2 Corinthians 11 13

2 Corinthians 11:13 kjv

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 nkjv

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 niv

For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 esv

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:13 nlt

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11 verses

2 Corinthians 11 13 Meaning

2 Corinthians 11:13 identifies those challenging Paul's authority in Corinth as not genuine apostles, but rather deceptive individuals operating under false pretenses. These individuals are characterized by Paul as "false apostles" and "deceitful workers," highlighting their counterfeit nature and manipulative methods. They intentionally disguise themselves to appear as authentic "apostles of Christ," thereby mimicking legitimate ministry to mislead believers and promote a different gospel for their own gain. The verse serves as a stark warning, exposing their true identity behind their outward religious facade.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Context

The Corinthian church was facing internal turmoil due to the influence of a group Paul sarcastically refers to as "super-apostles" (2 Cor 11:5, 12:11). These individuals, likely itinerate rhetoricians with Jewish Christian backgrounds, were challenging Paul's apostolic authority and character, diminishing his gospel, and promoting a different form of Christianity. They emphasized outward appearances, rhetorical prowess, and perhaps even ecstatic experiences over genuine spiritual transformation and humility. Paul is vigorously defending his own apostleship and the true gospel in contrast to their deceptive teachings. This verse immediately follows Paul's strong statements about being concerned that the Corinthians might be led astray by "another Jesus," "another spirit," or "another gospel" (2 Cor 11:4). He aims to strip away the veneer of these false teachers by directly exposing their true nature and their sinister agenda, portraying them as agents of deception working against Christ's true message.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction, introducing an explanation or a reason. It links this verse directly to Paul's previous warnings, clarifying why he is so concerned about the Corinthians being led astray by a "different gospel" (2 Cor 11:4).
• such (τοιοῦτοι - toioutoi): Refers back to the individuals who present themselves as genuine apostles but are actually delivering a corrupt message. It implies the kind of people who have already been discussed, especially those offering "another Jesus, another spirit, or another gospel" in verse 4.
• are (εἰσιν - eisin): Simple present indicative verb, indicating a state of being, a definitive declaration of their identity.
• false apostles (ψευδαπόστολοι - pseudapostoloi):
  • ψευδαπόστολοι (pseudapostoloi): A compound Greek word, likely coined by Paul or at least used uniquely here, meaning "false apostle."
  • ψεῦδος (pseudos) means "lie," "falsehood," "deceit."
  • ἀπόστολος (apostolos) means "one who is sent forth," an authorized messenger or envoy.
  • This term is polemical and a direct attack. It identifies them not as misguided, but as fundamentally deceptive, assuming a title they have no legitimate claim to. It denies their authenticity and authority absolutely. It directly challenges their self-proclaimed status.
• deceitful workers (ἐργάται δόλιοι - ergatai dolioi):
  • ἐργάτης (ergates): "worker," "laborer." They are active, busy, industrious. This shows they are not lazy but diligent in their deceptive practices.
  • δόλιος (dolios): "deceitful," "treacherous," "crafty." It emphasizes their method: their work is characterized by cunning and trickery. It implies malicious intent, not just error. They skillfully manipulate and mislead for their own benefit.
• transforming themselves (μετασχηματιζόμενοι - metaschematizomenoi):
  • μετασχηματίζω (metaschematizo): "to change the outward form or appearance," "to disguise oneself." This word implies an external, superficial change, like actors changing costumes. It's a calculated, deliberate act of impersonation. It denotes a visible alteration without a corresponding internal reality. It signifies a charade or a pretense.
  • The middle voice (suffix -μεν) indicates they are doing this transformation to themselves, on their own initiative, underscoring their active deception.
• into apostles of Christ (εἰς ἀποστόλους Χριστοῦ - eis apostolous Christou):
  • εἰς (eis): Preposition indicating direction "into" or "as."
  • ἀποστόλους Χριστοῦ (apostolous Christou): "apostles of Christ." This is the genuine title they aspire to mimic. Their aim is to gain the authority, prestige, and influence associated with being a true emissary sent by Jesus Christ. Their deception is not just general but targets the specific identity and mission of Christ's authorized representatives.

Words-group analysis:

• "such are false apostles, deceitful workers": This phrase combines identity and activity. They are false apostles by nature, and their work is characterized by deceit. It paints a picture of inherent fraudulence manifesting through manipulative labor.
• "transforming themselves into apostles of Christ": This describes the mechanism of their deception. They actively change their appearance or persona to mimic authentic messengers of Christ, intentionally blurring the lines between truth and falsehood. This highlights their calculated masquerade to appropriate legitimate spiritual authority.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Bonus section

• Polemics against contemporary beliefs: This verse directly counters the "super-apostles" who likely prided themselves on their eloquence, impressive signs, and perhaps a superior "spiritual knowledge" that deviated from the simple gospel Paul preached. It was a polemic against their sophisticated, yet hollow, form of ministry, asserting that their true nature was deceit despite their external claims. They were also potentially attacking Paul's lack of rhetorical polish, lack of charge for his ministry, and his suffering.
• The urgency of Paul's language: The harshness of Paul's terminology ("false apostles," "deceitful workers") underscores the severe danger these individuals posed to the spiritual health of the Corinthian church. It reflects his pastoral anguish and unwavering commitment to protect the integrity of the gospel message and the flock.
• Connecting to Satan: While 2 Cor 11:14 explicitly links this transformation to Satan, the idea is already present in verse 13. Just as Satan disguises himself as an "angel of light," these individuals, serving his agenda, disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. This implies a malevolent, supernatural force behind their deception.
• Test of Authenticity: Paul’s argument implies that true apostleship is evidenced not by rhetorical skill, outward boasting, or personal gain, but by suffering, humility, faithfulness to the authentic gospel, and Christ-like character, all of which characterized Paul's own ministry.

2 Corinthians 11 13 Commentary

2 Corinthians 11:13 is a powerful denunciation by Paul, cutting through the sophisticated facades of his opponents in Corinth. It unveils their true character, not merely as mistaken believers, but as deliberate fraudsters actively working against Christ's true mission. By labeling them "false apostles," Paul employs a unique and devastating term that completely discredits their claims to authority and divine sending. Their "deceitful work" is not accidental error but cunning manipulation, reminiscent of Satan's own methods (as explained in the subsequent verse 14). The critical element is "transforming themselves"; it points to an outward masquerade, a calculated impersonation. They put on a show of piety and legitimate apostleship, but their inner nature and motives are corrupt. They masquerade "as apostles of Christ" to capitalize on the credibility of true ministry, gaining influence to propagate a "different gospel" for their personal gain or agenda. Paul here teaches the vital principle of discerning spiritual authority by examining its fruit, consistency with the true gospel, and the character of its proponents, rather than being swayed by impressive outward displays or persuasive rhetoric.