13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
13 They're a sorry bunch - pseudo-apostles, lying preachers, crooked workers - posing as Christ's agents but sham to the core.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
14 And no wonder! Satan does it all the time, dressing up as a beautiful angel of light.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)
It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:13
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 11:5-15)
It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.