The Second Epistle to the Corinthians by Barnett Paul;

Author:Barnett, Paul;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: REL006070 Religion / Biblical Commentary / New Testament
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Paul has previously referred to the intruders as “peddlers” (2:17–3:1) and as “superlative” apostles (11:5; cf. 12:11). Now he directs his guns at them with a barrage that calls their very relationship to Christ into question. They are now styled “false apostles … deceitful workmen,” who fashion themselves into “apostles of Christ.” Since Satan fashions himself into an angel of light, it is no surprise that Satan’s ministers fashion themselves as “ministers of righteousness.” Their end will be according to their works. The “false apostles” are “false” (pseudo) because they claim to be—what Paul (by inference) is, but which they are not—“true workmen, apostles of Christ, ministers of righteousness.” To the contrary, they merely “masquerade” as such.

There is a major disagreement about their identity. Many scholars argue that the “false apostles” are to be distinguished from those whom Paul earlier calls “superlative” apostles (11:5), the former being identified with the newly arrived emissaries, the latter with “high officials”1 in the Jerusalem church from whom they have come.

But this distinction is artificial. The two groups are found in the one continuous passage (10:12–12:13), beginning with the paragraph that refers to those who have come to Corinth as having trespassed into Paul’s “field.” As the passage continues, these trespassers are called “superlative” apostles (11:5) and spoken of as those who “want an opportunity to be considered equal with [Paul]” (11:12). But in the next verse (11:13) they are immediately called “false apostles” because they claim to be “apostles of Christ.” Thus, rather than distinguish “superlative” apostles from “false apostles,” it is preferable to regard them as the same group referred to by different terms; they are at once “superlative” apostles and “false apostles.”

Moreover, the “false apostles” are lodged within the one prolonged passage (10:12–12:13) where Paul is rejecting the claim that he is “inferior” to these newcomers. It is significant that within this extended passage where the “false apostles” are mentioned, words prefixed with “hyper”2 are common (see comment on 10:12). The use of numerous hyper-words in the passage that surrounds the mention of “false apostles” makes it probable that the hyperlian apostles are to be identified with the pseud[o]-apostles. It is, therefore, unlikely that Paul is referring to two separate groups.

Structurally speaking, vv. 13–15 are united by the appearance in each verse of the verb “fashion,” or “transform.”3

v. 13

“such men” fashion themselves as apostles of Christ.

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