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"For such are false apostles..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 11:13

DISCERNMENT EXERCISED

Paul exercised the discernment that he had acquired over years of serving the Lord. He had found people who were faithfully serving the Lord. He had also encountered those who were false brethren.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 11:13

1. “For such are false apostles”

a) The word “such” may be translated “these”.

i) Paul sought to point out what these people really were.

ii) Hence the use of a corelative pronoun used adjectivally.

b) These were “pseudo-apostles” (literal translation of the Greek word).

i) Apostles were appointed and recognised.

ii) They were proven to be apostles by the signs and wonders they performed.

iii) These pseudo-apostles were not accredited by any of the apostles of Christ.

iv) Nor had they been able to prove themselves in any significant manner.

v) Mere claims of apostleship are worth nothing.

2. “Deceitful workers”

a) They were workers indeed… but of deceit.

b) They sought to deceive the gullible.

c) But the discerning would easily see that they were false teachers.

3. “Transforming themselves into apostles of Christ”

a) The word “transforming” was used to describe these false apostles.

i) They used the word “apostles” to describe themselves.

ii) They tried to exercise authority as the apostles did.

iii) They tried to get involved in church activities too.

b) In their presentation of themselves

i) They portrayed themselves as the apostles of Christ.

ii) They criticised Paul, thinking that they would lift up their own image.

c) Were they successful in this attempt at transformation?

i) Paul saw through their charade and exposed them for what they were.

ii) He warned the Corinthians about these false apostles.