5 For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles . 6 But even if I am unskilled in speech , yet I am not so in knowledge ; in fact , in every way we have made this evident to you in all things . 7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted , because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge ? 8 I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you; 9 and when I was present with you and was in need , I was not a burden to anyone ; for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need , and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine e will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia . 11 Why e ? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! 12 But what I am doing I will continue to do , so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting . 13 For such men are false apostles , deceitful workers , disguising themselves as apostles of Christ . 14 No wonder , for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light . 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness , whose end will be according to their deeds .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5-15
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.