In Corinthians there was these so-called “super apostles” who were super “duper” apostles. No, it was not Paul! They were more focused on themselves rather than the church. They were more interested in blowing their own trumpet. They were deceiving other Christians to follow after them as they taught a different Gospel, Jesus and Spirit. There are plenty of religions that have a different take of Jesus. This was within the Christian Church! Yet, it is as false as the others! We cannot have unity of Spirit with a different Spirit. The Gospel, Jesus and Spirit either go together or you have nothing. The church at Corinth was putting up with it. The same is true today. It is foolish. A whole movement can be built on speculations, high-minded things or a wrong premise. See 2 Corinthians 10:5-6. How do we know these “apostles” who are out to dupe God’s people?

1. Speaking Ability

Paul was an apostle but he was not the most eloquent of New Testament speakers! Apollos was a better communicator. You can be skilled in speech but not in knowledge. You can communicate well and still not be telling the truth! Some Christian leaders are better writers than speakers. A natural eloquence does not give credibility to what they say. God can use “the gift of the gab” as we say in Ireland. However, it can be used for good or evil. People can be taken in by those who know how to talk. We need to listen carefully as they may be presenting a different gospel, Christ and Spirit.

2. Sordid Gain

The duping apostles can talk about money as much as they talk about Jesus. The financial gain is seen as a success of the ministry rather than the saving of souls. People look at the size and decor of a place or church and equate this with success. These people seek money and get themselves into millions of debt behind the scenes by spending beyond their means.

3. Personal Attacks

When these false apostles are cornered and cannot refute their errors, then the personal attacks will happen. It happens in the Bible and it has happened in Church history. E.g. Luther. They attack the person because they cannot refute what is being said. They will accuse others of lacking in love. It is a form of intimidation. However, if you love someone you will tell them the truth or else they will go to hell. Keeping your mouth shut about error shows that you don’t love enough.

4. Outward Appearance

The false teachers look like the good teachers in their outward appearance. It is impossible to identify them as false from their looks. The Bible calls the “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. They appear as “angels of light”. They appear to be Christian. The Devil operates in this same way of deception and it is no surprise that his false teachers do the same.

5. Legalistic Bondage

There are those who use the Jewish religion to bring Christians back under bondage to the law and take people’s money. Paul was from a Jewish background and had been very devout. He wasn’t fooled by those playing the “Jewish card”. He sees it as bondage and not of grace. As it was then, so it is today.

6. Visions from God

The same mysticism is happening today. Why do the things that these so called “prophets” see often not come to fruition? They are often claiming visions so that they can impress people. Paul was taken up to Heaven in a vision. God kept him humble. Paul only told people about it out of necessity. Paul was actually trying to keep it to himself. The false teachers will not keep it to themselves. They have not suffered for Christ like Paul! It is about them, not about Jesus.

7. Signs, Miracles and Wonders

The signs, miracles and wonders do not prove anything about the authenticity of the person. The proof is in the fruit. It is fruit vs. the flesh. It will be one or the other. In the Bible it is often a sign of unbelief among those who looked for miracles to authenticate the messenger. Jesus warns that there will be those who will claim signs, miracles and wonders in His name and He will tell them, “I never knew you”! See Matthew 7:22-23.

8. False Love

The Corinthians following these false super duper apostles were letting themselves be enslaved. They were afraid to confront these con-men and they would end up taking charge. We are to turn the other cheek when suffering from unbelievers. Why are the Corinthians putting up with this smack in the face? Those churches which do not contend for the faith will end up in apostasy. Is it any wonder today that some churches are ordaining homosexuals, denying the resurrection and virgin birth? Paul was into the real thing, not something different. God’s love is not the same as this false love.

Categories: 2 Corinthians