What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:20? In fact Paul signals a hard reality: the Corinthian believers have allowed a situation that should shock them. Earlier he warned them not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Now he points out how obvious those schemes have become. His tone mirrors Galatians 3:1, “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?”. The phrase “in fact” tells them this is not a distant possibility; it is happening right now in their fellowship. you even put up with Instead of resisting, they tolerate the very people harming them. The apostle had already urged them to “test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5) and to “exercise discipline” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). By putting up with error they undermine their own growth. Compare Jesus’ words to the church in Thyatira: “you tolerate that woman Jezebel” (Revelation 2:20). God’s people are called to patience with the weak (Romans 15:1), yet never to patience with destructive teaching or behavior. anyone who enslaves you False apostles were binding believers to themselves, not to Christ. Paul counters in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”. Enslavement can be doctrinal—adding rules—or relational—demanding unquestioning loyalty. Galatians 5:1 commands, “Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” True ministry sets captives free, never shackles them again (Luke 4:18). or exploits you “Exploit” points to greedy manipulation. Peter forewarned, “In their greed these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words” (2 Peter 2:3). Paul refused to exploit anyone: “We are not like so many, peddlers of God’s word” (2 Corinthians 2:17). The Corinthians, however, were funding and honoring men who treated them as commodities. A healthy church guards its resources and refuses to bankroll spiritual swindlers. or takes advantage of you Beyond financial abuse, these leaders preyed on vulnerability—emotionally, socially, even sexually (cf. 2 Timothy 3:6). Acts 20:29-30 warns of “savage wolves” arising from within. Love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5), yet these impostors sought every personal advantage. Believers must practice accountability and transparency so no one can capitalize on unsuspecting hearts. or exalts himself Self-promotion exposes false shepherds. Jesus said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Paul modeled the opposite of self-exaltation, boasting only in weakness (2 Corinthians 11:30). Philippians 2:3 commands humility, while 1 Peter 5:3 forbids leaders from “lording it over” the flock. A ministry that revolves around a personality rather than Christ is already off course. or strikes you in the face Whether literal blows or severe public humiliation, the point is abuse of power. To strike the face symbolized contempt (John 18:22). Paul had once been physically beaten for preaching truth (Acts 23:2), yet here believers are slapped by those claiming to teach them. While Christ calls His people to endure persecution (Matthew 5:39), He never sanctions cruelty within the body. Any shepherd who harms the sheep proves he is a thief and a robber (John 10:10-13). summary 2 Corinthians 11:20 exposes how far the Corinthians had drifted: they tolerated bondage, greed, manipulation, pride, and even abuse from pretenders to apostleship. Paul’s list serves as a diagnostic—where these traits appear, Christ’s true authority is absent. Faithful believers must reject every form of spiritual enslavement, exploitation, opportunism, self-glory, and abuse, standing instead in the freedom, integrity, service, humility, and gentleness that mark the Lord Jesus. |
    |