5 for I reckon that I have been nothing behind the very chiefest apostles, 6 and even if unlearned in word—yet not in knowledge, but in every thing we were made manifest in all things to you. 7 The sin did I do—myself humbling that ye might be exalted, because freely the good news of God I did proclaim to you? 8 other assemblies I did rob, having taken wages, for your ministration; 9 and being present with you, and having been in want, I was chargeable to no one, for my lack did the brethren supply—having come from Macedonia—and in everything burdenless to you I did keep myself, and will keep. 10 The truth of Christ is in me, because this boasting shall not be stopped in regard to me in the regions of Achaia; 11 wherefore? because I do not love you? God hath known! 12 and what I do, I also will do, that I may cut off the occasion of those wishing an occasion, that in that which they boast they may be found according as we also; 13 for those such 'are' false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ, 14 and no wonder—for even the Adversary doth transform himself into a messenger of light; 15 no great thing, then, if also his ministrants do transform themselves as ministrants of righteousness—whose end shall be according to their works.
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.