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2 Corinthians 11:5

2 Corinthians 11:5 in Multiple Translations

I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

For I reckon that I am not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

For in my opinion, I am in no way less than the most important of the Apostles.

I don't believe I'm inferior to these “super-apostles.”

Verely I suppose that I was not inferior to the very chiefe Apostles.

for I reckon that I have been nothing behind the very chiefest apostles,

For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very greatest apostles.

For I suppose that I have done nothing less than the great apostles.

I consider that [LIT] none of those men, even though they think of themselves as being [IRO] extra-special apostles, are in any way greater than I am.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Corinthians 11:5

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2 Corinthians 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK λογιζομαι γαρ μηδεν υστερηκεναι των υπερ λιαν αποστολων
λογιζομαι logizomai G3049 to count Verb-PNI-1S
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
μηδεν mēdeis G3367 nothing Adj-ASN-N
υστερηκεναι hustereō G5302 to lack Verb-RAN
των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM
υπερ huper G5228 above/for Prep
λιαν lian G3029 greatly Adv
αποστολων apostolos G652 apostle Noun-GPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Corinthians 11:5

λογιζομαι logizomai G3049 "to count" Verb-PNI-1S
To count or estimate something, as seen in Romans 4:3 and 1 Corinthians 13:5. It involves reckoning or taking into account various factors. This can be numerical or metaphorical, such as estimating someone's character.
Definition: λογίζομαι (λόγος), [in LXX chiefly for חָשַׁב ;] __1. prop., of numerical calculation, to count, reckon: with accusative before μετά, Mrk.15:23 (LXX) (Rec., R, mg.), Luk.22:37. __2. Metaphorical, without reference to numbers, by a reckoning of characteristics or reasons; __(a) to reckon, take into account: with accusative of thing(s), 1Co.13:5; id. before dative of person(s), Rom.4:3 (LXX), Rom.4:4, 6 4:8" (LXX), 2Co.5:19, 2Ti.4:16; before εἰς (cf. Heb. ל חָשַׁב; Bl., § 33, 3), Act.19:27, Rom.2:26 4:3, 5 4:9-11, 22-24 9:8 Gal.3:6" (LXX), Jas.2:23 (LXX); __(b) to consider, calculate: with accusative of thing(s), Php.4:8; before ὅτι, Jhn.11:50, Heb.11:10; τοῦτο, ὅτι, 2Co.10:11; with accusative of person(s), with inf., Rom.6:11; before ὡς, Rom.8:36 (LXX); __(with) to suppose, judge, deem: 1Co.13:11; ὡς, 1Pe.5:12; οὕτως, 1Co.4:1; with accusative of thing(s), 2Co.3:5; id. before εἰς, 2Co.12:6; ὅτι, Rom.8:18; τοῦτο, ὅτι, Rom.2:3, 2Co.10:7; with inf., 2Co.11:5; accusative and inf., Rom.3:28 14:14, Php.3:13; with accusative of person(s) before ὡς, 2Co.10:2; __(d) to purpose, decide: with inf. (Eur., Or., 555), 2Co.10:2 (cf. ἀνα-, δια-, παρα-, συλ-λογίζομαι).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on) See also: 1 Corinthians 4:1; Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 5:12.
γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj
For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.
Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.
μηδεν mēdeis G3367 "nothing" Adj-ASN-N
Means nothing or no one, used in the Bible to emphasize the absence of something, like in Matthew 16:20 where Jesus tells his disciples to tell no one about him.
Definition: μηδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (and -θέν, Act.27:33, a Hellenistic form; see Bl., 6, 7; Thackeray, Gr., 58) related to οὐδείς as μή to οὐ, no, none, no one; neut., nothing: Mat.16:20, Mrk.5:43 6:8, Luk.3:14, Act.8:24, Rom.13:8, al.; with genitive, Act.4:17 24:23; neut. accusative, μηδέν, adverbially, in no respect, Act.10:20 11:12; as accusative obj. after verb, βλάπτειν, Luk.4:35; ὠφελεῖσθαι, Mrk.5:26; ὑστερεῖν, 2Co.11:5; μεριμνᾶν, Php.4:6; in double negation, strengthening the denial, μηκέτι μ., Mrk.11:14, Act.4:17; μὴ . . . μηδέν (μηδένα, μηδεμίαν), 2Co.13:7, 2Th.2:3, 1Pe.3:6 μηθείς, see. μηδείς (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, + without delay See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Acts 28:6; 1 Peter 3:6.
υστερηκεναι hustereō G5302 "to lack" Verb-RAN
To lack means to fall short or be inferior, as seen in Hebrews 4:1 and 2 Corinthians 11:5, where it refers to coming short of God's promise or being inferior to others.
Definition: ὑστερέω, -ῶ (ὕστερος), [in LXX for חָסֵר, חָדַל etc. ;] to come late, be behind (opposite to προτερέω, φθάνω; with genitive of thing(s), for; with genitive of person(s), later than). Metaphorical, __1. of persons, __(a) absol., to come short, fail: Heb.4:1; before ἀπό, Heb.12:15.; __(b) with genitive of person(s), to come short of, be inferior to: 2Co.11:5; οὐδέν (in nothing, in no respect), 2Co.12:11; __(with) with reference to things, to come short (of ), be in want (of ): with accusative of thing(s), Mat.19:20 (Sir.51:24); with genitive of thing(s), Luk.22:35; so mid. (Diod., FlJ), Rom.3:23; absol., to be in want, suffer want, Luk.15:14, 1Co.8:8, 2Co.11:8, Heb.11:37 (Sir.11:11); opposite to περισσεύειν, Php.4:12; before ἐν, 1Co.1:7. __2. Of things, __(a) to fail, be lacking: Jhn.2:3; with accusative of person(s) (see Swete, in l; Mozley, Psa.42:1-11), Mrk.10:21; __(b) to be inferior: mid., 1Co.12:24 (cf. ἀφ-υστερέω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: come behind (short), be destitute, fail, lack, suffer need, (be in) want, be the worse See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Hebrews 12:15; Hebrews 4:1.
των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
υπερ huper G5228 "above/for" Prep
Above or for something, often used to describe doing something for someone's benefit. In Matthew 5:44 and Romans 10:1, it means praying for or on behalf of others.
Definition: ὑπέρ (when following subst.—poët.—ὕπερ; so as adv., 2Co.11:23), prep. with genitive, accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place (rest or motion), over, above, across, beyond, hence, metaphorically, __1. for, on behalf of: of prayer, Mat.5:44, Act.8:24, Rom.10:1, Jas.5:16, al.; of laying down life, Jhn.10:11, Rom.9:3, al.; esp. of Christ giving his life for man's redemption, Mrk.14:24, Jhn.10:15, Act.21:13, Rom.5:6-8, al.; opposite to κατά, Mrk.9:40, Luk.9:50, Rom.8:31. __2. Causal, for, because of, for the sake of: with genitive of person(s), Act.5:41, Rom.1:5, Php.1:29, 2Co.12:10, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.11:4, Rom.15:8, 2Co.1:6, al. __3. = ἀντί (see M, Pr., 105), for, instead of, in the name of: 1Co.15:29, 2Co.5:15, 21 Gal.3:13, Col.1:7, Phm 13 (cf. Field, Notes, 225). __4. In more colourless sense, = περί (M, Pr., l.with), for, concerning, with regard to: Rom.9:27, 2Co.1:6 8:23 12:8, Php.1:7, 2Th.2:1, al. __II. C. accusative, primarily of place, over, beyond, across, hence, metaphorically, of measure or degree in excess, above, beyond, over, more than: Mat.10:24, 37 Luk.6:40, Act.26:13, 1Co.10:13, 2Co.1:8, Eph.1:22 3:20, Phm 16, al.; after comparatives = than (Jdg.11:25, al.), Luk.16:8, Heb.4:12. __III. As adv. (see supr. ad init.), more: ὕπερ ἐγώ, I more, 2Co.11:23; in compounds, see: ὑπεράνω, ὑπερλίαν, ὑπερπερισσῶς. __IV. In composition: over (ὑπεραίρω), beyond (ὑπερβάλλω), more (ὐπερνικάω), on behalf of (ὐπερεντυγχάνω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 142 NT verses. KJV: (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Ephesians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:21.
λιαν lian G3029 "greatly" Adv
The Greek word for greatly or exceedingly, used to describe something of high degree. It appears in Matthew 2:16 and 27:14, emphasizing the extent of an action. This word is often translated as 'exceeding' or 'very' in the KJV.
Definition: λίαν, adv. [in LXX chiefly for מְאֹד Gen.1:31 4:5, Jer.24:3, al.; Tob.9:4, 2Ma.11:1, al. ;] very, exceedingly: Mat.2:16 4:8 8:28 27:14 Mrk.1:35 6:51 (Rec. λ. ἐκ περισσοῦ) Mrk.9:3 16:2, Luk.23:8, 2Ti.4:15, II Jn 4, 3Jn.3 (cf. ὑτερλίαν).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: exceeding, great(-ly), sore, very (+ chiefest) See also: 2 Corinthians 11:5; Mark 6:51; Matthew 27:14.
αποστολων apostolos G652 "apostle" Noun-GPM
An apostle is a delegate or messenger of Jesus Christ, sent to spread the Gospel. The apostles were given special powers and authority by Jesus, as seen in Matthew 10:2 and 2 Corinthians 8:23.
Definition: ἀπόστολος, -ου, ὁ (ἀοστέλλω), [in LXX; 3Ki.14:6 A (שָׁלַח) * ;] __1. a fleet, an expedition (Dem.). __2. a messenger, one sent on a mission (Hdt., LXX, l.with, and π.; see M, Pr., 37 f.; MM, see word; M, Th., i, 2:7 and reff.): Jhn.13:16, 2Co.8:23 Php.2:25. __3. In NT, an Apostle of Christ __(a) with special ref. to the Twelve: Mat.10:2, Mrk.3:14, Luk.11:49, Eph.3:5, Rev.18:20, al., equality with whom is claimed by St. Paul, Gal.1:1, 11 ff, 1Ti.2:7, a1.; __(b) in a wider sense of prominent Christian teachers, as Barnabas, Act.14:14, apparently also Silvanus and Timothy, 1Th.2:6, and perhaps Andronicus and Junias (Junia?), Rom.16:7 (see ICC, in l); of false teachers, claiming apostleship: 2Co.11:5 11:13, Rev.2:2. (On the different uses of the term in NT, see Lit., Gal., 92-101; Cremer, 530; DB, i, 126; DCG, i, 105; Enc. Br., ii, 196 ff.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 80 NT verses. KJV: apostle, messenger, he that is sent See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; Acts 8:14; 1 Peter 1:1.

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 11:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Corinthians 12:11–12 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.
2 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
3 Galatians 2:6–9 But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism —those leaders added nothing to me. On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

2 Corinthians 11:5 Summary

[In 2 Corinthians 11:5, the apostle Paul is saying that he is not inferior to the 'super-apostles' who were trying to lead the Corinthian church astray. He is confident in his calling and his message, and he wants to remind the church that he is a true apostle of Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:1 and 2 Corinthians 10:8. This verse teaches us that we should have confidence in our faith and not compare ourselves to others, but rather, focus on our own relationship with God and our own calling, as mentioned in Galatians 1:10 and Philippians 3:3-10. By doing so, we can stand firm against false teachings and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Ephesians 6:10-18.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the 'super-apostles' mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:5?

The 'super-apostles' refer to a group of false teachers who claimed to be superior to the apostle Paul, possibly due to their impressive speaking abilities or their claims of having received special revelations from God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:4 and 1 Corinthians 1:12.

Why does Paul feel the need to defend himself against these 'super-apostles'?

Paul defends himself because the 'super-apostles' were leading the Corinthian church astray with a different gospel, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:4, and Paul wants to remind the church of his authority and the truth of the gospel he preached, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:8 and Galatians 1:8-9.

Is Paul being arrogant by saying he is not inferior to the 'super-apostles'?

No, Paul is not being arrogant, but rather, he is confidently asserting his authority as a true apostle of Jesus Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, and reminding the church that he has been given a commission by God to preach the gospel, as mentioned in Acts 9:15 and Romans 1:1.

What can we learn from Paul's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of humility and confidence in our faith, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:5 and Philippians 3:3-10, and the need to stand firm against false teachings and to trust in God's sovereignty, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10:4 and Ephesians 6:10-18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be comparing myself to others, and how can I focus on my own calling and gifts instead?
  2. How can I, like Paul, confidently assert my faith and stand firm against false teachings in my own life?
  3. What are some areas in which I may be feeling inferior or inadequate, and how can I remind myself of my identity in Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 1:3-14?
  4. In what ways can I, like Paul, use my experiences and gifts to serve others and exalt Christ, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:7 and Acts 20:24?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Corinthians 11:5

For I suppose I was not a whit behind,.... This is very modestly expressed by the apostle; for he does not assert, and in a haughty and confident way affirm, but only supposes, or thinks that this

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Corinthians 11:5

For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. For - my elaim is superior to that of the false teachers. "For," etc. So 'Aleph (') Delta G f g, Vulgate.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5

The apostle, doubtless, meaneth those that were the true apostles of our Lord. those who were immediately sent out by him to preach the gospel, behind whom the apostle was not, either in respect of ministerial gifts and graces, or in respect of labours, or in respect of success which God had given him in his work. One method that false teachers used to vilify Paul, was by magnifying some others of the apostles above him, and preferring them before him; which makes him, both here, and in , and , to magnify his office, by showing them, there was no reason why they should make a difference between him and other apostles; for he had the same immediate call, was intrusted with the same power, furnished and adorned with the same gifts, in labours (as he elsewhere saith) he had been more than they all; nor had God been wanting in giving him success in his labours, proportionable to the chiefest of them: so as he was not a whit behind them.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5

5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. Ver. 5. The very chiefest apostles] Either he meaneth those pillars, Peter, James, John, &c., Galatians 2:6; or the false apostles, whom he styleth chiefest by an irony, because they sought to bear away the bell, and be counted prime preachers.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5

(5) For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.—The verb with which the sentence opens is the same as the “I think,” “I reckon,” which characterises these chapters, and which, being characteristic, ought to be retained. I reckon I have not fallen short of those apostles-extraordinary. The whole tone of the passage ought to have made it impossible for any commentator to imagine that the words referred to Peter and James and John as the pillars of the Church of Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9). Of them he speaks, even in his boldest moments, with respect, even where respect is mingled with reproof. He is glad to remember how they gave to him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. He presents himself at Jerusalem a few months after writing these words, and almost submissively follows the counsel which James gives him (Acts 21:26). It is, accordingly, simply the insanity of controversy to imagine that these words have any bearing on the question of the primacy of St. Peter. Those whom he holds up to scorn with an almost withering irony, as “apostles-extraordinary” (he coins a word which literally means, “these extra-special or over-extra apostles”), are the false teachers, claiming to stand in a special relation to Christ, to be His Apostles—perhaps, also, to have a double title to the name, as delegates of the Church of Jerusalem. Of these he speaks more fully in 2 Corinthians 11:13.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5

Verse 5. I was not - behind the very chiefest apostles.] That is: The most eminent of the apostles have not preached Christ, ministered the spirit, explained and enforced the doctrines of the Gospel in a more powerful and effectual manner than I have done.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Corinthians 11:5

5. For I suppose] The connection of thought seems to be as above. If they had been preaching another Gospel, you might have borne with them, but when preaching the same Gospel they can arrogate no superiority over me, for I am on an equality with the very highest.I was not a whit behind] Rather, I have not fallen short in any way, i.e. I neither have been, nor am now, in the least inferior.the very chiefest apostles] Cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 12:11. Most modern editors render by “these surpassers of the Apostles” (Alford), “those Apostles extraordinary” (Plumptre) (literally, the overmuch Apostles), regarding the Greek as ironical and interpreting the passage as referring to the false teachers. Chrysostom and the ancient interpreters refer it to St Peter and the rest of the twelve. But possibly there is no personal reference at all. St Paul may mean that no Apostles existed anywhere, however great they might be, who could claim superiority over him. Cf. Galatians 2:6; Galatians 2:9. Robertson has some interesting remarks on the common interpretation: “Some cannot understand the feeling which prompts an expression like this. Shallow men would call it egotism, vanity, folly, as if egotism consisted only in speaking of oneself. True Christian modesty is not the being ignorant of what we are, neither does it consist in affecting ignorance. It consists in this—in having a high and sublime standard set before us, so that we feel how far we are from attaining to that.”

Barnes' Notes on 2 Corinthians 11:5

For I suppose ... - I think that I gave as good evidence that I was commissioned by God as the most eminent of the apostles.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 11:5

5. I am justly jealous at this for the following reason: I suppose— Literally, I reckon myself not to have been at all inferior to these over-much apostles.The allusion, as the best scholars now

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 11:5

SermonDescription
Richard Wurmbrand The Beauty of Nothing by Richard Wurmbrand This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a pastor who endured 14 years in communist prisons, highlighting the struggles, faith, and triumphs experienced during that time. It em
Phil Beach Jr. Christ Wants You Not Yours (2 Cor 12+13) by Phil Beach Jr. Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that Christ desires a relationship with His people rather than their possessions, drawing from Paul's heartfelt plea to the Corinthian church in 2 Corinth
Watchman Nee The Apostles by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes that God is a God of works, who sends His servants, particularly the apostles, to fulfill His divine purpose. He explains that Jesus Christ is the first Apo
J.C. Philpot Spiritual Poverty and Heavenly Riches by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches on the apparent contradictions in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, highlighting the harmony found in the Spirit's light. He delves into the Apostle Paul's experien
A.W. Tozer Commendation in the Face of Condemnation by A.W. Tozer A.W. Tozer discusses the challenges faced by the Apostle Paul as he defends his apostolic authority against detractors in Corinth who questioned his legitimacy and integrity. Despi
Vance Havner The Best, Not the Good by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices in life between the bad, the good, and the best. He highlights the danger of settling for the good when we c
C.H. Spurgeon Paul's Parenthesis by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of understanding the role of man's will in salvation. He acknowledges that there are different views on this topic, but he cho

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