2 Corinthians 11:16-20 I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.… These words suggest that they are — I. TYRANNIC. "If a man bring you into bondage." The reference is doubtless to the false teachers of ver. 13. False teaching always makes men spiritual serfs. II. RAPACIOUS. "If a man devour you." Greed is their inspiration. III. CRAFTY. "If a man take of you." The expression "of you" is not in the original. The idea is, if a man takes you in and entraps you. This is just what religious impostors do, they cajole men, and make them their dupes. IV. ARROGANT. "If a man exalt himself." It is characteristic of false teachers that they assume great superiority. They arrogate a lordship over human souls. V. INSOLENT. "If a man smite you on the face." The religious impostor has no respect for the rights and dignities of man as man. With his absurd dogmas and arrogancies he is everlastingly smiting men on "their face," on their reason, their consciences, and their self-respect. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. |
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