without demanding what he might be entitled to.
That I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion . . . I will continue doing what I have always done. This will challenge those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. Paul says that they have no excuse for accusing him; that no man would be able to say that he was preaching merely for money.
That wherein they glory, they may be found even as we . . . most likely this means that they boasted that they preached the Gospel free of charge; that they received nothing for their labors. Yet even IF they did this, it is not unlikely that they received presents from the Corinthians, and under various pretenses schemed to get from them an abundant support, possibly much more than would have been a reasonable compensation. Men who profess to preach the Gospel gratis, usually scheme in various ways to get more from the people than those who receive a regular and specified compensation. They may be found even as we . . . it is certain that this is not to be understood as though the false apostles took nothing from the people, no matter what they might pretend, for Paul was sure of the contrary; and he was determined to act so that his example would not authorize these deceivers, who had nothing in mind that did not have their self-interest in view . . . like SO many preachers today! Me, me, me, money, money, money!

2 Cor.11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (KJV)

For such are false apostles . . . they have NO claim to the apostolic office. They are deceivers. They pretend to be apostles; but they have absolutely NO commission from the Redeemer. Paul had thus far argued the case without giving them an explicit title as deceivers. But here he says that men who had conducted themselves in this manner, attempted to impose on the people; who had brought another gospel (2 Cor.11:4; Gal.1:6), whatever pretenses they might have, and Paul was not willing to deny that there was much that was wrong, and they really were impostors, and the enemies of Christ. It is morally certain, from verse 22, that these men were Jews; but why they had engaged in the work of preaching, or why they had gone to Corinth, cannot with certainty be determined.
Deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ . . . impostors. They were crafty, fraudulent and they were hypocrites! It is quite likely that they were men who saw what great advantage might be taken in the Name of Christ . . .men who saw the power which it had over the people, and who saw the confidence which the new converts were motivated to rest in their teachers. They had probably seen the disciples to the Christian faith commit all their property to the hands of the apostles, or who had heard of their doing it (Acts 4:34-37), and who supposed that by pretending to be apostles, they might come in for a share of their property, as being their spiritual guides. To succeed in this fraud, it was necessary to undermine the influence of the true apostles, and take their place in the confidence of the people. These were the deceitful workers, full of tricks, sneaky, shrewd and imposing on others. Transforming themselves . . . pretending to be apostles, hypocritical and deceitful, and pretending to have been sent by Christ Jesus. This is a direct charge of hypocrisy by Paul. They knew they were deceivers; and yet they assumed the high claims of apostles of the Son of God. BEWARE!!! Today’s world is FULL of these FALSE ones!

16 Marks of false preachers in 2 Corinthians:
#1. They hold secret things of shame (2 Cor.4:2).
#2. They walk in craftiness (2 Cor.4:2).
#3. They handle God’s Holy Word deceitfully (2 Cor.4:2).
#4. They walk and war after the flesh (2 Cor.10:3).
#5. They look on outward appearances (1 Sam.16:7; 2 Cor.10:7; Mat.23:27-28).
#6. They commend (praise) selves (2 Cor.10:12).
#7. They compare selves to others instead of Christ (2 Cor.10:12).
#8. They prey on works of others (2 Cor.10:15-16).
#9. They are greedy of income (2 Cor.11:7-12).
#10. They are false; they seek the highest offices (2 Cor.11:13).
#11. They are deceitful workers (2 Cor.1:13).
#12. They try to fake their apostleship (2 Cor.11:13).
#13. They pretend to be righteous ministers (2 Cor.11:15).
#14. They seek every occasion for glory (2 Cor.11:12).
#15. They are boastful and self-exalting (2 Cor.11:18).
#16. They are destitute of any apostolic signs (2 Cor.12:12).

35 Other marks of false preachers:
#1. They lead people away from God (Deut.13:1-5).
#2. They speak arrogantly (Deut.18:20).
#3. They circulate errors (Pro.19:27; Isa.3:12; Jer.23:32).
#4. They have no sense of righteousness (Isa.5:20; Jeremiah chapters 11,14,32).
#5. They are destitute of light (Isa.8:19-20).
#6. They teach lies (Ia.9:14-16).
#7. They live like sinners (Isa.28:7).
#8. They are ignorant of spiritual things (Isa.29:10-11; 56:10-12; Jer.2:8; Hos.4:6).
#9. They compromise truth (Isa.30:10).
#10. They are greedy and lazy (Isa.56:10-12).
#11. They deal falsely (Jer.6:13; Eze.22:27).
#12. They do not pray (Jer.10:21).
#13. They destroy and scatter (Jer.12:10; 23:1).
#14. They preach lies (Jer.14:13-16).
#15. They commit adultery (Jer.23:14).
#16. They encourage sin (Jer.23:14; Eze.13:22).
#17. They are deceitful (Jer.48:10; Eze.13:10; Rom.16:18; Eph.4:14; Col.2:4-8; 2 Tim.3:6-13).
#18. They are sinful (Eze.22.25-28).
#19. They are liars (Jer.23:14; Eze.13:19-22).
#20. They are selfish (Eze.34:2-3).
#21. They are unfaithful (Eze.34:4-10).
#22. They are covetous (Mic..3:11).
#23. They teach doctrines of man (Mat.15:9).
#24. They work iniquity (Mat.7:15-23).
#25. They are blind (Mat.15:14).
#26. They cause divisions (Rom.16:17; 1 Cor.11:18; Phil.1:15-16).
#27. They corrupt truth (2 Cor.2:17).
#28. They teach doctrines of devils (1 Tim.4).
#29. They have a seared conscience (1 Tim.4:2).
#30. They are proud and perverse (1 Tim.6:3-21; 2 Tim.2:14-18; Tit.1:10-14).
#31. They teach damnable heresies (2 Pet.2:1; 2 Jn.1:7-11).
#32. They deny Christ (2 pet.2:1; 1 Jn.4:1-6).
#33. They are consecrated to destroy the Christian faith (2 Pet.2:1-19; Jude 1 :4-11).
#34. They are hypocrites (Mat.7:15; 23:1-33; Lk.11:35).
#35. They can keep your name from the book of life (Rev.20:15).

2 Cor.11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (KJV)

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light . . . my friend, since Satan himself is capable of appearing to be an angel of light, it is not to be thought strange that those who are serve the devil (his children, 1 Jn.3:10), also should resemble him. For Satan himself is transformed . . . he, Satan, is an apostate (traitor) angel; who is malicious and wicked; who is the prince of all evil, can assume the appearance of a holy angel, a good angel! Paul accepts and adopts this as an indisputable and admitted truth, without attempting to prove it, and without referring to any particular examples. Most likely Paul had in his mind cases where Satan put on false and delusive appearances for the purpose of deceiving, or where he assumed the appearance of great sanctity and reverence for the authority of God. Such instances occurred in the temptation of our first parents (Gen.3:1-6), and in the temptation of the Saviour (Mat.4). The phrase, an angel of light, means a good and pure and holy angel . . . for light being the symbol of purity and holiness. Such are all the angels that dwell in Heaven; and the idea is, that Satan takes on such a form as to appear to be such an angel.
It is generally said that Satan has three forms under which he tempts men:
#1. The subtle serpent.
#2. The roaring lion.
#3. The angel of light.
As the angel of light, the devil persuades people to do things in the name of religion, which are in fact, total opposition and rebellion of it. In the form of heathen persecution, like a lion he has ravaged the children of God. And by means of our senses and passions, as the subtle serpent, he has repeatedly deceived us, and so very often the workings of corrupt nature are mistaken for the operations of the Spirit of God. BEWARE of Satan!!!  He is God’s enemy and he is YOUR enemy! http://www.hisservants.org/who_is_satan_h_s.htm

2 Cor.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. (KJV)

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness . . . it is not to be thought surprising, that Satan’s children (1 Jn.3:8,10; Mat.13:38; Jn.8:44; Eph.2:2,12), are NOT seen as the blackest and vilest characters.  It is no surprise that the devil’s servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, the same way that their master does!
Whose end shall be according to their works . . . in the end (Judgment Day), they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. Their final destiny, their doom in an eternal Hell shall be according to their worksfor they CANNOT deceive God; but shall be according to their real character and according to their works. Their work is a work of deception, lies and tricks, and they shall be judged according to that. Phil. 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV) ALL shall be judged, According to works:  (Ps.62:12; Pro.24:12,29; Isa.59:18; Jer.21:14; 25:14; 32:19; Lam.3:64; Eze.7:8-9; 18:30; Hos.12:2; Zec.1:6; Mat.16:27; Rom.2:6; 2 Tim.4:14; Rev.2:23; 18:6; 20:12-13; 22:12).

16 Signs of false preachers in 2 Corinthians:
#1. They hold secret things of shame (2 Cor.4:2).
#2. They walk in craftiness (2 Cor.4:2).
#3. They handle God’s Holy Word deceitfully (2 Cor.4:2).
#4. They walk and war after the flesh (2 Cor.10:3).
#5. They look on outward appearances (1 Sam.16:7; 2 Cor.10:7; Mat.23:27-28).
#6. They commend (praise) selves (2 Cor.10:12).
#7. They compare selves to others instead of Christ (2 Cor.10:12).
#8. They prey on works of others (2 Cor.10:15-16).
#9. They are greedy of income (2 Cor.11:7-12).
#10. They are false; they seek the highest offices (2 Cor.11:13).
#11. They are deceitful workers (2 Cor.1:13).
#12. They try to fake their apostleship (2 Cor.11:13).
#13. They pretend to be righteous ministers (2 Cor.11:15).
#14. They seek every occasion for glory (2 Cor.11:12).
#15. They are boastful and self-exalting (2 Cor.11:18).
#16. They are destitute of any apostolic signs (2 Cor.12:12).

35 Other signs of false preachers:
#1. They lead people away from God (Deut.13:1-5).
#2. They speak arrogantly (Deut.18:20).
#3. They circulate errors (Pro.19:27; Isa.3:12; Jer.23:32).
#4. They have no sense of righteousness (Isa.5:20; Jeremiah chapters 11,14,32).
#5. They are destitute of light (Isa.8:19-20).
#6. They teach lies (Ia.9:14-16).
#7. They live like sinners (Isa.28:7).
#8. They are ignorant of spiritual things (Isa.29:10-11; 56:10-12; Jer.2:8; Hos.4:6).
#9. They compromise truth (Isa.30:10).
#10. They are greedy and lazy (Isa.56:10-12).
#11. They deal falsely (Jer.6:13; Eze.22:27).
#12. They do not pray (Jer.10:21).
#13. They destroy and scatter (Jer.12:10; 23:1).
#14. They preach lies (Jer.14:13-16).
#15. They commit adultery (Jer.23:14).
#16. They encourage sin (Jer.23:14; Eze.13:22).
#17. They are deceitful (Jer.48:10; Eze.13:10; Rom.16:18; Eph.4:14; Col.2:4-8; 2 Tim.3:6-13).
#18. They are sinful (Eze.22.25-28).
#19. They are liars (Jer.23:14; Eze.13:19-22).
#20. They are selfish (Eze.34:2-3).
#21. They are unfaithful (Eze.34:4-10).
#22. They are covetous (Mic..3:11).
#23. They teach doctrines of man (Mat.15:9).
#24. They work iniquity (Mat.7:15-23).
#25. They are blind (Mat.15:14).
#26. They cause divisions (Rom.16:17; 1 Cor.11:18; Phil.1:15-16).
#27. They corrupt truth (2 Cor.2:17).
#28. They teach doctrines of devils (1 Tim.4).
#29. They have a seared conscience (1 Tim.4:2).
#30. They are proud and perverse (1 Tim.6:3-21; 2 Tim.2:14-18; Tit.1:10-14).
#31. They teach damnable heresies (2 Pet.2:1; 2 Jn.1:7-11).
#32. They deny Christ (2 pet.2:1; 1 Jn.4:1-6).
#33. They are consecrated to destroy the Christian faith (2 Pet.2:1-19; Jude 1 :4-11).
#34. They are hypocrites (Mat.7:15; 23:1-33; Lk.11:35).
#35. They can keep your name from the book of life (Rev.20:15).

Ten symbols of Satan:
#1. Serpent (Gen.3:14; 2 Cor.11:3; Lk.10:19; Rev.12:9,15)
#2. Leviathan (Job 41; Isa.27)
#3. Great red dragon (Rev.12; 13:4; 16:13; 20:2)
#4. Angel of light (2 Cor.11:14)
#5. Roaring lion (Ps.91:13; 1 Pet.5:8)
#6. Fowls (Mat.13:4,19)
#7. Scorpions (Lk.10:19)
#8. Wolf (Jn.10:12)
#9. Fowler (Ps.91:3)
#10. Adder (Ps.91:13)

2 Cor.11:16  I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. (KJV)

I say again, Let no man think me a fool . . . Paul repeats refers to what he had said in verse 1. The sense is, "I have said much about myself which may seem to be foolish. I admit that to boast in this manner of one's own self in general is foolish; but circumstances force me to it. I plead with you to look at those circumstances, and not consider me as a fool for doing it. 
If otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little . . . if you think otherwise. If I cannot obtain this of you, that you will not regard me as acting prudently and wisely. If you will think me foolish, still I am constrained to make these remarks in vindication of myself.
 As the apostle Paul was now going to enter into the particular detail of his qualifications, natural, acquired and spiritual; and in particular, his labors and sufferings; he thinks it necessary to introduce the discourse once more as he did in verse 1.

2 Cor.11:17  That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. (KJV)

That which I speak . . . in praise of myself.
I speak it not after the Lord . . . (1 Cor.7:12). This may mean, I do not speak this by inspiration, or claiming to be inspired by the Lord. I do not speak this imitating the example of the Lord Jesus, for He was extremely modest, and never praised or boasted of Himself.
But as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting . . . as in folly. Paul admitted that to boast is generally foolish; and he admits that his boasting is open to this general charge. In this confidence of boasting . . . he speaks confidently, and admits, in the spirit of boasting. Were it not for the necessity under which I am laid to justify my apostleship, my present glorying would be inconsistent and in opposition with my Christian profession of humility. Paul admitted that what he said was not in exact accordance with the spirit of the Lord Jesus; and in admitting this, it seems that he probably intended to administer a mild caution that all their boasting was a wide departure from that spirit.

2 Cor.11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. (KJV)

Seeing that many glory after the flesh . . . many meaning the false teachers in Corinth. They boasted of their birth, rank, natural endowments, eloquence (verse 22, 1 Cor.4:10; Phil.3:3-4).
I will glory also . . . I also will boast of my endowments, which, although somewhat different, yet they pertain to the flesh also (verse 23). His endowments in the flesh, or what he had to boast of pertaining to the flesh, related not so much to birth and rank, although NOT inferior to them in these, but to what the flesh had endured . . . as to stripes and imprisonments, and hunger and peril.

2 Cor.11:19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. (KJV)

For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise . . . you tolerate or endure those who really are fools. This is possibly the most sarcastic sentence ever written by the apostle Paul. It could mean: You profess to be so wise, and yet you, who are such a wise people, freely and openly tolerate those who are fools in their boasting; those who falsely proclaim their own merits and attainments. You should then allow me, therefore, to a share of boasting also, to obtain your favor. Or maybe: You think that you are so extremely wise, yet is easy to see you are fools.

There are modern religious movements today whose main stock-in-trade is the recounting the wonders they can produce, either in healings, or in tongues, or in the realm of habits and character. They call it life-changing. BUT . . . as for loyalty to Christ, and suffering for His Name, they have little or nothing to say, for this seems non-existent in their scheme of things. They often know quite a lot about high-pressure meetings, and first-class hotels, but absolutely NOTHING about the labor, perils and infirmities which were so obvious to Paul. Ask yourself this question: how would any of us stand up to Paul? How very little we are like him.

2 Cor.11:20  For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. (KJV)

For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face . . . the expressions in this verse are some proof that the false apostle was a Judaizing teacher, who taught that they must observe the Mosiac Law as a Christian. NOT SO! That is FALSE! You suffer, Paul said , if a man bring you into bondage, probably meaning to the Jewish rites and ceremonies (Gal.4:9; 5:1). If he devour you; as the Pharisees did the patrimony (inheritance) of the widows, and for a pretense made long prayers (Mk.12:40; Lk.20:47); if a man take from you, different contributions, pretended for the temple at Jerusalem, etc. If he exalts himself, pretending to be of the seed of Abraham, infinitely higher in honor and dignity than all the families of the Gentiles; if he smite you on the face; treat you with disgrace, as the Jews did the Gentiles, considering them only as dogs (Mat.7:6; 15:26-27), and not fit to be ranked with any of the descendants of Jacob.

2 Cor.11:21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. (KJV)

I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also . . . I am ashamed to say that we have been too weak to do that! But whatever they dare to boast about, I dare to boast about it, too.

See end of chapter for: 50 Things of which Paul could boast.

2 Cor.11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. (KJV)

Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I  .  are they Hebrews, speaking the sacred language, and reading in the congregation from the Hebrew Scriptures? The same is my own language. Are they Israelites . . . descended from Jacob, and not from Esau? (Rom.9:13). I am also one. Are they the seed of Abraham . . . circumcised, and in the bond of the covenant? So am I. I am no proselyte, but I am a Hebrew of the Hebrews both by father and mother; and can trace my genealogy, through the tribe of Benjamin, up to the father of the faithful. A proselyte is a person who has converted from one opinion, religion, or party to another, especially religion.

2 Cor.11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (KJV)

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) . . .. . . are they ministers of Christ, so we find that these were professors of Christianity, and that they were genuine Jews, and such as tried to incorporate both systems (which cannot work), and no doubt, to oblige those who had believed to be circumcised; and this appears to have been the bondage into which they had brought many of the believing Corinthians.
I am more . . . more than a minister of Christ than they are, and have given fuller proofs of it. I have suffered persecution for the cross of Christ, and of the Jews too; and had I preached the necessity of circumcision, I should have been as free from opposition as these are.
In labors more abundant . . . far from sitting down to take my ease in a Church already gathered into Christ; I travel continually, preach everywhere, and at all risks, in order to get the heathen brought from the kingdom of darkness (Rev.16:10) into the Kingdom of God's beloved Son (Eph.5:5).
In stripes above measure . . . being beaten by the heathens, who had no particular rule according to which they scourged criminals; and we find in (Acts 16:22-23), that they beat Paul unmercifully with many stripes.
In prisons more frequent . . . (Acts 21:11), the whole of the apostle Paul's history; and his long imprisonment of at least two years at Rome (Acts 28:16,30). It does not seem that there is even one instance of a false apostle having been imprisoned for the testimony of Christ, for this was a badge ONLY of the true apostles.
In deaths oft . . . meaning in the most imminent dangers (1 Cor.15:31; 2 Cor.4:11). See the apostle Paul's history in the Book of Acts.

Paul was more than a servant of Christ, as he tells us in here in verse 23. He was an apostle of Christ and actively engaged in service to Christ. Col. 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (KJV)

2 Cor.11:24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (KJV)

Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one . . . of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Paul was five times scourged by the Jews, whose law (Deut.25:3), allowed forty stripes; but they, pretending to be lenient, and to act within the letter of the law, inflicted only thirty-nine. THAT is lenient???
It should also be considered that the Jews did NOT repeat scourgings EXCEPT for enormous offenses. But the Jews had scourged the apostle five times. They really must have hated Paul!

2 Cor.11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (KJV)

Thrice was I beaten with rods . . . this was done under the Roman government, since they beat criminals in this way. We hear of the apostle's being treated thus once, at Philippi (Acts 16:22).
Once was I stoned . . . at Lystra (Acts 14:19).
A night and a day I have been in the deep . . . I am not sure to what this refers. It is generally thought that in some shipwreck not on record the apostle had maybe saved himself from the plank, or was a whole day and night on the sea, tossed about at the mercy of the waves. Others think that the deep, signifies a dungeon of a terrible nature at Cyzicum, in the Propontis, into which Paul was cast as he passed from Troas. What he means is not known for sure.

2 Cor.11:26  In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (KJV)

In journeyings often . . . Paul means the actual journeys which he took to different places, for the purpose of spreading the Gospel.
In perils of waters . . . Paul was exposed to great dangers in crossing rivers or seas.
Of robbers . . . Judea itself, and possibly every other country, was grievously infested by bandits, and no doubt Paul in his frequent journeys was often attacked, but, since he was poor and had nothing to lose, he passed through unhurt, although he was not without great danger. Robbers, then and now, have been known to beat mercilessly, only to find the victim had nothing of value!
In perils by mine own countrymen . . . the Jews had the most imbedded hatred and opposition to Paul, because they considered him an apostate from the true faith (Judaism), and he also means of perverting many others. There are several instances of this in the Acts; and a remarkable conspiracy against his life is related in: Act 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. (KJV)
In perils by the heathen . . . in the heathen provinces where he went to preach the Gospel. Several instances of these perils occur also in the Acts. (Acts 14:5,19; 16:19-41).
In perils in the city . . . different troublemaking was raised against him; especially in Jerusalem, to which Ephesus and Damascus may be added.
Perils in the wilderness . . . wilderness is uninhabited countries through which he was forced to pass through in order to go from one city to another city. There were many dangers from bandits, cold, lack of water, starvation, wild beasts, etc.
Perils in the sea . . . the different voyages he took in the seas, such as the Mediterranean, around dangerous coasts. In danger from rivers. History shows that in the country which Paul travelled through, great danger was often encountered in passing through rivers which crossed his path.
False brethren . . . persons who joined themselves to the church, pretending faith in Christ, but acting as spies, hoping to get some kind of accusation against him. There is NO doubt whatsoever that Paul suffered much also from apostates (Mat.24:12; 2 Thes.2:3; 1 Tim.4:1-3; 2 Pet.3:17; Heb.3:12). We all must BEWARE of these people.                 

2 Cor.11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (KJV)

In weariness . . . resulting from travelling, exposure, labor and want. It rightly means a wearisome effort.
And painfulness . . . painfulness, this word is a stronger term than weariness. It implies a painful effort, labor producing sorrow; and, in the New Testament, is often connected with the word weariness (1 Thes.2:9), and there rendered travail.
In watchings often . . . loss of sleep, arising from abundant toil and from danger (2 Cor.6:5). 
In hunger and thirst . . . from travelling among strangers, and being dependent on them and on his own personal labors (1 Cor.4:11).
In fastings often . . . either voluntary or involuntary (2 Cor.6:5).
In cold and nakedness . . . (1 Cor.4:11).

Tribulations of this kind were Paul’s constant companions. It must have been hard for a man of a refined and abundant education, as Paul was, to bear such rigors, and to wander about like a vagabond, hungry and almost naked, yet coming into the presence of persons of a higher life, and speaking in large and various assemblies on matters of the utmost importance! IF Paul had NOT been so deeply convinced of the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and absolutely certain of the amazing grace of God in helping him, there is NO way that he could not have continued to expose himself to such hardships. We today should be very grateful to Paul, for the treasure that he has left to us, a big part of the New Testament!

The purpose of persecution
Although persecution is supposed to hurt and silence Christians, God most often uses it in the opposite way, to accomplish His good purposes by the way it:
#1. Allows us to share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Pet. 4:13). Jesus was abused, tortured and killed for us, and any time that we are persecuted for His sake, our suffering is counted as His.
#2. Tests our loyalty. The proof of our faithfulness to Christ is NOT found in what we say but in what we do when fiery ordeals come our way. That is when we either stay true to God, or we seek the world’s acceptance.
#3. Furthers the Gospel (Phil. 1:12). The Lord uses persecution to spread His message. Prison was the last place Paul expected to have an effective ministry, but it was there that he not only had a captive audience with the guards who were chained to him, he also had enough time to write the Letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, which have benefitted us greatly.
#4. Enables us to encourage others undergoing persecution. When we have been mistreated and yet then have experienced God’s help and strength to endure, we are well able to encourage others who are presently walking that same road of suffering.

2 Cor.11:28  Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. (KJV)

Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. . . besides all the above mentioned things, there was the continual pressing of church business; the insurgence of cases to be heard, solved and determined, relating to the doctrine, discipline, state, persecution and supply of all the churches. All Paul’s perils were small compared to what he felt in relation to the peace, government and establishment of all the churches among the Gentiles. Since he was the apostle of the Gentiles, the government of all the Churches among these fell in some way on him, whether they were of his own planting or of the planting of others (Col.2:1). Paul was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 22:14-21; 26:16-18).
No one except a hardworking pastor, who truly has at heart the salvation of souls, can possibly know how the apostle Paul felt here.

Comment: As far as the record given to us in the Bible is concerned, Paul stands alone among the people of God in his sufferings. Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel and others, each had their own special and distinctive characteristics which set them out as pleasing God, but NOT one of them approached Paul in the following: labors, stripes, prisons, deaths, journeyings, perils of all descriptions, weariness, painfulness, watchings, hunger, thirst, fastings, cold, nakedness, care . . . what a list! It pretty well covers the whole range of human suffering, be it of body or mind.

2 Cor.11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? (KJV)

Who is weak . . . Paul says, what church is there, that is under persecution, with which I do not have compassion? Who is it, from his weakness in the faith, is likely to stumble, and whose burden I do not bear? (Gal.6:2).
Who is offended, and I burn not . . . or likely to be turned out of the way, that I burn not with zeal to restore and confirm him? Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray from the faith that I do not burn with anger? When someone is led into sin, I am filled with sorrow.

2 Cor.11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (KJV)

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities . . . Paul says: if I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am. I will not boast of my natural or acquired powers; neither in what God has done by me; but instead in what I have suffered for Him. How many of us would say this? All most of us do is gripe at any infirmity, misfortune, trial or trouble that comes our way!

2 Cor.11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. (KJV)

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not . . . God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is worthy of eternal honor and praise, and He knows I am not lying. This solemn appeal which Paul here makes to God is made in view of what he had just said of his sufferings, not of what follows, because there was nothing in the occurrence at Damascus that demanded such a solemn appeal to God. The reason of this statement is most likely that the transactions to which he had referred to above were known to just a  few, and some of them just to his best friends. Paul’s trials and misfortunes had been so numerous and extraordinary that his enemies would say that they were very unlikely, and that all Paul had said had simply been exaggeration; and since he had no witnesses to back up what he said, he makes this solemn appeal to the eternal and Almighty God. This appeal is made with great reverence by Paul. It is NOT rash, or bold, and is by no means irreverent or profane! Paul appeals to God as the Father of the Redeemer whom he so much revered and loved. This Passage proves that an appeal to God on great occasions is not improper; it proves also that it should be done with profound reverence.

It is SO sad, that SO many people NEVER appeal to God in the honored and revered way that Paul did. Instead, there is NO reverence, NO fear of God to come from them . . . only profane swearing or taking the Name of God in vain, as SO many do in exclamations, when surprised, or on hearing something unexpected. Here, Paul's appeal to God is in the same spirit as his most earnest prayer, as it should be with all who are TRUE Christians.

2 Cor.11:32  In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: (KJV)

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me . . . King Aretas, king of the Nabateans (Edomites) from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40, had appointed a governor to oversee the Edomite part of the population in Damascus. It seems that the Jews in Damascus had been able to enlist this governor to help them try to capture Paul (Acts 9:22-25). The enemies of the apostle Paul might have represented him to the governor as a dangerous spy, employed by the Romans.

2 Cor.11:33  And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. (KJV)

And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands . . . Paul describes his escape from Damascus in a basket lowered from a window in the city wall. Paul described this incident to show what he had endured for Christ. The false teachers could not make such claims. It must have been embarrassing to have been let down in a basket! Pastors of the Gospel should be received with dignity, NOT have to run and hide from tormentors. Paul had to be let down by the wall in a basket to escape those who were lying in wait to kill him. Paul did all this for Jesus' sake. My friend, do NOT brag about what YOU suffer for Christ. Read this chapter over again. We certainly do NOT suffer like Paul did! Precious Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful to You. Amen.

Comment: From the Acts of the Apostles we can identify a few of the experiences of which he speaks. For instance, once was I stoned, that was as recorded in chapter 14. He speaks of being in deaths oft, and one occasion was in the riot in the Ephesian theatre, recorded in chapter 19, for he speaks of this as so great a death (2 Cor.1:10). But on the other hand we must remember that when Paul penned this list his experiences were not over. He had been shipwrecked thrice, one of the occasions involving a night and a day in the deep; being washed about in the waters of the Mediterranean, we suppose that means; but as yet the shipwreck recorded in Acts 27:1-44, had not yet taken place. So, that must have been number four, at least.

The most tiring sufferings of all were, seems to be those that Paul speaks of last; the care of all the churches. He had to bear with the instability of the weak, to listen over and over to the complaints of the offended, to correct the foolishness of saints, and struggle for the truth against false brethren. All this must have been the most difficult of all. Yet Paul did it.

The incident with which Paul closes this chapter seems to symbolize the whole of his life of service. He was let down, and that in a most degrading way. If secular history is to be trusted, the letting-downs never stopped until he knelt by the headsman’s block outside the imperial city Rome. But it was just these letting-downs and the sufferings they involved which put upon him the brand of the Lord Jesus Christ, and marked the apostle Paul out clearly as a servant of his one and only Master, Jesus Christ, in a surpassing measure.

Ten symbols of Satan:
#1. Serpent (Gen.3:14; 2 Cor.11:3; Lk.10:19; Rev.12:9,15)
#2. Leviathan (Job 41; Isa.27)
#3. Great red dragon (Rev.12; 13:4; 16:13; 20:2)
#4. Angel of light (2 Cor.11:14)
#5. Roaring lion (Ps.91:13; 1 Pet.5:8)
#6. Fowls (Mat.13:4,19)
#7. Scorpions (Lk.10:19)
#8. Wolf (Jn.10:12)
#9. Fowler (Ps.91:3)
#10. Adder (Ps.91:13)

50 Things of which Paul could boast:
#1. I am just as bold as they are (2 Cor.11:21).
#2. I am a Hebrew, just as they are (2 Cor.11:22).
#3. I am an Israelite, just as they are (2 Cor.11:22).
#4. I am of Abraham, just as they are (2 Cor.11:22).
#5. I am more a minister of Christ than they are (2 Cor.11:23).
#6. In labors more abundant (2 Cor.11:23).
#7. Stripes above measure (2 Cor.11:23).
#8. In prisons often for Christ (2 Cor.11:23).
#9. Often at the point of death (2 Cor.11:23).
#10. Five times scourged (2 Cor.11:24).
#11. Three times beaten with rods (2 Cor.11:25).
#12. Once stoned, supposedly to death (2 Cor.11:25; Acts 14:19).
#13. Three times shipwrecked (2 Cor.11:25).
#14. Twenty-four hours in the sea (2 Cor.11:25).
#15. In journeyings often (2 Cor.11:26).
#16. In perils of water (2 Cor.11:26).
#17. In perils of robbers (2 Cor.11:26).
#18. In perils by the Jews (2 Cor.11:26).
#19. In perils by the heathen (2 Cor.11:26).
#20. In perils in the city (2 Cor.11:26).
#21. In perils in the wilderness (2 Cor.11:26).
#22. In perils in the sea (2 Cor.11:26).
#23. In perils by false brethren (2 Cor.11:26).
#24. In weariness and pain (2 Cor.11:27).
#25. In watchings often (2 Cor.11:27).
#26. In hunger and thirst (2 Cor.11:27).
#27. In fastings often (2 Cor.11:27).
#28. In cold and nakedness (2 Cor.11:27).
#29. Daily care of all churches (2 Cor.11:28).
#30. Strength in God (2 Cor.11:29; 12:10).
#31. Zeal for the churches (2 Cor.11:29).
#32. Many infirmities (2 Cor.30; 12:5,9).
#33. Always speaks truth, never lies (2 Cor.11:31; 12:6).
#34. Miraculous deliverances (2 Cor.11:32-33).
#35. Visions and revelations (2 Cor.12:1).
#36. Caught up to Heaven (2 Cor.12:2-4).
#37. Experiences beyond our knowledge (2 Cor.12:2-3).
#38. Hearing unspeakable, unlawful words (2 Cor.12:4).
#39. Freedom from self-glory (2 Cor.12:5).
#40. Truth is equal to glory (2 Cor.12:6).
#41. Special personal persecutions (2 Cor.12:7).
#42. Answers from God (2 Cor.12:9).
#43. Submission to God's will (2 Cor.12:9).
#44. The power of Christ upon him (2 Cor.12:9).
#45. Pleasure in sufferings (2 Cor.12:10).
#46. Endurance through Christ’s grace (2 Cor.12:10).
#47. No boasting unless compelled (2 Cor.12:11).
#48. Equal with chief apostles (2 Cor.12:11).
#49. Humility in his greatness (2 Cor.12:11).
#50. Unselfishness (2 Cor.12:13-21; 13:10).

35 Other signs of false preachers:
#1. They lead people away from God (Deut.13:1-5).
#2. They speak arrogantly (Deut.18:20).
#3. They circulate errors (Pro.19:27; Isa.3:12; Jer.23:32).
#4. They have no sense of righteousness (Isa.5:20; Jeremiah chapters 11,14,32).
#5. They are destitute of light (Isa.8:19-20).
#6. They teach lies (Ia.9:14-16).
#7. They live like sinners (Isa.28:7).
#8. They are ignorant of spiritual things (Isa.29:10-11; 56:10-12; Jer.2:8; Hos.4:6).
#9. They compromise truth (Isa.30:10).
#10. They are greedy and lazy (Isa.56:10-12).
#11. They deal falsely (Jer.6:13; Eze.22:27).
#12. They do not pray (Jer.10:21).
#13. They destroy and scatter (Jer.12:10; 23:1).
#14. They preach lies (Jer.14:13-16).
#15. They commit adultery (Jer.23:14).
#16. They encourage sin (Jer.23:14; Eze.13:22).
#17. They are deceitful (Jer.48:10; Eze.13:10; Rom.16:18; Eph.4:14; Col.2:4-8; 2 Tim.3:6-13).
#18. They are sinful (Eze.22.25-28).
#19. They are liars (Jer.23:14; Eze.13:19-22).
#20. They are selfish (Eze.34:2-3).
#21. They are unfaithful (Eze.34:4-10).
#22. They are covetous (Mic..3:11).
#23. They teach doctrines of man (Mat.15:9).
#24. They work iniquity (Mat.7:15-23).
#25. They are blind (Mat.15:14).
#26. They cause divisions (Rom.16:17; 1 Cor.11:18; Phil.1:15-16).
#27. They corrupt truth (2 Cor.2:17).
#28. They teach doctrines of devils (1 Tim.4).
#29. They have a seared conscience (1 Tim.4:2).
#30. They are proud and perverse (1 Tim.6:3-21; 2 Tim.2:14-18; Tit.1:10-14).
#31. They teach damnable heresies (2 Pet.2:1; 2 Jn.1:7-11).
#32. They deny Christ (2 pet.2:1; 1 Jn.4:1-6).
#33. They are consecrated to destroy the Christian faith (2 Pet.2:1-19; Jude 1 :4-11).
#34. They are hypocrites (Mat.7:15; 23:1-33; Lk.11:35).
#35. They can keep your name from the book of life (Rev.20:15).

The purpose of persecution
Although persecution is supposed to hurt and silence Christians, God most often uses it in the opposite way, to accomplish His good purposes by the way it:
#1. Allows us to share in the sufferings of Christ (1 Pet. 4:13). Jesus was abused, tortured and killed for us, and any time that we are persecuted for His sake, our suffering is counted as His.
#2. Tests our loyalty. The proof of our faithfulness to Christ is NOT found in what we say but in what we do when fiery ordeals come our way. That is when we either stay true to God, or we seek the world’s acceptance.
#3. Furthers the Gospel (Phil. 1:12). The Lord uses persecution to spread His message. Prison was the last place Paul expected to have an effective ministry, but it was there that he not only had a captive audience with the guards who were chained to him, he also had enough time to write the Letters to the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, which have benefitted us greatly.
#4. Enables us to encourage others undergoing persecution. When we have been mistreated and yet then have experienced God’s help and strength to endure, we are well able to encourage others who are presently walking that same road of suffering.

2 Corinthians

Ch.1 . . ch.2 . . ch. 3 . . ch.4 . . ch.5 . . ch.6 . . ch.7 . . ch.8 . . ch. 9 . . ch.10 . . ch.11 . . ch.12 . . ch.13 . . Special Comments

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