Keraia
2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11:3

Paul and the False Apostles · 2 Corinthians 11:1–15
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Translations

Modern
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
Traditional
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Literal
But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is to Christ.
Latin
Timeo autem ne sicut serpens Hevam seduxit astutia sua, ita corrumpantur sensus vestri, et excidant a simplicitate, quæ est in Christo.

Original

Greek
English
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.

Notes

2 Corinthians 11:3

The false teachers were leading the Corinthian believers away from pure devotion to Christ. They were doing Satan's work, like the serpent did in Eden (11:14; see Genesis 3:4, 13).

2 Corinthians 11:1–6

Paul feels he must explain his actions, even though he dislikes doing so. He claims a strong connection with the church (11:2). His enemies are trying to lead the Corinthian believers away from Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

  • In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.

  • These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:

    1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).

    2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.

    3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Early Christian Heresies

People

Eve: First woman; wife of Adam; tempted by the serpent Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bride of Christ Eve Second Letter to the Corinthians Serpent

Topics

Backsliding is Departing from the Simplicity of the Gospel Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Doctrines: False Double-mindedness Eve: Beguiled by Satan Fall of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Falling Away Satan: The Prince: The Serpent Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Serpent: Satan Appears to Eve in the Form of Serpents: of the Devil Simplicity: Beware of Being Corrupted from That, Which is in Christ Sound Mind Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning The Devil: Character of Subtle The Fall of Man: Through Temptation of the Devil The Human Mind The Serpent Titles and Names of the Devil: Serpent Wise as Serpents Woman: Deceived by Satan Women: Fall of, and Curse Upon