In Paul’s rebuke of the Judaizers who opposed his teaching, the apostle accuses the false teachers in Corinth of preaching a different gospel than Paul’s which he knew to be the only truth.
The apostle confronts his accusers with a passive aggressive tone.
“1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me.” (2 Corinthians 11:1)
Paul invites the false teachers in Corinth to join him in folly, in a foolish fantasy that would have the Judaizers align themselves with the apostle, under the armor of salvation, defended by the holy word of God. In some ways Paul’s opposers were not entirely against Paul’s teaching as much as his authority.
“2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2)
The apostle shared his godly jealousy for the Corinthians, and how blessed they now were as anointed disciples of Jesus Christ. Paul’s intent for the corinthians was to present them as an offering to God. The apostle’s hope to keep his offering pure was now in jeopardy.
“3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3)
Paul shares is concern for those who opposed him in Corinth, that their corrupt minds could not receive the gospel in spite of its simplicity. The apostle associates the birth of sin with the doubt and opposition felt by the Judaizers as they endeavored to preach a gospel based on lies rather than the holy truth divinely revealed to Paul by the Lord Himself.
“4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (2 Corinthians 11:4)
Paul condemns the false teachers in Corinth for their preaching a different message about Jesus Christ, a gospel that omits resurrection, a spirit fueled by fear and bondage based salvation. Such blasphemous teaching not only leads to destruction, it is a sure path which descends straight to hell where all those who choose evil over the truth will burn in agony for all time.
Come to think of it I suppose there might just be a minute element of fear in one’s faith… Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
