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Are they Christ’s servants? I speak like one out of his mind! I am superior!1 In labors beyond measure! In prisons beyond measure! In beatings beyond counting! In near-deaths often!
| 1 | I am superior: Paul will list the characteristics of a true minister of God: physical labors, imprisonments, beatings, near-deaths, stonings, shipwrecks, journeys, flooded rivers, robbers, Jews, non-Jews, dangers in city, desert and sea, false brothers, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, cold, and improperly dressed. It is unlikely these pseudo-apostles endured any of these. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 2 Corinthians 11:23 as the theme of the chapter – Proof of an Outstanding Minister. Paul warns of the dangers within the Corinthian congregation. 1-6] Some – under the influence of The Serpent – are corrupting the godly thinking of the congregation. These “ultra-superior apostles” preach “another Jesus.” A “different inspiration.” A “different Gospel.” Unlike these Paul never became a financial burden to the congregation. [7-11]
Within the congregation these “ultra-superior apostles” were “pseudo-apostles, deceitful workers.” [12-15] They may seem like apostles of Christ, like angels of light, like ministers of righteousness, but they are really ministers of Satan. These Christian fakes will be judged “according to their works.” These elders enslave congregation members, trying to devour them, taking their possessions, and self-exalted they abuse the flock. [16-20]
Paul now launches into a list as proof of his outstanding ministry. [21-29] It is clear Paul is not a minister who owns luxury residences, drives prestige automobiles, wears diamond-stub watches or jewelry, travels in jets and stays in first-class hotels. He clearly lived a simple, austere life filled with difficulties and persecutions. One of his most difficult trials would have been from “pseudo-brothers” who – while Paul suffered from outside persecution – afflict Paul with false accusations and unfair criticisms.
Anyone who has been a Christian long enough – who has not just “attended” church but also been involved in a church – knows such attitudes exist today. Many have been the victims of “super-fine apostles” as ministers of the Devil. Though these have put on a pleasant exterior, they have been those Christ never knew. [Matthew 7:21-23]
May Heaven bless true ministers who serve the flock.
[22 June 2002]
Speaking foolishly, that is, commending himself (see 2Co 11:1), he is more; not only a minister, but a pre-eminent sufferer for Christ. To show how much he exceeded them, he gives some account of his sufferings.
