2 Corinthians 11:20
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)
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The most striking thing here is the order of the offenses. Paul lists being enslaved and devoured before being taken advantage of or being struck, suggesting that the spiritual exploitation of their minds and wills was a far graver offense to him than even physical abuse. This flips our usual understanding of what constitutes the worst kind of mistreatment.
Paul is passionately defending his apostleship against false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church. These intruders are boasting about their credentials and lording it over the believers, while Paul feels he has to continually justify his ministry and warn the Corinthians about their deceptive influence. This verse highlights the harsh reality of what the Corinthians are enduring from these false apostles, which Paul contrasts with his own selfless service.
Paul is calling out some people in Corinth who are causing harm. What does this sound like, and why is it so serious?
Paul uses strong language here to describe the destructive actions of false apostles or leaders. He paints a stark picture of exploitation and abuse.
Acts of Domination
Haughty and Violent Behavior
Paul isn't just describing minor annoyances; he's detailing severe mistreatment that would leave anyone feeling broken and violated.
Paul says the Corinthians 'bear it.' Why would people put up with such terrible treatment from so-called spiritual leaders?
This is a crucial question. Paul's statement implies that the Corinthians were enduring these abuses, perhaps because they were deceived, intimidated, or had become accustomed to this kind of leadership.
Possible Reasons for Enduring Abuse:
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.
The intense spiritual and rhetorical battle Paul wages in 2 Corinthians is set against the backdrop of real-world exploitation and bullying by false apostles in the bustling, often harsh, port city of Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Ministry in Corinth
Paul establishes the church in Corinth during a significant period of his missionary work, facing considerable opposition.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
While still in Ephesus, Paul addresses various issues within the Corinthian church, likely including disunity and false teachers.
c. AD 56
Paul's Painful Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult visit to Corinth, experiencing firsthand the challenges and hostility from certain factions.
c. AD 56
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians (First Draft)
Following the painful visit, Paul writes a severe letter (now lost) to confront the divisive elements and those undermining his authority.
c. AD 57
Paul confronts the Galatians for allowing false teachers to 'lord it over them' and distort the gospel, echoing the theme of spiritual exploitation.
1 Thessalonians 2:3This passage speaks to the purity of Paul's motives in ministry, contrasting with the manipulative or exploitative behavior described in 2 Corinthians 11:20.
2 Peter 2:3Peter warns against false teachers who will exploit believers for personal gain, drawing a clear parallel to the kind of exploitation Paul is addressing.
1 Corinthians 4:12-13Paul describes his own hardships and mistreatment, showing how the apostles endured suffering rather than inflicting it, in stark contrast to the behavior of false apostles.
The most striking thing here is the order of the offenses. Paul lists being enslaved and devoured before being taken advantage of or being struck, suggesting that the spiritual exploitation of their minds and wills was a far graver offense to him than even physical abuse. This flips our usual understanding of what constitutes the worst kind of mistreatment.
Paul is passionately defending his apostleship against false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church. These intruders are boasting about their credentials and lording it over the believers, while Paul feels he has to continually justify his ministry and warn the Corinthians about their deceptive influence. This verse highlights the harsh reality of what the Corinthians are enduring from these false apostles, which Paul contrasts with his own selfless service.
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Paul is contrasting his own ministry, which sought to build them up, with the destructive actions of these others.
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 Writes 2 Corinthians (Current Letter)
Paul writes his current letter to the Corinthians, filled with both heartfelt emotion and strong defense against his opponents.
c. AD 57
False Apostles Undermining Paul
Rival missionaries, likely Jewish Christians, are actively challenging Paul's apostolic authority and teachings in Corinth.
Paul is passionately defending his apostleship against false teachers who have infiltrated the Corinthian church. These intruders are boasting about their credentials and lording it over the believers, while Paul feels he has to continually justify his ministry and warn the Corinthians about their deceptive influence. This verse highlights the harsh reality of what the Corinthians are enduring from these false apostles, which Paul contrasts with his own selfless service.
"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." — The most striking thing here is the order of the offenses. Paul lists being enslaved and devoured before being taken advantage of or being struck, suggesting that the spiritual exploitation of th…
