2 Corinthians 11

Paul and the False Apostles

1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little a folly - and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am b jealous for you with godly jealousy. For c I have betrothed you to one husband, d that I may present you e as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as f the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds g may be corrupted from the 1 simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a h different gospel which you have not accepted - you may well put up with it! 5 For I consider that i I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though j I am untrained in speech, yet I am not k in knowledge. But l we have 2 been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

7 Did I commit sin in 3 humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you m free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 9 And when I was present with you, and in need, n I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked o the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 p As the truth of Christ is in me, q no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? r Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, s that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such t are false apostles, u deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into v an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, w whose end will be according to their works.

Paul's Sufferings as an Apostle

16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, x I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, y since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it z if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.

21 To our shame a I say that we were too weak for that! But b in whatever anyone is bold - I speak foolishly - I am bold also. 22 Are they c Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? - I speak as a fool - I am more: d in labors more abundant, e in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, f in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received g forty h stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was i beaten with rods; j once I was stoned; three times I k was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, l in perils of my own countrymen, m in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, n in sleeplessness often, o in hunger and thirst, in p fastings often, in cold and nakedness - 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: q my deep concern for all the churches. 29 r Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

30 If I must boast, s I will boast in the things which concern my 4 infirmity. 31 t The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, u who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 v In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

  1. Cross References
    Matthew 17:17
    Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.
    2 Corinthians 11:4
    For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted - you may well put up with it!
    2 Corinthians 11:16
    I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little.
    2 Corinthians 11:19
    For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise!
  2. Cross References
    Galatians 4:17
    They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.
  3. Cross References
    Hosea 2:19
    I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me In righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy.
    Ephesians 5:26
    That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.
  4. Cross References
    Colossians 1:28
    Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
  5. Cross References
    Leviticus 21:13
    And he shall take a wife in her virginity.
  6. Cross References
    Genesis 3:4
    Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will n...
    Genesis 3:13
    And the LORD God said to the woman, "What is th...
    John 8:44
    You are of your father the devil, and the desir...
    1 Thessalonians 3:5
    For this reason, when I could no longer endure ...
    1 Timothy 2:14
    And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being ...
    Revelation 12:9
    So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent ...
    Revelation 12:15
    So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth li...
  7. Cross References
    Ephesians 6:24
    Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
  8. Cross References
    Galatians 1:6 - 8
    I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel.
  9. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:10
    But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
    2 Corinthians 12:11
    I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
    Galatians 2:6
    But from those who seemed to be something - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.
  10. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:17
    For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
  11. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:8
    For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.
    Ephesians 3:4
    By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).
  12. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:12
    Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 18:3
    So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
    1 Corinthians 9:18
    What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
    2 Corinthians 12:13
    For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!
  14. Cross References
    Acts 20:33
    I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
  15. Cross References
    Philippians 4:10
    But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
  16. Cross References
    Romans 1:9
    For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.
    Romans 9:1
    I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit.
    2 Corinthians 1:23
    Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.
    Galatians 2:20
    I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
  17. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:15
    But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.
  18. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:11
    O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.
    2 Corinthians 12:15
    And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
  19. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:12
    If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 15:24
    Since we have heard that some who went out from...
    Romans 16:18
    For those who are such do not serve our Lord Je...
    Galatians 1:7
    Which is not another; but there are some who tr...
    Philippians 1:15
    Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and st...
    2 Peter 2:1
    But there were also false prophets among the pe...
    Revelation 2:2
    I know your works, your labor, your patience, a...
  21. Cross References
    Philippians 3:2
    Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
    Titus 1:10
    For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision.
  22. Cross References
    Galatians 1:8
    But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
  23. Cross References
    Philippians 3:19
    Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things.
  24. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:6
    But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment.
  25. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:10
    We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!
  26. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:24
    Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
    Galatians 2:4
    And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage).
    Galatians 4:3
    Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.
    Galatians 4:9
    But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
    Galatians 5:1
    Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
  27. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 10:10
    "For his letters," they say, " are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
  28. Cross References
    Philippians 3:4
    Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
  29. Cross References
    Acts 22:3
    I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
    Romans 11:1
    I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
    Philippians 3:4 - 6
    Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:
  30. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:10
    But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 9:16
    "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."
  32. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:30
    And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?
  33. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 25:3
    Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight.
  34. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 6:5
    In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 16:22
    Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods.
    Acts 16:23
    And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely.
    Acts 21:32
    He immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
  36. Cross References
    Acts 14:5
    And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them.
    Acts 14:19
    Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
  37. Cross References
    Acts 27:1 - 44
    And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 9:23
    Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted...
    Acts 9:24
    But their plot became known to Saul. And they w...
    Acts 13:45
    But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were...
    Acts 13:50
    But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominen...
    Acts 17:5
    But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming e...
    Acts 17:13
    But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned tha...
    1 Thessalonians 2:15
    Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own pr...
  39. Cross References
    Acts 14:5
    And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them.
    Acts 14:19
    Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
    Acts 19:23
    And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way.
    Acts 27:42
    And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape.
  40. Cross References
    Acts 20:31
    Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
  41. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:11
    To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.
    Philippians 4:12
    I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
  42. Cross References
    Acts 9:9
    And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
    Acts 13:2
    As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
    Acts 13:3
    Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
    Acts 14:23
    So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
  43. Cross References
    Acts 20:18
    And when they had come to him, he said to them:...
    Romans 1:14
    I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians,...
    2 Corinthians 7:12
    Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not d...
    2 Corinthians 12:20
    For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find ...
    Galatians 4:11
    I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for yo...
    1 Thessalonians 3:10
    Night and day praying exceedingly that we may s...
  44. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 8:9
    But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.
    1 Corinthians 8:13
    Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
    1 Corinthians 9:22
    To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
  45. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:5
    Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
    2 Corinthians 12:9
    And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
    2 Corinthians 12:10
    Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
  46. Cross References
    Romans 1:9
    For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.
    Galatians 1:20
    (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
    1 Thessalonians 2:5
    For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness - God is witness.
  47. Cross References
    Romans 9:5
    Of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 9:19 - 25
    So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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