"Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we?" In any event, since these men were false apostles, they do not add to the count of true apostles. Consider how the Ephesian Christians received Paul's ministry: All this suggests that Paul was anything but rejected by the Ephesian Christians, even to the extent recorded in Acts 19:17-20 -. Pauls passion was peoples salvation through Christ and their spiritual growth. In other words, the apostolic community had taken note of them for their special accomplishments in the faith. Yes, if he really WAS a false prophet. They were not believers in either program, but opponents of Gods purpose. (2 Corinthians 3:1). Hi Jackson, welcome to the site! A non-profit, non-denominational resource of free in-depth Bible teachings. Is chapter 2 of 1 John patterned after the first 3 chapters of Revelation? These may have been men who are completely unknown to us, or we might know their names but not know that they were regarded as apostles. Ugh. Marks of a False Apostle - Grace to You The character of these men is very plainly pointed out in the Apocalypse of John, [when they are represented] as teaching that it is a matter of indifference to practice adultery, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. In addition to the original Twelve apostles, there was also Matthias, who replaced Judas as one of the Twelve, and Paul, who was never a member of the twelve. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. 2007-2023 Moldova Cretin, The false apostles came to Corinth preaching another Christ whom Paul did not preach, a different Gospel of which he did not teach (4), They pretended to be the most eminent apostles, trying to demonstrate that Paul was not an apostle chosen by Christ, because he did not walk with Christ during His ministry and he did not see the Resurrected Christ (5), The false apostles were seeking an opportunity to use Pauls accomplishments against him and their motivation was financial in nature, getting money from the Corinthians (12), They are false, deceitful workers who pretend to be servants of Christ (13), They are servants of Satan, servants who disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (15), Their end will be according to their deeds (15), They came to enslave, devour, take advantage of, exalt themselves above, and hit the Corinthians in the face (20), They say that they are Hebrews, Israelites the descendants of Abraham (22), They pretend to be servants of Christ (23). Where do 1-wire device (such as DS18B20) manufacturers obtain their addresses? These people claimed to be Christian, but clearly they were not following God's commandments. Summary of the Book of 2 Corinthians - GotQuestions.org Ephesians ask the elders / apostles for help, Acts 21: 27-28 27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, who had seen him in the temple, stirred up all the crowd, and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, Men of Israel, help! The NAR proponents go even further! Sermons 2 Corinthians 11:12-15, 20 47-77 Nov 23, 1997 Play Audio Add to Playlist Reset Well, this morning we return to our three-part study of 2 Corinthians 11:7 to 15, a most notable and, in part, familiar portion of Scripture, under the subject, "Beware of Gullibility." Instead, he prefers to write to them, and in Chapter 2 his first injunction is that they forgive those whom they have punished in response to his earlier instructions. The 7 Deacons were of the Holy spirit & with wisdom and highly respected. 1:1). As was his custom, Paul reasoned in the Jewish synagogue every Sabbath, sharing the truth about Jesus . . Rev is a warning from Jesus clearly to something relevant at the time as Rev 1:10-11 John is asked to write to the churches in Asia. 1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. Of note among the apostles may not mean that they had a reputation for being famous as apostles but that they were noteworthy to the apostles. " 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. Matthew 5:17-19 - 17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 11:18. Who are the "rest of the dead" in Rev. He says that "James having been ordained at once the first bishop, he who is called the brother of the Lord. [W]e find as well that he is of David's stock through being Joseph's son." 5 To the same effect is Clement of Alexandria, who said the apostles did not pick from their own number "because the savior [already] had specifically honored them, but [instead] chose James the Just as Bishop of Jerusalem.". There is also one more apostle, one who was both true and who would have had a claim to the title superlative apostle . These were false teachers who were confusing the Corinthians. Furthermore, they were trying to force Pauls converts saved under grace to follow the Mosaic Law. They also held an exalted view of themselves, and Paul tells us this about them: Are they Hebrews? However, we do find a reference to false apostles, those working with the Devil! "We are not peddlers of God's word like so many" (2 Corinthians 2:17). Various passages in the New Testament distinguish the brethren of the Lord from the apostles and disciples, and so many have proposed that James the Just is a relative of Jesus (likely a step-brother or cousin) who was not one of the original Twelve. False apostles are identified as those who claim they are equal with the the foundational Apostles. 2-Corinthians 12:9 "But He [Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you; for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Not a good idea guys. rev2023.7.14.43533. What are false apostles? | GotQuestions.org There were at that time (and often since that time) men who falsely claimed to be apostles, and some of these had come to Corinth, trying to turn these recent converts of the Apostle Paul . The overall characteristics that are the theme of the New Testament are that these guys can be identified because of covetousness, and the many that John spoke of, by their false prophecies and or things that come true yet turn a person away from God through covetousness and worldliness (Deuteronomy 13:1-3), often by making the idea that "gain is godliness" is somehow what the church should pursue. After all, Paul condemned Peter as a hypocrite at Antioch so we know there were strong disagreements among the apostles themselves. They were over-tolerant of Christians fraternizing with pagans, failing to . 210.319.5055 very specific and no one else mentioned in the bible preaching in Eph as an Apostle. Rev 1:10-11 - 10 On the Lords Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea., 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. But interspersed with these various commendations, accusations and exhortations, Paul also teaches a great lesson about the Christian life. However, we have ample biblical evidence to discern what the doctrine of Balaam and Jezebel are. Who was it that was doing it? They were false. so if the person dies, they didn't keep his teaching.. no "christian" that physically dies is legit.. they are all false apostles You see peter had it wrong. 11:13), even though they boasted of being colleagues of the Twelve. Since I am constrained by my own calling to raise funds frequently for what I believe to be the good of the Church, perhaps I should not call attention to what some might denigrate as tricks of the trade. 11:13. But those who need a lesson in prompting a materially generous holiness will find it in this appeal by St. Paul! Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 17. Indeed, Paul's influence was so great, and his conversions so many, that it began to affect the sale of silver idols and caused a riot (V21-41). Are there any other apostles who werent members of the Twelve? So who are they? Paul responds to this threat with great humility in 2 Corinthians to reassure the church of his love for them and of his apostolic authority from Christ, while at the same time contending with the false teachers. In particular, they were even rejecting the minimal requirement for Christian novices that was decided at the Jerusalem Conference. Sidereal time of rising and setting of the sun on the arctic circle. They turned everyone elseunsaved Jews and unsaved non-Jewsover to the ministry of Paul and Barnabas. true miracles (II Corinthians 12:12), and had seen personally the resurrected Christ (see on I Corinthians 9:1). Can you provide ashort overview of 2 Corinthians 11:1-4? Paul established a Christian community at Corinth during his second missionary journey (50-52). 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. So these groups are pretty annoying to Paul, but nothing he can't handle. In Galatians chapter 2, Paul said that he took a backseat to no oneincluding James, Peter, and Johnconcerning apostolic authority: [6] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no mans person: ) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: [9] And when James, Cephas [Peter], and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Read also 2 Corinthians 11:5: For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. And, chapter 12, verse 11: I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing., If Paul said he did not feel inferior to the 12 legitimate Apostles, how much more did he not feel inferior to false apostles? By the time of his last extant letter, Romans . The passage is a favorite among those who would like to have womens ordination, because Junia is a female name, and that would point to a female apostle, seemingly opening the way for a female priesthood. The paralleling of the two suggests the two have the same office, and this is confirmed in the next chapter, as the men of Lystra attempt to worship them as gods. You would only test those who you did not know and see if they are true or false. Hey, Paul was here first, guys! Panarion 29.3.4. Pauls passion is not based on the anger that these false apostles brought upon him or the Christians in Corinth who were deceived into following the false apostles. 11:5]. Enter your email address to receive email notifications when new Bible Q&A articles are posted. First, false apostles seek their own honor. 2 Corinthians 11:1-15: Paul continues to defend himself - but really he is defending the gospel. Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. paul had to correct him.. and paul tells you that paul is NOT A SAINT.. but less than even the least of saints.. if you were a saint you would be greater than paul.. Paul says he can only see in part.. Paul didn't have the teaching all the way correct and admits it John was the last of the original 12 and was informed that none of them were worthy to read the book when writing revelation just before he died.. as Jesus said.. there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth, thus John weeped.. for the children of the kingdom are cast out.. they did great signs and wonder in his name, healing and casting out demons, but Jesus never knew them. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! He's not going to get his toga in a twist about them too much. This gave opportunity for false teachers to undermine Paul in his absence and introduce false teaching. | In J2:24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Its inclusion in the whole body of sacred scripture shows that it applies just as much to every generation of Christians from the time of Jesus on till he returns. Please explain to me about the false apostles in II Corinthians 11; who are they (because Paul is pretty fired up in his communication). US Port of Entry would be LAX and destination is Boston. Second, if Paul was one of the false apostles, then any evidence for this is completely lacking in the rest of the NT, most of which was written by the apostle Paul. 2 Corinthians 10 - Clarke's Commentary - Bible Commentaries What is the difference between a standard airworthiness and a experimental airworthiness certificate? May the Lord help us. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. Previous: First Corinthians: Pauls insistence that we really must grow up You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. But Paul has clearly come out on top. What evidence / passages are available in the bible that could provide an 'indication' to the identities of the false apostles sent (to 'Ephesians' in particular) & how will they be tested? Eusebius . That answers your questions. Some ammo for you, Corinthians. Rev 22:14. Acts 15:1,5; Galatians 5:1-3,11-12; Galatians 6:12-16). These guys are bad news at least according to Paul. Thank you. If so, then Andronicas and his wife Junia were simply a Christian couple who, out of zeal, had done things which caught the attention of the apostles, and Paul was complimenting them on it. Indeed, the entire book of the Revelation is about the build-up of woes, plagues and satanic evils on an increasingly godless world, until Christ returns. Paul calls himself an Apostle and goes to Ephesus. They did not minister to Gentiles, especially Pauls converts in Corinth. The Real Baddies But the poop really hits the fan in the last section of 2 Corinthians. Thus: In this light, it is easy to see why St. Paul abhors the factionalism stirred up by false apostles in Corinth, or by followers who claim more for their leaders than their leaders would wish. The nature of his name suggests that he was a Hellenistic Jew, with Philip being a common Greek name. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Was Paul a false prophet? So now the gospel is veiled only to those who are perishing, who have been blinded by the god of this world (4:3-5). When That rules every one of us out. He says that those who preach the Gospel of Christ do not need to commend themselves as false preachers do, for you yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on your hearts, to be known and read by all men; and you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (3:1-3). Verse 4. 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. "[We are] giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart" (2 Corinthians 5:12). The answer isnt as simple as you might think. We read Galatians 2:6-9 again: [6] But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no mans person: ) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: [7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; [8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles: ) [9] And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.. Other than this we can say nothing further - we are not told who the false apostles in Rev 2:2 were so we cannot know specifically. Many people are surprised to learn it, but the book of Hebrews refers to Jesus Christ himself as an apostle: Therefore, holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession [Heb. For the church of Pergamos, the Balaam of history is known for coveting money and getting the males children of Israel all messed up in fornication with Moabite women. St. Paul the Apostle - Missionary, Letters, Christianity [23] Are they ministers of Christ? James is clear about the Law which is contradictory to Pauls teachings. 11:16-12:10), he justifies why he had to behave so foolishly (verse 1). The problem was that the Corinthian Christians put up with them. Scripture Series. So after that Paul moves from v.4 into a defense of his motives as he reminds the church that he came to them humbly preaching without even asking for financial support. This is the man who is teaching men everywhere against the people and the law and this place; moreover he also brought Greeks into the temple, and he has defiled this holy place.. However, a further relevant point is required when you say that John's warning referred "to something relevant at the time." So the name of the Lord Jesus was held in They are Judaizers, Israeli religious leaders who were neither part of the Little Flock nor the Body of Christ. 20:5? Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. They do, however, reveal that the title was being used quite a bit more broadly than the Twelve by some in the first century. St. Paul the Apostle - St. Paul the Apostle - Missionary, Letters, Christianity: Paul believed that his vision proved that Jesus lived in heaven, that Jesus was the Messiah and God's Son, and that he would soon return. There is at least one who is easy to name . Here Barnabas is called an apostle. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. King James Bible Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes primarily for the purpose of defending his apostolic authority to the church in Corinth in the face of false accusations made against him by false apostles. Rev 14:12, Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Here he could be including Apollos among the apostles, but he may not be. What were the issues in the Corinthian Church? - BibleAsk Once again, in fact, he has postponed visiting them in person, in the hope that he will not have to exercise a harsh judgment when he comes. [2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. They have not been marked by any worldly wisdom, but by the grace of God. Is there any exegetical reason for believing the seven churches of Revelation correspond to seven successive "church ages"? Sorry guys, into the footnotes of history you go. However, the people he is condemning are most definitely Hebrews, Israelites, of the seed of Abraham. It is argued that the New Testament refers to several additional individuals as apostles. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. Second Corinthians 11:23 again: Are they ministers of Christ? ) | Jan 06, 2020 This should be a sobering lesson for us today! 1 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. In verse 23, it seems that they are also servants of Christ. What are the demon creatures released from the Abyss in Rev 9? The only exceptions are false onesand those include the so-called "super-apostles." God always calls prophets and apostles; man never does (unless they are false ones). At least one may have been the leader of the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6) and their adherents, but we cannot be sure. What is the test Paul is speaking of in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Also, they did not claim to be apostles and Nicolas and the 7 Deacons were chosen to help in the works and follow the apostles. Similar to what Balaam caused in the Old Testament story. Recognizing false apostles | Voice - The Christian Post The same thing is true of Apollos. Are they Israelites? disclosing their deeds. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Are they Israelites? Thus he concludes: On the Christian life: In earthen vessels. Paul gave a general description of false apostles and false prophets. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted. Some may have even claimed a higher title. f. You may well put up with it: The problem wasn't so much that these false teachers had come among the Christians in Corinth. So am I. They are even in league with Satan (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). But next Paul turns the tables and addresses the ways in which the Catholic community at Corinth still falls short. Revelation 1:10 What is the significance that the voice is loud and behind John? Finally, Paul reminds them that his opponents were not so pure: VERSE BY VERSE Can you compare and contrast Peters ministry and Pauls ministry? See full bio. Macknight commented, "The powerful weapons of which the apostle speaks, were the gifts of inspiration and miracles, the faculty of . One could wonder if he is thinking of the Jerusalem apostles as the highest ranking apostles, but what he goes on to say makes this interpretation impossible: For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ [2 Cor. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments. Mat 19:17, Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. See Revelation 21:14. Rather than being controlled by the Holy Spirit, these false brethren were operating independently of Father God's will for Paul's converts. Also see: Why is that so many apps today require MacBook with a M1 chip? Acts 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. But he brings this section to a masterful close by pointing out that he is really very weak, that he begged Christ to remove a thorn in my flesh, but that Christ said to him: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (12:9). For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. A true apostle is one who is "sent" by God as an ambassador of Jesus Christ with a divine message. Also, that everything has been written and cannot be changed. J 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. These words were written by the Apostle Paul while he was in chains, suffering in prison for the Gospel. False teachers had infiltrated the church and led many people away from the truth of the gospel. It is not a mistake Christ used two figures from the Old Testament to drive the point home about what these people are teaching. It's possible that they were questioning his motives out of pure love for Christ and the gospel. These naysayers get called out as "false apostles" and Paul is pretty ticked that the Corinthians are listening to them. Paul, Corinthians and Tithing - CBCG They are moving in on Paul's territory (2 Corinthians 10:14-16). 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. False apostles = none. In order to understand what the Apostle Paul wants to communicate about false apostles in the 11th chapter of II Corinthians, we need to make a simple list of what we learn about them: From all that we have seen, we can conclude that the Apostle Paul is fired up and very upset because of these false apostles who had gone to Corinth to destroy all of his hard work in the church plant in that city. 1 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: Paul and Barnabas are both set apart ministry together, on the instructions of the Holy Spirit, in Acts 13. false apostles | The Institute for Creation Research [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. While the church had done well to that point in rejecting false gospels preached by false "spirits" (i.e., demonically-influenced teachers), nonetheless Paul worried that the church could allow these false apostles to lead them astray out of spite for Paul. . 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death ; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.