2 Corinthians 11:20
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This verse isn't just about enduring hardship; it reveals a subtle irony. Paul highlights how the Corinthians readily accept mistreatment from false apostles, even actions that strip them of their dignity and freedom, while simultaneously being proud of their spiritual "superiority." It’s a stark picture of misplaced loyalty and a spiritual blindness that tolerates abuse.
For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is sarcastically contrasting the Corinthians' tolerance for false apostles with his own ministry. He's just spent a lot of time detailing his hardships and the genuine signs of apostleship, and now he’s pointing out how readily the Corinthians accept those who exploit them, unlike his own sacrificial approach. This verse highlights the painful reality of how easily people can be deceived by those who act superior, even when those leaders are harmful.
Have you ever felt taken advantage of by someone in a position of authority? Paul's words here are shocking, but they reveal a profound truth about true spiritual leadership.
Paul isn't bragging about enduring hardship. He's pointing out the absurdity of the Corinthian church accepting leaders who acted like spiritual tyrants, contrasting their abusive behavior with his own self-sacrificing approach.
Why would a church put up with leaders who treated them like slaves or struck them? Paul's question cuts deep and exposes a dangerous spiritual dynamic.
The Corinthians were being deceived by their eagerness to embrace 'super-apostles' who offered a different gospel or claimed superior spiritual status. This made them vulnerable to manipulation.
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Understand the original words
douloō · Greek Verb
To be made a bond-servant or subject to the control of another. It signifies the loss of spiritual freedom and autonomy under the abusive authority of false leaders.
katesthiō · Greek Verb
Metaphorically, to consume, exploit, or drain someone of their resources or spiritual vitality. It describes the predatory nature of the false apostles toward the Corinthian church.
lambanō · Greek Verb
To take, seize, or capture. In this context, it refers to exploiting someone through deception or greed to gain a personal advantage.
epairō · Greek Verb
To exalt oneself, be arrogant, or put on airs. It describes the self-important and domineering demeanor of the false teachers.
rhapizō · Greek Verb
A physical act of aggression that serves as a profound insult and sign of contempt. Paul uses this graphic imagery to show the extent of the abuse the Corinthians were suffering at the hands of the false apostles.
Paul uses stark imagery of exploitation and abuse to highlight the stark contrast between his self-sacrificial ministry and the arrogant, self-serving actions of the 'false apostles' who were undermining his authority in Corinth.
c. AD 40-50
Early Christian Ministry in Corinth
Paul first evangelized Corinth during his second missionary journey, establishing a church filled with both Jews and Gentiles. This initial period was marked by spiritual growth but also by internal divisions and external pressures.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Following reports of significant problems in the Corinthian church, Paul wrote his first letter to address issues like factionalism, immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts. This letter reveals the deep challenges the young church faced.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's Difficult Visit and 'Severe Letter'
Paul likely made another visit to Corinth that was painful and confrontational. Afterward, he wrote what he calls a 'severe letter' (mentioned in 2 Corinthians 7:8) to express his sorrow and confront their continued unresponsiveness.
c. AD 56— this verse
Paul's Reconciliation Visit and Second Letter
During a difficult 'tearful visit' to Corinth, Paul finally saw repentance and reconciliation. He followed this with the letter we now know as 2 Corinthians, seeking to restore their relationship and affirm his apostolic authority.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Visit to Corinth
Paul made a final, less contentious visit to Corinth. During this period, he likely wrote his letter to the Romans from Corinth, further solidifying his connection to the region.
Paul reminds the Galatians that they once welcomed him gladly, just as he urges the Corinthians to welcome him now, highlighting a similar plea for acceptance despite his potentially difficult message.
1 Thessalonians 2:3This passage echoes the Corinthians' situation by describing Paul's ministry as free from error or impurity, directly countering the idea that he would seek to exploit or deceive them as the verse implies.
Philippians 3:18-19Paul speaks of 'enemies of the cross of Christ' who live shamefully, paralleling the 'putting on airs' and exploiting behavior described in 2 Corinthians 11:20, showing a pattern of false teachers.
2 Corinthians 10:10This verse directly quotes the Corinthians' criticism of Paul's speech being weak, which is a rhetorical jab related to the 'putting on airs' and being 'struck in the face' – they perceive him as lacking in presence or authority.
This verse isn't just about enduring hardship; it reveals a subtle irony. Paul highlights how the Corinthians readily accept mistreatment from false apostles, even actions that strip them of their dignity and freedom, while simultaneously being proud of their spiritual "superiority." It’s a stark picture of misplaced loyalty and a spiritual blindness that tolerates abuse.
Paul is sarcastically contrasting the Corinthians' tolerance for false apostles with his own ministry. He's just spent a lot of time detailing his hardships and the genuine signs of apostleship, and now he’s pointing out how readily the Corinthians accept those who exploit them, unlike his own sacrificial approach. This verse highlights the painful reality of how easily people can be deceived by those who act superior, even when those leaders are harmful.
Paul is sarcastically contrasting the Corinthians' tolerance for false apostles with his own ministry. He's just spent a lot of time detailing his hardships and the genuine signs of apostleship, and now he’s pointing out how readily the Corinthians accept those who exploit them, unlike his own sacrificial approach. This verse highlights the painful reality of how easily people can be deceived by those who act superior, even when those leaders are harmful.
"For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face." — This verse isn't just about enduring hardship; it reveals a subtle irony. Paul highlights how the Corinthians readily accept mistreatment from false apostles, even actions that strip them of their di…
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Last reviewed October 2026
