What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 11:4? For if someone comes “For if someone comes…” (2 Corinthians 11:4a) Paul opens with a hypothetical that was already becoming reality in Corinth. • False teachers do not announce themselves as such; they simply “come” (Acts 20:29–30, 2 Peter 2:1). • Jesus warned the same danger: “For false christs and false prophets will arise” (Matthew 24:24). • The church must therefore stay alert to anyone who claims fresh authority or special revelation. and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed “…and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed…” (11:4b) • There is only one true Lord (Ephesians 4:5). Any deviation—diminishing His deity, redefining His work, or reshaping His character—is “another Jesus.” • John writes, “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh is not from God” (1 John 4:2–3). • Paul had presented the historic, crucified, risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). A substitute Christ undermines the very core of salvation (Galatians 1:6–7). or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received “…or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received…” (11:4c) • Believers have already received the Holy Spirit at conversion (Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 2:12). • A “different spirit” hints at demonic influence masquerading as spiritual enlightenment (1 Timothy 4:1, 1 John 4:1). • In Acts 16:16–18 the girl’s prophetic-sounding announcements came from “a spirit of divination,” not from God. Appearance of spirituality is no proof of truth. or a different gospel than the one you accepted “…or a different gospel than the one you accepted…” (11:4d) • “Gospel” means the good news of Christ’s finished work (Romans 1:16). Any alteration—adding law-keeping, self-effort, new revelations, or cultural revisions—is “different.” • Paul’s anathema in Galatians 1:8–9 underscores how seriously God regards tampering with the message of grace. • Jude urges believers to “contend for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). The gospel is complete; nothing needs updating. you put up with it very easily “…you put up with it very easily.” (11:4e) • The Corinthians’ tolerance exposed spiritual immaturity (2 Corinthians 11:19–20). • Paul warns elsewhere that itching ears will “accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3–4). • We safeguard ourselves by testing everything against Scripture (Acts 17:11) and refusing philosophies “according to human tradition” (Colossians 2:8). summary Paul’s single verse serves as a diagnostic checklist: Who is being preached? Which spirit is at work? What gospel is offered? Anything diverging from the apostles’ original proclamation must be rejected, no matter how persuasive the messenger. Vigilant loyalty to the real Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the true gospel is essential for a healthy, uncompromised church. |
    |