What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:15? It is not surprising, then • Paul has just declared that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Because the adversary is a master of disguise, believers should not be shocked when deception appears religious. • Jesus alerted His followers: “False christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). • The Spirit repeats the warning: “In later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1). • Instead of surprise, Scripture calls for vigilance—testing every message against the Word (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness • “His servants” are people who consciously or unconsciously carry out Satan’s purposes. They often sound orthodox and appear moral. • Their strategy is a “masquerade”: outward piety that masks inward rebellion, like “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). – Peter: “There will be false teachers among you… secretly introducing destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). – Paul: “Savage wolves will come in among you… from your own number” (Acts 20:29–30). – Jude: Certain men “have crept in unnoticed… denying our only Master and Lord” (Jude 4). • Discernment involves examining: – Doctrine—does it align with the whole counsel of God? (Galatians 1:8–9) – Character—do leaders display obedience and humility? (Titus 1:16) – Fruit—does the ministry foster holiness and gospel fidelity? (Ephesians 4:13–15) Their end will correspond to their actions • No matter how convincing the disguise, God will settle accounts. “God is not mocked… the one who sows to please his flesh… will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:7–8). • “Their end” speaks of final judgment. “He will repay each one according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6). • Jesus foretold the verdict: “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). • Revelation 20:12–15 shows the ultimate reckoning when anyone not found in the Book of Life is cast into the lake of fire. • For believers, this promise offers: – Comfort—evil will not triumph forever (Psalm 37:38–40). – Motivation—to cling to sound teaching and rescue those drifting (2 Timothy 4:2–4; James 5:19–20). summary 2 Corinthians 11:15 teaches that spiritual impostors are inevitable, their disguises persuasive, and their judgment certain. Rather than being caught off guard, followers of Christ cling to Scripture, practice discernment, and rest in the assurance that God will expose every counterfeit and reward genuine faithfulness. |
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