Paul and False Apostles

For I consider that (A)I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though (B)I am untrained in speech, yet I am not (C)in knowledge. But (D)we have [a]been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

Did I commit sin in [b]humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you (E)free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, (F)I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked (G)the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 (H)As the truth of Christ is in me, (I)no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? (J)Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, (K)that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such (L)are false apostles, (M)deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into (N)an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, (O)whose end will be according to their works.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:6 NU omits been
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:7 putting myself down

I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”[a](A) I may indeed be untrained as a speaker,(B) but I do have knowledge.(C) We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. Was it a sin(D) for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God(E) to you free of charge?(F) I robbed other churches by receiving support from them(G) so as to serve you. 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.(H) I have kept myself from being a burden to you(I) in any way, and will continue to do so. 10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me,(J) nobody in the regions of Achaia(K) will stop this boasting(L) of mine. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows(M) I do!(N)

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 people are false apostles,(O) deceitful(P) workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.(Q) 14 And no wonder, for Satan(R) himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.(S)

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:5 Or to the most eminent apostles