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2 Corinthians 11:13

2 Corinthians 11:13 in Multiple Translations

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

For such men are false Apostles, workers of deceit, making themselves seem like Apostles of Christ.

These people are false apostles, dishonest workers, who pretend to be apostles of Christ.

For such false apostles are deceitfull workers, and transforme themselues into the Apostles of Christ.

for those such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ,

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

For such false apostles are deceitful workmen, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Those men are lying when they say that they are apostles. They work deceitfully. Even though they say that they work for God, they are working only for themselves. They try to make people think that Christ sent them as his apostles, but they do not truly represent him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:13

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2 Corinthians 11:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK οι γαρ τοιουτοι ψευδαποστολοι εργαται δολιοι μετασχηματιζομενοι εις αποστολους χριστου
οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
τοιουτοι toioutos G5108 such as this Dem-NPM
ψευδαποστολοι pseudapostolos G5570 false apostle Noun-NPM
εργαται ergatēs G2040 worker Noun-NPM
δολιοι dolios G1386 deceitful Adj-NPM
μετασχηματιζομενοι metaschēmatizō G3345 to transform Verb-PMP-NPM
εις eis G1519 toward Prep
αποστολους apostolos G652 apostle Noun-APM
χριστου Christos G5547 Christ Noun-GSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:13

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
τοιουτοι toioutos G5108 "such as this" Dem-NPM
This word means something or someone is of a certain kind or character, like a particular example. It appears in Matthew 9:8 and 18:5. It describes a unique individuality.
Definition: τοιοῦτος, -αύτη, -οῦτο (as usually in Att.. prose. Ep. and Ion. neut. -οῦτον in Al., Act.21:25, Rec. only), correlat. of οἷος, ὁποῖος, ὥς, etc., such as this, of such a kind, such: Mat.9:8 18:5, Mrk.4:33 6:2 7:13 9:37 (T, τούτων), Jhn.9:16, Act.16:24, 1Co.5:1 11:16, 2Co.3:4 3:12 12:3, Heb.7:26 8:1 12:3 13:16, Jas.4:16; οἷος . . . τ., 1Co.15:48, 2Co.10:11; id. pleonast. (see Bl., § 50, 4), Mrk.13:19; before ὁποῖος, Act.26:29; ὥς, Phm 9. As subst., anarth: pl., Luk.9:9; with art., ὁ τ., such a one (Bl., § 47, 9; Ellic. on Gal.5:21): Act.22:22, 1Co.5:5, al.; pl., Mat.19:14, Mrk.10:14, al.; neut. pl., Act.19:25, Rom.1:32, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: like, such (an one) See also: 1 Corinthians 5:1; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 7:26.
ψευδαποστολοι pseudapostolos G5570 "false apostle" Noun-NPM
A false apostle is someone who pretends to be a preacher or messenger of God. The Bible talks about false apostles in 2 Corinthians 11:13.
Definition: ψευδ-απόστολος, -ου, ὁ a false apostle: 2Co.11:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: false teacher See also: 2 Corinthians 11:13.
εργαται ergatēs G2040 "worker" Noun-NPM
This word means worker or laborer, often describing a field worker or husbandman. In the Bible, it is used to describe various types of workers, including Christian teachers and preachers.
Definition: ἐργάτης, -ου, ὁ (ἐργάζομαι, which see), [in LXX: Wis.17:17, Sir.19:1 40:18, 1Ma.3:6 * ;] __1. prop., a field labourer, husbandman: Mat.9:37-38 20:1-2, 8, Luk.10:2, Jas.5:4 (cf. Wis, l.with). __2. Generally, a workman, labourer: Mat.10:10, Luk.10:7, Act.19:25 (opposite to τεχνίτης), 1Ti.5:18; of Christian teachers, 2Co.11:13, Php.3:2, 2Ti.2:15. __3. a worker, doer: τ. ἀδικίας, Luk.13:27 (cf. 1Mac, l.with).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: labourer, worker(-men) See also: 1 Timothy 5:18; Luke 13:27; James 5:4.
δολιοι dolios G1386 "deceitful" Adj-NPM
This word means deceitful, describing someone who is dishonest or tricky, like the false teachers in 2 Corinthians 11:13. It refers to people who use guile to get what they want. This concept is seen in the Bible as negative.
Definition: δόλιος, -α, -ον (δόλος), [in LXX—chiefly in Pss, Pr, Sir—for etc. ;] deceitful: 2Co.11:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: deceitful See also: 2 Corinthians 11:13.
μετασχηματιζομενοι metaschēmatizō G3345 "to transform" Verb-PMP-NPM
This word means to transform or change the appearance of something, like in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 and Philippians 3:21. It can also mean to disguise or apply something in a new way.
Definition: μετα-σχηματίζω [in LXX: 4Ma.9:22 * ;] to change in fashion or appearance: with accusative of thing(s), τ. σῶμα, Php.3:21; mid., before εἰς, 2Co.11:13-14; before ὡς, 2Co.11:15; of a rhetorical device, to transfer by a fiction (Field, Notes, in l), before εἰς, 1Co.4:6.† SYN.: μεταμορφόω, q.v (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: transfer, transform (self) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 11:14; Philippians 3:21.
εις eis G1519 "toward" Prep
This word means toward or into, indicating direction or purpose, as seen in Matthew 8:23 and Mark 1:45. It can also imply a sense of movement or action. The KJV translates it in various ways.
Definition: εἰς, prep. with accusative, expressing entrance, direction, limit, into, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among (Lat. in, with accusative). __I. Of place. __1. After verbs of motion; __(a) of entrance into: Mat.8:23, 9:7, Mrk.1:45, Luk.2:15, 8:31, al.; __(b) of approach, to or towards: Mrk.11:1, Luk.6:8, 19:28, Jhn.11:31, 21:6, al.; __(with) before pl. and collective nouns, among: Mrk.4:7, 8:19, 20, Luk.11:49, Jhn.21:23, al.; __(d) Of a limit reached, unto, on, upon: Mat.8:18, 21:1, Mrk.11:1, 13:16, Luk.14:10, Jhn.6:3, 11:32, al.; with accusative of person(s) (as in Ep. and Ion.), Act.23:15, Rom.5:12, 16:19, 2Co.10:14; __(e) elliptical: ἐπιστολαὶ εἰς Δαμασκόν, Act.9:2; ἡ διακονία μου ἡ εἰς Ἱ., Rom.15:31; metaphorically, of entrance into a certain state or condition, or of approach or direction towards some end (Thayer, B, i, 1; ii, 1), εἰς τ. ὄνομα, M, Pr., 200. __2. Of direction; __(a) after verbs of seeing: Mat.6:26, Mrk.6:41, Luk.9:16, 62, Jhn.13:22, al.; metaphorically, of the mind, Heb.11:26, 12:2, al.; __(b) after verbs of speaking: Mat.13:10, 14:9, 1Th.2:9, al. __3. After verbs of rest; __(a) in "pregnant" construction, implying previous motion (cl.; see WM, 516; Bl., §39, 3; M, Pr., 234f.): Mat.2:23, 4:13, 2Th.2:4, 2Ti.1:11, Heb.11:9, al.; __(b) by an assimilation general in late Gk (see Bl., M, Pr., ll. with) = ἐν: Luk.1:44, 4:23, Act.20:16, 21:17, Jhn.1:18 (but see Westc, in l.), al. __II. Of time, for, unto; __1. accentuating the duration expressed by the accusative: εἰς τ. αἰῶνα, Mat.21:19; εἰς γενεὰς καὶ γ., Luk.1:50; εἰς τ. διηνεκές, Heb.7:3, al. __2. Of a point or limit of time, unto, up to, until: Mat.6:34, Act.4:3, 25:21, Php.1:10, 2:16, 1Th.4:15, 2Ti.1:12; of entrance into a future period, σεις τὸ μέλλον (see: μέλλω), next (year), Luk.13:9 (but with ICC, in l.); εἰς τ. μεταξὺ σάββατον, on the next Sabbath, Act.13:42; εἰς τὸ πάλιν (see: πάλιν, 2Co.13:2. __III. Of result, after verbs of changing, joining, dividing, etc.: στρέφειν εἰς, Rev.11:6; μετας-, Act.2:20, Jas.4:9; μεταλλάσσειν, Rom.1:26; σχίζειν εἰς δύο, Mat.27:51, al.; predicatively with εἴναι, Act.8:23. __IV. Of relation, to, towards, for, in regard to (so in cl., but more frequently in late Gk., εἰς encroaching on the simple dative, which it has wholly displaced in MGr.; Jannaris, Gr., §1541; Robertson, Gr., 594; Deiss., BS, 117f.): Luk.7:30, Rom.4:20, 15:2, 26, 1Co.16:1, Eph.3:16, al.; ἀγάπη εἰς, Rom.5:8, al.; χρηστός, Eph.4:32; φρονεῖν εἰς, Rom.12:16; θαρρεῖν, 2Co.10:1. __V. Of the end or object: εὔθετος εἰς, Luk.14:34; σόφος, Rom.16:19; ἰσχύειν, Mat.5:13; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, al.; ἀφορίζειν εἰς, Rom.1:1; indicating purpose, εἰς φόβον, Rom.8:15; εἰς ἔνδειξιν, Rom.3:25; εἰς τό, with inf. (= ἵνα or ὥστε; Bl., §71, 5; M, Pr., 218ff.): Mat.20:19, Rom.1:11, 1Co.9:18, al. __VI. Adverbial phrases: εἰς τέλος, εἰς τὸ πάλιν, etc (see: τέλος, πάλιν, etc.). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1512 NT verses. KJV: (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:2.
αποστολους apostolos G652 "apostle" Noun-APM
An apostle is a delegate or messenger of Jesus Christ, sent to spread the Gospel. The apostles were given special powers and authority by Jesus, as seen in Matthew 10:2 and 2 Corinthians 8:23.
Definition: ἀπόστολος, -ου, ὁ (ἀοστέλλω), [in LXX; 3Ki.14:6 A (שָׁלַח) * ;] __1. a fleet, an expedition (Dem.). __2. a messenger, one sent on a mission (Hdt., LXX, l.with, and π.; see M, Pr., 37 f.; MM, see word; M, Th., i, 2:7 and reff.): Jhn.13:16, 2Co.8:23 Php.2:25. __3. In NT, an Apostle of Christ __(a) with special ref. to the Twelve: Mat.10:2, Mrk.3:14, Luk.11:49, Eph.3:5, Rev.18:20, al., equality with whom is claimed by St. Paul, Gal.1:1, 11 ff, 1Ti.2:7, a1.; __(b) in a wider sense of prominent Christian teachers, as Barnabas, Act.14:14, apparently also Silvanus and Timothy, 1Th.2:6, and perhaps Andronicus and Junias (Junia?), Rom.16:7 (see ICC, in l); of false teachers, claiming apostleship: 2Co.11:5 11:13, Rev.2:2. (On the different uses of the term in NT, see Lit., Gal., 92-101; Cremer, 530; DB, i, 126; DCG, i, 105; Enc. Br., ii, 196 ff.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: apostle, messenger, he that is sent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 8:14; 1 Peter 1:1.
χριστου Christos G5547 "Christ" Noun-GSM
Christ means anointed, referring to Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Luke 2:11 and John 1:41.
Definition: χριστός (Χρ-), -ή, -όν (χρίω), [in LXX for מָשִׁיחַ and cogn. forms ;] __1. 1. as adj., __(a) of things, anointing, to be used as ointment (Æsch., Eur., al.; τ. ἔλαιον τὸ χ., Lev.21:10); __(b) of persons, anointed (ὁ ἰερεὺς ὁ χ., Lev.4:5; οἱ χ. ἰευρεῖς, 2Ma.1:10): ὁ χ. τοῦ κυρίου or Θεοῦ (1Ki.2:10, Psa.2:2, al.), of the Messiah (Aram., מְשִׁיחָא; cf. Dalman, Words, 289 ff.), Luk.2:11, 26 Jhn.1:41, Act.2:36 4:26, al. __2. As subst., ὁ Χριστός, the Messiah, the Christ: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:29, Luk.2:11, Jhn.1:20, Act.2:31, Rom.7:4, al.; Ἰησοῦς, Mrk.1:1, Jhn.1:17, Act.2:38, al.; Χ. Ἰησοῦς, Mat.1:18, WH, mg. Act.5:42, Rom.6:3, al.; Χ. κύριος, Luk.2:11; Ἰησοῦς Χ. ὁ κύριος, Act.15:26, Rom.1:7, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 525 NT verses. KJV: Christ See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Galatians 1:7 which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.
2 Revelation 2:2 I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles.
3 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
4 Philippians 3:2 Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!
5 Galatians 2:4 This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.
6 Acts 20:30 Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.
7 Revelation 19:20 But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
8 Colossians 2:4 I say this so that no one will deceive you by smooth rhetoric.
9 Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
10 Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

2 Corinthians 11:13 Summary

This verse warns us about people who claim to be apostles of Christ, but are actually fake and deceitful. They might look and sound like real Christians, but their hearts and actions are far from God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:13. We need to be careful and test every teaching against the Bible, like it says in 1 John 4:1-6, and remember that true servants of Christ will always point us back to Him, as seen in John 15:26. By staying rooted in Scripture and following the example of Christ, we can avoid being led astray by false apostles and stay on the path of truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be a false apostle?

A false apostle is someone who claims to be a representative of Christ, but is actually working against Him, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:13. This is similar to the false prophets in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 who led people astray.

How can we identify deceitful workers?

Deceitful workers often masquerade as apostles of Christ, but their actions and teachings do not align with Scripture, as warned in 2 Corinthians 11:13 and Matthew 7:15-20.

What is the motivation behind false apostles?

The motivation behind false apostles is often to gain power, recognition, or financial gain, rather than to serve Christ and His people, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:12 and 1 Peter 5:2-3.

How can we protect ourselves from false apostles?

We can protect ourselves from false apostles by being rooted in Scripture, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15 and Psalms 119:11, and by testing every teaching against the Word of God, as instructed in 1 John 4:1-6.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that false apostles might be masquerading as servants of Christ in our own community or church?
  2. How can I discern whether a teacher or leader is genuinely serving Christ, or if they are motivated by selfish desires?
  3. What are some common teachings or practices that might be indicative of a false apostle, and how can I recognize them?
  4. How can I stay grounded in Scripture and protect myself from being led astray by deceitful workers?
  5. What role can I play in warning others about the dangers of false apostles, while still showing love and compassion to those who may be deceived?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:13

For such are false apostles,.... Such as those he had in view, who sought an occasion to depress him, and exalt themselves, and to get money from the Corinthians; these were "false apostles", or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:13

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. For. Reason why he needs to cut off "occasion" from his detractors. False apostles.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:13

For such are false apostles; that is, persons pretending to be sent of Christ, but were indeed never sent of him. Deceitful workers; persons whose work is but to cheat and deceive you; and that both with reference to their call and authority which they pretend to, and also to the doctrine which they bring. Transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ; they were never apostles of Christ, only they put themselves into such a shape and form, that they might have more advantage to deceive.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:13

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Ver. 13. Deceitful workers] They seemed to labour, but indeed they loitered, or worse; seeking to set up themselves in the hearts of God’ s people. Transforming themselves, &c.] The Manichees derived their name of manna, because they held that whatsoever they taught was to be received as food from heaven. Montanus said he was the Comforter, &c. Novatus called himself Moses, and a brother that he had, Aaron. The family of love set out their Evangelium regni. Kingdom of the Gospel. The Swenckfeldians (Stinckfeldians Luther called them, from the ill savour of their opinions) entitled themselves with that glorious name, The confessors of the glory of Christ. (Schlussenburg.)

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:13

(13) For such are false apostles . . .—St. Paul’s estimate of the character of his rivals is now given in unsparing language as the reason why he desires to deprive them of any claim which may give them an adventitious superiority to him. In the term “false apostles” we have the explanation of the “apostles extraordinary” of 2 Corinthians 11:5. These “crafty workers” were carrying on a system of imposture, trying to assume the character of being, in a higher sense than he was, “Apostles of Christ.” This again throws light both on the words “if any man trusts that he is Christ’s” of 2 Corinthians 10:7, and on the “I am of Christ” of 1 Corinthians 1:12.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:13

Verse 13. For such are false apostles] Persons who pretend to be apostles, but have no mission from Christ. Deceitful workers] They do preach and labour, but they have nothing but their own emolument in view. Transforming themselves] Assuming as far as they possibly can, consistently with their sinister views, the habit, manner, and doctrine of the apostles of Christ.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:13

13. For such] The link of connection is as follows. You cannot believe them in their boasting. They are false and deceitful in all their doings. They have not your interest at heart, but their own. Cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 2:17.false apostles] See Revelation 2:2; also note on 2 Corinthians 11:26.deceitful workers] St Paul is indirectly aiming at such persons in ch. 2 Corinthians 4:2, as well as more directly in ch. 2 Corinthians 2:17. Cf. Romans 16:17-18; Philippians 3:2. The word workers is in the original equivalent to our word workmen or artisans. The reference is to workmen who shirk, or as it is called ‘scamp’ their work, instead of dealing fairly by their employer.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:13

For such are false apostles - They have no claim to the apostolic office. They are deceivers. They pretend to be apostles; but they have no divine commission from the Redeemer.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:13

13. For—I will give them no occasion, for the following reason. False apostles—As, above, they were overmuch apostles. Deceitful workers— Treacherous machinators; one of whose twofold machinations we have described above.

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:13

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala Spiritual Warfare and Deception by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about encountering wolves in the South. He emphasizes the importance of not judging things solely by their appearance and highl
Francis Chan Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import
Art Katz K-284 the Anatomy of Cross Evasion by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the spectacle and drama of processions and celebrations that should have been condemned. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the w
Willie Mullan (Demonology) How the Warfare Goes by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of the devil and his influence over various realms, including the political, physical, mental, and spiritual realms. The preacher e
Warren Wiersbe An Enemy in the Neighborhood by Warren Wiersbe This sermon delves into the parable of the chairs in Matthew chapter 13, highlighting the dual sowers at work in the world - Jesus sowing good seed and Satan sowing counterfeits. I
Sandeep Poonen Beware of False Prophets by Sandeep Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the problem of sin in all individuals, both Christians and non-Christians. It highlights Jesus as the solution to the problem o
Keith Daniel Reformation Is Not Regeneration by Keith Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and the dangers of returning to a life of sin after experiencing deliverance. It highlights the need for genuine repent

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