Apostles Behind Best Chiefest Consider Degree Eminent Greatest Important Inferior Least Less Myself Nothing Opinion Reckon Respect Super-apostles Superlative Superlatively Suppose Surpassing Whit
11:5 I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. The Greek implies that these men claimed to be apostles. Paul says he is not behind these pre-eminent apostles (Revised Version, margin)--a stroke of sarcasm.
11:5-15 It is far better to be plain in speech, yet walking openly and consistently with the gospel, than to be admired by thousands, and be lifted up in pride, so as to disgrace the gospel by evil tempers and unholy lives. The apostle would not give room for any to accuse him of worldly designs in preaching the gospel, that others who opposed him at Corinth, might not in this respect gain advantage against him. Hypocrisy may be looked for, especially when we consider the great power which Satan, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience, has upon the minds of many. And as there are temptations to evil conduct, so there is equal danger on the other side. It serves Satan's purposes as well, to set up good works against the atonement of Christ, and salvation by faith and grace. But the end will discover those who are deceitful workers; their work will end in ruin. Satan will allow his ministers to preach either the law or the gospel separately; but the law as established by faith in Christ's righteousness and atonement, and the partaking of his Spirit, is the test of every false system.
Apostles Best Chiefest Consider Degree Eminent Great Greatest Important Inferior Least Opinion Reckon Respect Super-Apostles Superlatively Suppose Surpassing Think Way Whit
Apostles Best Chiefest Consider Degree Eminent Great Greatest Important Inferior Least Opinion Reckon Respect Super-Apostles Superlatively Suppose Surpassing Think Way Whit
