2 Corinthians 11:5
2 Corinthians 11:5 in Multiple Translations
I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
For in my opinion, I am in no way less than the most important of the Apostles.
I don't believe I'm inferior to these “super-apostles.”
Verely I suppose that I was not inferior to the very chiefe Apostles.
for I reckon that I have been nothing behind the very chiefest apostles,
For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.
For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very greatest apostles.
For I suppose that I have done nothing less than the great apostles.
I consider that [LIT] none of those men, even though they think of themselves as being [IRO] extra-special apostles, are in any way greater than I am.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:5
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Corinthians 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:5
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Corinthians 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Context — Paul and the False Apostles
5I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”
6Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible. 7Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 12:11–12 | I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 15:10 | But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. |
| 3 | Galatians 2:6–9 | But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism —those leaders added nothing to me. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. |
2 Corinthians 11:5 Summary
[In 2 Corinthians 11:5, the apostle Paul is saying that he is not inferior to the 'super-apostles' who were trying to lead the Corinthian church astray. He is confident in his calling and his message, and he wants to remind the church that he is a true apostle of Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:8. This verse teaches us that we should have confidence in our faith and not compare ourselves to others, but rather, focus on our own relationship with God and our own calling, as mentioned in Galatians 1:10 and Philippians 3:3-10. By doing so, we can stand firm against false teachings and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Ephesians 6:10-18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 'super-apostles' mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:5?
The 'super-apostles' refer to a group of false teachers who claimed to be superior to the apostle Paul, possibly due to their impressive speaking abilities or their claims of having received special revelations from God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:4 and 1 Corinthians 1:12.
Why does Paul feel the need to defend himself against these 'super-apostles'?
Paul defends himself because the 'super-apostles' were leading the Corinthian church astray with a different gospel, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:4, and Paul wants to remind the church of his authority and the truth of the gospel he preached, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:8 and Galatians 1:8-9.
Is Paul being arrogant by saying he is not inferior to the 'super-apostles'?
No, Paul is not being arrogant, but rather, he is confidently asserting his authority as a true apostle of Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, and reminding the church that he has been given a commission by God to preach the gospel, as mentioned in Acts 9:15 and Romans 1:1.
What can we learn from Paul's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and confidence in our faith, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:5 and Philippians 3:3-10, and the need to stand firm against false teachings and to trust in God's sovereignty, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Ephesians 6:10-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be comparing myself to others, and how can I focus on my own calling and gifts instead?
- How can I, like Paul, confidently assert my faith and stand firm against false teachings in my own life?
- What are some areas in which I may be feeling inferior or inadequate, and how can I remind myself of my identity in Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 1:3-14?
- In what ways can I, like Paul, use my experiences and gifts to serve others and exalt Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:7 and Acts 20:24?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Beauty of Nothing by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a pastor who endured 14 years in communist prisons, highlighting the struggles, faith, and triumphs experienced during that time. It em |
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Christ Wants You Not Yours (2 Cor 12+13) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that Christ desires a relationship with His people rather than their possessions, drawing from Paul's heartfelt plea to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinth |
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The Apostles by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that God is a God of works, who sends His servants, particularly the apostles, to fulfill His divine purpose. He explains that Jesus Christ is the first Apo |
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Spiritual Poverty and Heavenly Riches by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the apparent contradictions in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, highlighting the harmony found in the Spirit's light. He delves into the Apostle Paul's experien |
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Commendation in the Face of Condemnation by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer discusses the challenges faced by the Apostle Paul as he defends his apostolic authority against detractors in Corinth who questioned his legitimacy and integrity. Despi |
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The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c |
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Paul's Parenthesis by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the role of man's will in salvation. He acknowledges that there are different views on this topic, but he cho |







