(2Co 11:14) “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”  Remember that Satan used the very recorded Word of God in an effort to maneuver Christ Jesus into sinful actions. He failed with Jesus but might not with you, if you are not one who has dedicated yourself to knowing and obeying God’s Word. Do so today seeking the Holy Spirit’s help.

(2Co 11:6) “But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.”  The carnal (fleshly) are those who are drawn to the eloquent speaker. He may be entertaining, witty, charming. Yet, in the end, if there isn’t much as far as substance, you have not gained in listening. The Lord had schooled Paul over the years, grooming him since childhood, then teaching him after his conversion. He may not have been a good speaker, but no one could compare to his material.

(2Co 11:5) “For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.”  By this statement, the Holy Spirit is having Paul establish himself as one “of” the apostles. Does that make thirteen? I would say, “yes”, which should not surprise anyone who studies the Old Testament. There are thirteen tribes, not twelve. Twelve are recognized because one is not mentioned, being taken for the priesthood. It is still a tribe.

(2Co 10:16) “To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.”  If others were comparing themselves to Paul while ministering at Corinth, they were doing so upon his work, having led the Corinthians to the Lord and formed them into a church (v.15). Paul did not stop there, but was continuing on in the same work of a missionary.